Search Results (267)

Background/Objectives: Vitis vinifera is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds that are known for their benefits on skin health, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective effects. Red wines have shown a positive impact on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer prevention; however, evidence regarding their effects on skin biology remains scarce. This study evaluated red wine concentrates obtained from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varieties, selected based on their previously demonstrated biological activities, to identify the samples with the highest potential for skin health applications by assessing their inhibitory activity against skin-related enzymes (tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase), along with their effects on HaCaT cells, including cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activities. Methods: Enzyme inhibition studies were based on spectrophotometric methods; the MTT and CV assays were carried out to test the cytotoxicity, and the DCFH-DA assay was employed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the wine concentrates; wound healing potential was examined by the cell scratch assay, and anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using ELISA and qPCR analyses. PCA of the samples and their biological activity was performed as well. Results: Examined red wine concentrates exhibited significant enzyme inhibitory activity and showed no cytotoxicity on HaCaT cells up to the concentration of 50 μg/mL; the samples stimulated cell migration, inhibited intracellular ROS production in AAPH-stressed keratinocytes, and selectively modulated TNF-α-induced inflammatory responses, reducing IL-8 secretion while enhancing certain cytokine transcripts, underscoring the complexity of their bioactive effects. Conclusions: Red wine concentrates showed significant potential as skin-beneficial agents, demonstrating strong antiaging, marked cellular antioxidant effects and wound healing activity when applied at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Multivariate analysis revealed distinct bioactivity profiles among the wine concentrates. Full article

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. is a rich source of bioactive compounds, and has been extensively investigated for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, despite its broad pharmacological potential, detailed molecular-level insights into the interactions of its phenolic and flavonoid constituents with key skin-aging-related enzymes remain limited. Therefore, this study employed an integrated in silico and in vitro approach to systematically evaluate the anti-aging potential of phenolic and flavonoid compounds derived from N. nucifera. Molecular docking was performed to investigate their binding interactions with tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase. Compounds exhibiting the most promising inhibitory profiles were further subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for 100 ns and density functional theory (DFT) analyses at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory to elucidate their structural stability and electronic properties. The computational results revealed favorable binding affinities, stable complex formation, and electrostatic features supporting hydrogen bond interactions. In vitro enzyme inhibition assays demonstrated that hesperidin exhibited inhibitory activity against tyrosinase, collagenase, and elastase, with IC₅₀ values of 3.43 mM, 2.26 mM, and 0.55 mM, respectively. Kojic acid was used as a positive control for tyrosinase, while epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was used as a positive control for both collagenase and elastase. Additionally, hesperidin exhibited enzyme-inhibitory activity and preliminary intrinsic UV absorption. This compound warrants further investigation, specifically regarding its stability and performance within standardized cosmeceutical formulations. Full article

Joint inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation are major contributors to the development of equine osteoarthritis and reduced athletic performance. Alpha-2-macroglobulin is a naturally occurring broad-spectrum inhibitor of proteases and inflammatory mediators that has emerged as a promising orthobiologic therapy. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and matrix-protective effects of alpha-2-macroglobulin-enriched plasma in complementary in vitro and ex vivo equine models. Primary equine chondrocytes and synoviocytes isolated from healthy horses were stimulated with interleukin-1β or lipopolysaccharide and treated with alpha-2-macroglobulin-enriched plasma or matched platelet-poor plasma. In parallel, an equine tendon explant model challenged with collagenase was used to evaluate extracellular matrix preservation. Alpha-2-macroglobulin-enriched plasma significantly reduced the production of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and matrix metalloproteinase-13, downregulated interleukin-1β gene expression, and partially restored collagen type II expression in inflamed joint cells compared with platelet-poor plasma. In tendon explants, treatment preserved tissue architecture, reduced collagen degradation, and improved histological indices of matrix integrity under proteolytic challenge. These findings demonstrate that alpha-2-macroglobulin-enriched plasma exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-catabolic, and matrix-protective effects in experimental equine tissues. The results provide mechanistic support for the development of alpha-2-macroglobulin-based orthobiologic therapies as a complementary strategy for the management of synovitis and early osteoarthritis in horses. Full article

Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (Kratom) is a plant native to Southeast Asia, traditionally used for its stimulant and analgesic properties. Beyond mitragynine, the principal alkaloid dominating M. speciosa research, this study explored the cosmeceutical and nutraceutical potential of its phenolic and flavonoid constituents. Kratom leaf extract (MLE) was obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction optimized by Central Composite Design, yielding high polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. The optimized MLE showed measurable collagenase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 92.63 ± 7.81 µg/mL) while maintaining fibroblast viability (>80%). UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS tentatively identified chlorogenic acid, rutin, and kaempferol 3-glucosyl-(1→6)-galactoside (K3G). Chlorogenic acid and rutin were quantified by HPLC at 31.37 ± 2.41 and 18.76 ± 1.66 µg/mg extract, respectively, while K3G remained linked to an unidentified peak. Mitragynine was also quantified at an appreciable level (59.38 ± 0.21 µg/mg extract), indicating that removal of the alkaloid fraction is required before application. Molecular docking identified chlorogenic acid as the strongest predicted collagenase binder (−12.82 kcal/mol), though chlorogenic acid and rutin together could not fully account for the extract’s activity, suggesting possible contributions from K3G and other unidentified compounds. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the cosmeceutical potential of kratom leaf extract, pending control of its alkaloid content. Full article

The ecological transition of the cosmetics industry emphasizes the need for sustainable formulations based on natural raw materials without compromising efficacy. Anti-aging skincare is a major cosmetic application, as skin aging can be accelerated by oxidative stress and extracellular matrix degradation mediated by enzymes. In this context, identifying natural ingredients with antioxidant and enzyme-modulating properties is of increasing interest. Prosopis cineraria (Ghaf), the national plant of the United Arab Emirates, thrives in arid environments and is hypothesized to produce bioactive secondary metabolites. Ghaf extract was evaluated for its antioxidant potential and enzyme-modulating properties relevant to skin aging. Chemical profiling (UHPLC–DAD–HRMS/MS) revealed a polyphenol-rich composition dominated by catechins and flavonoid derivatives. The extract exhibited exceptionally high radical scavenging activity in the DPPH, ABTS and ORAC assays and showed a strong correlation with its elevated total phenolic content. In addition to antioxidant effects, Ghaf extract demonstrated biologically relevant inhibition of elastase, hyaluronidase, tyrosinase and collagenase, skin-aging-related enzymes involved in extracellular matrix degradation and pigmentation. These combined in vitro activities suggest that Ghaf extract may represent a multifunctional natural ingredient for future dermocosmetic applications. Accordingly, preliminary Pickering emulsions containing the extract were formulated and characterized to demonstrate the technological feasibility of its incorporation into a topical cosmetic vehicle. These findings warrant future studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Ghaf-containing formulations in cellular, ex vivo and in vivo skin models. Full article

Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench is a European native species typically associated with dry, sunny, sandy, and nutrient-poor habitats. In European herbal practice, preparations from H. arenarium inflorescences are traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of digestive complaints. Polyphenolic constituents, particularly flavonoid and chalcone derivatives, are among the most characteristic compounds detected in the inflorescences. Intensive harvesting and degradation of natural habitats have increased pressure on wild populations. Since H. arenarium is legally protected in many countries, biotechnological approaches for plant biomass production represent a promising alternative. In the present study, shoot and callus cultures were established, and detailed extract profiling was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS³). Cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, anti-collagenase, and anti-hyaluronidase activities were also evaluated. In vitro-derived materials were compared with inflorescences and shoots of the maternal plant. The analyzed materials showed pronounced tissue-dependent metabolic differentiation. The highest callus growth rate was observed for the Ha-C-1 line, which also accumulated the highest levels of chlorogenic acid (25.80 ± 3.09 mg/g dry extract) and isochlorogenic acid A (55.83 ± 13.78 mg/g dry extract). Apigenin was detected in the inflorescence extract, reaching 3.55 ± 1.42 mg/g dry extract. The extracts did not markedly affect HaCaT viability at 15.63–500 µg/mL, while the strongest bioactivities were observed for inflorescence and maternal plant extracts. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a major environmental factor contributing to skin photoaging through excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, activation of stress-responsive signaling pathways, DNA damage, cellular senescence, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Mangiferin, a naturally occurring xanthone glucoside with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has attracted considerable interest as a potential photoprotective agent. The present study investigated the protective effects of mangiferin against UVB-induced photoaging in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). The effects of mangiferin on oxidative stress, RAGE/NF-κB/MAPK signaling, DNA damage, cellular senescence, and ECM degradation were evaluated. Mangiferin significantly suppressed UVB-induced ROS accumulation and attenuated activation of the RAGE/NF-κB/MAPK signaling cascade. Furthermore, mangiferin reduced γ-H2AX expression, indicating protection against UVB-mediated DNA damage, while decreasing p16, p21, and p53 expression and restoring LMNB1 levels. Mangiferin also inhibited MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities as well as collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase activities, suggesting preservation of ECM homeostasis. These findings demonstrate that mangiferin protects dermal fibroblasts against UVB-induced photoaging through suppression of oxidative stress, inhibition of RAGE/NF-κB/MAPK signaling, attenuation of DNA damage and cellular senescence, and preservation of ECM integrity, supporting its potential application in photoprotective and anti-photoaging dermocosmetic formulations. Full article

