Neurohormonal Interactions in Sleep and Dermatological Regulation:The Role of Phytochemical Bioactives

This review analyzed in vitro and in vivo studies to identify plant extracts with dual sleep-enhancing and anti-aging properties. The first group—blueberry, biotransformed soybean germ extract, Lentinula edodes, and Rhodiola rosea—showed significant antioxidant capacity and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9), delaying wrinkle formation and maintaining dermal elasticity. The second group—fermented Gastrodia elata, Poria cocos, Longanae Arillus, and Pericarpium citri reticulatae viride—exerted sleep-promoting effects by regulating melatonin, serotonin, and GABA pathways. Among these, Poria cocos triterpenoids and Gastrodia phenolics acted as natural sedatives, improving sleep onset and duration in animal models. These findings suggest synergistic benefits in maintaining mental and skin health. An herbal mixture containing Lycii fructus (HML) was shown to suppress cortisol and IL-6 expression, indicating a dual mode linking sleep regulation with anti-aging through the stress–immune axis. The evidence highlights the potential of plant-derived ingredients as multifunctional “Neurocosmetic” actives integrating psychological relaxation with physiological rejuvenation. These bioactives offer a holistic strategy against stress-related skin fatigue and sleep-deprivation-induced aging. However, current data are limited to cellular and animal studies, and standardized clinical trials remain scarce. Future research should verify human efficacy using unified indices for sleep and skin aging and clarify synergistic mechanisms of complex botanicals.