Skin, as the largest organ, is susceptible to damage from UV radiation and environmental factors, which generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger the degradation of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This degradation leads to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and skin laxity. While various compounds have been recognized for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties, there is a need to identify novel, safe, and effective ingredients for cosmeceutical products. Tecoma stans (Linn.) Juss. ex Kunth, commonly known as yellow bells, is a plant known for its diverse pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This study focuses on Tecoma stans flowers because they are rich in bioactive compounds, offering a promising avenue for exploring their potential as anti-aging agents.
Methodology:
This study investigated the impact of different solvent extractions on the bioactive properties of T. stans flowers. The flowers were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, absolute ethanol, and deionized water. The extracts were then subjected to phytochemical screening, and their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activities, and inhibitory effects on collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase enzymes were evaluated. Cytotoxicity was assessed using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, and an anti-aging gel containing the T. stans extract was formulated to determine its stability.
Key Findings:
● Extraction and Phytochemical Analysis: Aqueous extraction yielded the highest extraction efficiency at 40.73%, followed by absolute ethanol at 28.3%. All extracts contained phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. The absolute ethanol extract showed the highest levels of phytochemicals.
● Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content: The highest total phenolic content (TPC) was found in the absolute ethanol extract (24.10 ± 2.07 mg GAE/g extract). The ethyl acetate extract contained the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) (205.11 ± 7.83 mg CE/g extract).
● Antioxidant Activity: The aqueous extract exhibited the most potent antioxidant effects, with IC50 values of 0.600 ± 0.005 mg/mL for DPPH• assay and 0.207 ± 0.001 mg/mL for the ABTS•+ assay. The antioxidant activities of the extracts correlated with their TPC and TFC.
● Anti-Aging Activities: The absolute ethanolic extract showed the highest enzyme inhibition activity at 1 mg/mL, with collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibition rates of 89.49% ± 2.96%, 94.61% ± 2.33%, and 82.56% ± 2.27%, respectively. T. stans extracts demonstrated anti-collagenase, anti-elastase and anti-hyaluronidase effects in a dose-dependent manner.
This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the anti-aging potential of Tecoma stans flower extracts, highlighting the novel finding that the ethanolic extract is a potent inhibitor of skin-degrading enzymes. Future research should focus on clinical trials on human subjects to assess the long-term effects and dermal safety of this formulation, further elucidating its potential as a natural anti-aging agent.
Link to the study: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/6/214
