Polysaccharide-Rich Herbal Formula Attenuates Skin Aging and Oxidative Stress in VCD-Induced Menopause Models via Regulation of AQP-3, C1QBP, and K19

To investigate the protective effects of Nvshi Oral Liquid on skin aging and oxidative stress in 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD)-induced menopausal rats and Ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCaT cells. VCD-induced menopausal rats and UVB-damaged HaCaT cells under low-estrogen conditions were established. Nvshi Oral Liquid was administered at low (2%), medium (6%), and high (10%) concentrations. Cell viability, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase, glutathione peroxidase), inflammatory cytokines [Interleukin-1 beta, Interleukin-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α)], and the expression of aquaporin-3 (AQP-3), complement component 1q binding protein (C1QBP), and keratin 19 (K19) were assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, fluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR), and Western blot. Nvshi Oral Liquid significantly improved HaCaT cell viability, reduced ROS levels, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD increased by 1.8-fold, p < 0.01), and suppressed inflammatory cytokines. Both mRNA and protein expression levels of AQP-3, C1QBP, and K19 were consistently increased in rat skin tissues and HaCaT cells. Histological analysis further demonstrated improved skin structure. Nvshi Oral Liquid attenuates menopausal skin aging by enhancing antioxidant capacity and restoring skin barrier function, which is associated with regulation of AQP-3, C1QBP, and K19 expression. These findings suggest a potential natural intervention for menopausal skin health.