Background and objective: A huge part of cosmetics research is devoted to the identification of new molecules and new ingredients which could prevent skin aging. Crithmum maritimum has attracted interest in the cosmetic field because it has been used since antiquity in traditional medicine and is traditionally consumed in Mediterranean regions. However, data about demonstrated efficacy on living cells remain sparse. To better understand the potential of this plant for the cosmetics industry, we aimed to investigate in vitro some key properties in line with anti-aging skin care. Methods and results: Molecular results demonstrated an impressive antioxidant effect which was confirmed in vitro on living keratinocytes with a decrease of 50% of oxidative stress measured with the fluorescent CM-H₂DCFDA probe. Additionally, an inhibitory effect around 20% was observed on isolated collagenase and elastase, highlighting the ability of C. maritimum to preserve the skin matrix. Lastly, anti-inflammatory properties were explored at protein levels by ELISA method, indicating a clear decrease of six inflammatory mediators, IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5, on stressed keratinocytes. These observed decreases span from 20% up to 75% in the case of the IL-18. Conclusions: All together, these results reveal how efficient C. maritimum extract could be to alleviate signs of aging. Full article

Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa (rocket) sprouts are a rich source of bioactive compounds used in cosmetics. Phytochemical profiling (LC-PDA-MS/MS) of 5-day-old sprouts identified 26 metabolites, mainly glucosinolates (e.g., glucoraphanin and glucoerucin) and flavonol glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol. The extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity in DPPH^•, ABTS^•+, and ferric-reducing assays and moderate, dose-dependent inhibition of skin-degrading enzymes: tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase, suggesting anti-wrinkle and skin-brightening effects. Cytotoxicity assays on human BJ skin fibroblasts demonstrated that the rocket sprout extracts were non-cytotoxic at concentrations up to 125 µg/mL, with low-dose treatments enhancing the cell viability. Hemocompatibility tests confirmed safety, with <2% hemolysis observed. The incorporation of these compounds into model emulsions yielded stable formulations over 90 days. These findings support the novelty of rocket sprout extracts as functional/nutricosmetic ingredients with relevance to both food and skin health. Full article

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) from green seaweed species have been scarcely studied for the development of novel pharmaceutical, cosmetic or nutraceutical products. The present study aimed to investigate the physico-chemical characteristics of the sulfated polysaccharidic fractions isolated from Cladophora vagabunda green seaweed and to evaluate their anti-aging properties in vitro. SPF1 and SPF2 fractions were separated from the purified polysaccharidic extract by size exclusion chromatography. The content of neutral carbohydrates, uronic acids and sulfate was assessed, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis confirmed the presence of a functional group characteristic for sulfated polysaccharides. Capillary zone electrophoresis indicated the monosaccharides profile and the presence of bioactive fucose and uronic acids. The two fractions differed in sulfate content (22.59% and 29.44%). SF2 showed stronger collagenase inhibition (95.69%), whereas SF1 exhibited greater elastase inhibition (84.2%) in comparison with EGCG. Both fractions exhibited antioxidant, anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities and also a good biocompatibility and capacity to modulate the cell cycle progression in human dermal fibroblast culture. They showed anti-inflammatory potential by inhibition of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-inflamed THP-1-derived macrophages. Also, the level of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-9 secretion was reduced after treatment with C. vagabunda fractions with MMP-1 reduced by ~95% in both fractions and MMP-9 reduced by ~79% in SF2 compared with the control. Both fractions stimulated the growth of probiotic cultures Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. rhamnosus. All these results demonstrated, for the first time, the anti-aging potential of sulfated polysaccharides isolated from C. vagabunda green seaweed. Full article

