In vitro antioxidant, collagenase inhibition, and in vivo anti-wrinkle effects of combined formulation containing Punica granatum, Ginkgo biloba, Ficus carica, and Morus alba fruits extract

Abstract

Background

In phytotherapy, the therapeutic potential is based on the combined action of different herbal drugs. Our objective was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-collagenase (in vitro), and anti-wrinkle (in vivo) effect of combined formulation containing Ginkgo biloba, Punica granatum, Ficus carica, and Morus alba fruits extract.

Methods

Antioxidant evaluation was based on the scavenging activity of free radicals (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, H₂O₂, and O₂⁻) and the anti-collagenase activity was based on the reduction of collagenase enzyme in vitro. In an in vivo study, 21 female subjects were examined in a placebo-controlled trail. Facial wrinkle, especially the crow’s feet region of eyes, was treated with topical formulated 2% cream for 56 days and compared with the placebo.

Results

In the in vitro study, the combination of fruits extract showed a higher antioxidant activity which was comparable with the positive standard (ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxyanisole, and Trolox). The data also showed a dose-dependent inhibition of collagenase. In the in vivo study, treatment with 2% formulated cream for 56 days significantly reduced the percentage of wrinkle depth, length, and area with 11.5, 10.07, and 29.55, respectively.

Conclusion

The combined formulation of fruit extracts showed excellent antioxidative and anti-collagenase activity as well as a significant effect on anti-wrinkle activity on human skin.

Keywords:

• antioxidant
• anti-collagenase
• anti-wrinkle
• fruits
• topical formulation

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge W Lai (MD), ZY Zhong (MD), and YQ Zhang (MD) of Skin Research Center of Guangzhou Landproof and Department of Dermatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guanhzhou, Guangdong Province, People’s Republic of China, for conducting the in vivo research work. This study was funded by Natural Solution Co, Ltd, Republic of Korea.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.