The cosmetics industry is witnessing a surge in demand for products that address not only aesthetic concerns but also contribute to overall well-being. Slimming cosmetics, in particular, have gained significant traction due to the increasing awareness of body image and the desire to counteract the aesthetic impacts of lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Obesity can lead to cosmetic issues like reduced skin elasticity and cellulite formation, further driving the need for effective topical solutions. Natural ingredient-based cosmetics are highly sought after due to their perceived safety and efficacy. In this context, the identification of natural compounds with the potential to inhibit fat accumulation and enhance skin health is of considerable interest to the cosmetics sector. α-Glucosidase inhibitors, known for their metabolic effects, have also shown promise in improving blood circulation and potentially regulating melanin synthesis, suggesting their potential as multifunctional cosmetic ingredients for both slimming and skin-enhancing effects. This study explores the potential of native plant extracts from Jeju Island as a novel source of safe and effective cosmetic raw materials with α-glucosidase inhibitory activity.
Methods
The researchers screened 570 extracts from 491 plant species native to Jeju Island for their ability to inhibit α-glucosidase. Eighteen extracts showing significant inhibition were further tested to determine their IC50 values. The safety of these extracts for topical use was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity assays on human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells and in vivo primary skin irritation tests on human volunteers. The total phenolic content of the 18 extracts was also quantified.
Section-wise Key Points for Cosmetics
•Identification of Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitors: The study identified 18 Jeju Island plant extracts that exhibited significantly stronger α-glucosidase inhibitory activity compared to acarbose, a known inhibitor. Notably, Rumex japonicus leaf/stem, Rhynchosia volubilis whole plant, and Arachniodes standishii whole plant showed the most promising inhibitory effects. This suggests their potential as active ingredients in slimming cosmetic formulations aimed at inhibiting fat accumulation.
•Safety Assessment for Topical Application: Crucially for cosmetic applications, all 18 potent extracts demonstrated high cell viability (above 86.6%) in human keratinocytes at concentrations exceeding their inhibitory concentrations. Furthermore, human skin irritation tests confirmed that these extracts are non-irritating when applied topically for 24 hours, even at high concentrations. This robust safety profile is essential for the development of consumer-friendly cosmetic products.
•Phenolic Content and Potential Skin Benefits: The analysis of total phenolic content revealed variations among the extracts. Phenolic compounds are widely recognized in cosmetics for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to skin health. The presence of these compounds in the identified extracts further supports their potential as multifunctional cosmetic ingredients offering benefits beyond just slimming.
This research highlights the novel potential of Jeju Island’s native plant extracts as a source of safe and highly effective ingredients for the cosmetics industry. The identification of 18 extracts with potent α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, coupled with their demonstrated safety on human skin cells and in human patch tests, positions them as promising candidates for the development of innovative slimming cosmetic products. The ability of these natural extracts to potentially inhibit fat accumulation, combined with the inherent skin-enhancing properties often associated with their phenolic content, underscores their multifunctional appeal in addressing consumer demands for safe and effective cosmetic solutions for weight management and overall skin health. Future cosmetic research should focus on formulating these extracts into topical applications to assess their in vivo efficacy in delivering slimming effects and improving skin aesthetics.
Link to the study: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/12/2/40