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent chronic joint disease lacking disease-modifying drugs. Animal models with distinct pathogenic mechanisms—monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) for metabolic toxicity and collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA) for matrix degradation—are essential for therapeutic evaluation. In this study, topical application of neoagarohexaose (NA6) at 5 and 10 mg/kg twice daily was assessed in MIA- and CIOA-induced mouse OA models. NA6 at both doses reduced paw swelling, improved serum oxidative stress markers (catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO)), ameliorated cartilage damage and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) scores, and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry showed that NA6 downregulated interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), upregulated NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and restored the compensatorily elevated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) toward baseline levels. The high-dose NA6 (10 mg/kg) showed comparable or favorable efficacy at the tested doses relative to the positive control diclofenac. These results demonstrate that NA6 exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chondroprotective effects in both OA models, supporting its potential as a topical therapeutic candidate for OA symptom management and structural protection. Full article

Background: Skin aging is driven by oxidative stress and ultraviolet (UV) exposure, leading to extracellular matrix degradation and loss of skin elasticity. This study aimed to identify the most biologically active Citrus species using a bioassay-guided approach and evaluate its potential for dermal applications. Methods: Hydroalcohol extracts and ethyl acetate fractions of Citrus sinensis, Citrus aurantifolia, and Citrus reticulata leaves were screened for antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, and polyphenol content. The most active fraction was characterized by UPLC-PDA and LC–MS/MS, formulated into Span-based nanovesicles, and evaluated for physicochemical properties and drug release. Biological activity was assessed using an in vitro scratch wound-healing assay on human dermal fibroblasts and a UVA-induced photoaging mouse model, supported by molecular dynamics simulations. Results: The ethyl acetate fraction of C. aurantifolia (CAE) exhibited the highest biological activity among the tested samples. This fraction showed potent antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 3.53 ± 0.05 µg/mL), marked inhibition of elastase (91.3%), collagenase (92.0%), and tyrosinase (80.2%), and a high total flavonoid content (110.49 mg rutin equivalents/g). Phytochemical profiling of CAE tentatively identified fourteen compounds, predominantly flavonoids, with hesperidin (30.4 mg/g) as a major constituent. The optimized nanovesicles (184 ± 0.9 nm, PDI 0.10, EE% 75.0%) enabled sustained hesperidin release. CAE and CAEnp enhanced fibroblast migration and accelerated wound closure at 24 h (p < 0.05). In vivo, CAEnp improved UVA-induced histopathological alterations and modulated oxidative stress-related markers by reducing p62/SQSTM1 by 28.7%, Keap1 expression to 21% compared with the CAE-treated group, and enhancing Nrf2, ARE, and NQO1 expression by 54.1%, 28.3%, and 57%, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations supported stable hesperidin binding to elastase and suggested possible modulation of collagenase flexibility. Conclusions: The polyphenol-rich leaf fraction from C. aurantifolia, identified through comparative bioassay-guided fractionation, demonstrated antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, wound-healing, and photoprotective effects, particularly after nanoformulation. These findings support its potential for further development as a natural topical anti-aging candidate. Full article

