Nanoencapsulated cordyceps extract enhances collagen synthesis and skin cell regeneration through antioxidation and autophagy

Abstract

Oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species is the main cause of skin ageing. Cordycepin, a bioactive compound of Cordyceps militaris, contains antioxidant activity. This study examined extracellular matrix, antioxidant effect, autophagy activity, and skin regeneration in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) under normal and oxidative stress conditions. Slow disintegration was used to create nano-encapsulated cordyceps extract. HDFs were cultured and treated with 1 M cordycepin, 1 M medium, 0.1 M cordyceps medium loaded nanoparticles (CMP), or 1 mM H₂O₂. HDFs’ senescent phenotypes were assessed, including cell proliferation, ROS scavenging, collagen and elastin synthesis, antioxidant activity, and wound healing. CMP size averaged 184.5 ± 95.2 nm increased cell proliferation and reduced H₂O₂-induced ROS. Thus, HDFs treated for 48 h increased skin regeneration activity 2.76-fold by expressing extracellular matrix and rescuing H₂O₂-induced damaged cells. It was significant that this CMP inhibited H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress and induced autophagy to regenerate HDFs. The developed CMP could be used in cosmetics.

Keywords:

• Nanoencapsulation
• cordyceps extract
• antioxidation
• autophagy
• skin regeneration

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Suranaree University of Technology (SUT), Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI), and National Science, Research and Innovation Fund (NSRF) (project code 90464).