Coleus Lour. and Plectranthus L’Hér. (Lamiaceae) species are recognized as promising sources of bioactive compounds for skin health, supported by their traditional use in skin-related conditions; however, scientific validation of these traditional uses remains limited for several species. In this work, the biological activities of eight Coleus and Plectranthus species (C. barbatus, C. cylindraceus, C. grandidentatus, C. hadiensis, C. madagascariensis, P. ambiguus, P. ecklonii, and P. fruticosus) were evaluated to support their ethnomedicinal relevance. Extracts were assessed for general toxicity (Artemia salina model), antimicrobial activity (well diffusion and microdilution methods) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH, TBARS and cellular assays). In addition, anti-inflammatory activity (ability to suppress nitric oxide), cytotoxicity in skin cell lines (HaCaT and HFF-1) and inhibition of skin-related enzymes (elastase, tyrosinase and collagenase) were evaluated. Antibacterial activity was predominantly observed against Gram-positive bacteria, with no general toxicity observed. P. ambiguous and P. ecklonii showed moderate-to-high antioxidant activity, while anti-inflammatory effects were observed for C. hadiensis and C. madagascariensis and P. ambiguous. None of the extracts showed cytotoxicity. Enzyme inhibition assays highlighted C. cylindraceus and P. ecklonii. HPLC-DAD analysis confirmed the presence of rosmarinic acid. Overall, the findings support the traditional use of Coleus and Plectranthus species for skin-related conditions and highlight their potential as sources of bioactive compounds for dermatological and cosmeceutical applications. Full article

Skin aging is associated with oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, and dysregulation of melanogenesis, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation. Natural plant-derived compounds have attracted increasing interest as multifunctional cosmetic ingredients due to their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Mai-Kae-Den-Klong (MKDK), a traditional Thai longevity herbal formula composed of Albizia procera (Roxb.) Benth., Cyperus rotundus L., Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz, Piper nigrum L., Streblus asper Lour., and Tinospora crispa (L.) Hook.f. & Thomson, has historically been used to promote vitality and healthy aging; however, its potential application as a cosmetic anti-aging ingredient remains scientifically unexplored. Therefore, this study investigated the anti-aging potential of MKDK extract using integrated enzyme-based bioassays and in silico approaches. Phytochemical profiling of the ethanolic extract was performed using LC-MS analysis, revealing diverse bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, alkaloids, and terpenoids, with (−)-epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and piperine identified as major metabolites. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, while inhibitory activities against tyrosinase, collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase were assessed to determine skin anti-aging potential. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 17.23 ± 2.11 µg/mL for DPPH and 11.87 ± 1.77 µg/mL for ABTS assays. In addition, the extract demonstrated inhibitory effects against tyrosinase (IC₅₀ = 41.25 ± 1.56 µg/mL), elastase (IC₅₀ = 49.51 ± 3.69 µg/mL), collagenase (IC₅₀ = 61.54 ± 2.88 µg/mL), and hyaluronidase (IC₅₀ = 63.74 ± 6.32 µg/mL), suggesting multifunctional anti-aging properties associated with skin brightening and extracellular matrix preservation. Network pharmacology analysis predicted multiple aging-related signaling pathways, particularly the FoxO signaling pathway, which is associated with oxidative stress regulation and longevity. Molecular docking analysis further demonstrated favorable binding affinities of procyanidin B1, epicatechin, and piperine toward skin-aging-related enzymes, supporting their potential contribution to the observed bioactivities. Overall, these findings suggest that MKDK possesses promising cosmeceutical potential as a natural multifunctional anti-aging ingredient and provides scientific support for the application of traditional Thai herbal formulations in cosmetic and skin health products. Full article

Fruit tree leaves are an abundant agro-waste material with promising yet underexplored biological potential. This study compared the biological activity of aqueous extracts obtained from apple (Malus domestica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), and cherry (Prunus cerasus) leaves and their kombucha-fermented counterparts in the context of cosmetic and dermatological applications. Phytochemical composition before and after fermentation was analyzed chromatographically. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, while intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in keratinocytes and fibroblasts were assessed using the H₂DCFDA probe. Cytotoxicity was determined by Alamar Blue and Neutral Red assays. Antimicrobial activity against seven bacterial strains was investigated using minimum inhibitory concentration and disc diffusion methods. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells by measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels using ELISA. The influence of the samples on collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase activity was also analyzed. Fermentation increased the content of selected phenolic compounds and enhanced antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties. Ferments more effectively reduced oxidative stress in skin cells and showed no cytotoxicity within the tested concentration range. These findings indicate that kombucha fermentation may support the valorization of fruit tree leaf agro-waste as multifunctional ingredients for skincare formulations. Full article