Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the main toxic components of ambient air particulate matter (PM), causing oxidative damage to the skin and ultimately resulting in skin aging. This study was conducted to determine the anti-oxidant, anti-aging properties and protective effects of the extracts of coffee cherry pulp (Coffea arabica L.), which is a by-product of the coffee industry, against the oxidative damage induced by PAH exposure in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT). Three different techniques were used to extract the coffee cherry pulp: maceration, Soxhlet and ultrasonication to obtain CCM, CCS and CCU extract, respectively, which were then compared to investigate the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The chemical compositions were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results demonstrated that Soxhlet could extract the highest content of chlorogenic acid, caffeine and theophylline. CCS showed the significantly highest TPC (324.6 ± 1.2 mg GAE/g extract), TFC (296.8 ± 1.2 mg QE/g extract), anti-radical activity against DPPH free radicals (98.2 ± 0.8 µM Trolox/g extract) and lipid peroxidation inhibition (136.6 ± 6.2 µM Trolox/g extract). CCS also showed the strongest anti-aging effects based on collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase and tyrosinase inhibitory enzymes. In addition, CCS can protect human keratinocyte cells from PAH toxicity by increasing the cellular anti-oxidant capacity. This study suggests that CCS has the potential to be used as a cosmetic material that helps alleviate skin damage caused by air pollution.

Benincasa hispida peel, a type of postconsumer waste, is considered a source of beneficial phytochemicals. Therefore, it was subjected to investigation for biological activities in this study. B. hispida peel was extracted using 95% v/v, 50% v/v ethanol and water. The obtained extracts were B95, B50 and BW. B95 had a high flavonoid content (212.88 ± 4.73 mg QE/g extract) and phenolic content (131.52 ± 0.38 mg GAE/g extract) and possessed high antioxidant activities as confirmed by DPPH, ABTS and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. Moreover, B95 showed inhibitory effects against collagenase and hyaluronidase with values of 41.68 ± 0.92% and 29.17 ± 0.66%, which related to anti-aging activities. Via the HPLC analysis, one of the potential compounds found in B95 was rutin. Molecular docking has provided an understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction of extracts with collagenase and hyaluronidase. All extracts were not toxic to fibroblast cells and did not irritate the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane, which indicated its safe use. In conclusion, B. hispida peel extracts are promising potential candidates for further use as antioxidant and anti-aging agents in the food and cosmetic industries.

Cuscuta chinensis (C. chinensis) presents many pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic effects, and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. However, the wound care properties of this plant have not yet been reported. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities of ethanol and ethyl acetate C. chinensis extracts. The phytochemical markers in the extracts were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, the selected C. chinensis extract was developed into a nanoemulsion-based gel for wound care testing in rats. The results showed that both of the C. chinensis extracts exhibited antioxidant activity when tested using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and lipid peroxidation inhibition assays. They reduced the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in RAW264.7 cells induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The ethyl acetate extract also had antibacterial properties. Kaempferol was found in both extracts, whereas hyperoside was found only in the ethanol extract. These compounds were found to be related to the biological activities of the extracts, confirmed via molecular docking. The C. chinensis extract-loaded nanoemulsions had a small particle size, a narrow polydispersity index (PDI), and good stability. Furthermore, the C. chinensis extract-loaded nanoemulsion-based gel had a positive effect on wound healing, presenting a better percentage wound contraction Fucidin cream. In conclusion, this formulation has the potential for use as an alternative wound treatment and warrants further study in clinical trials.

In previous studies, Perilla frutescens pomace was shown to contain bioactive phenolic compounds and good anti-oxidative activity. However, reports about collagenase activity and melanogenesis inhibitory effects of P. frutescens pomace are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity of P. frutescens pomace extract and incorporate the extract into a cosmetic formulation for evaluating its effects on collagenase and melanogenesis inhibition on human skin. The P. frutescens seeds after an oil pressing process were extracted with ethanol (70% v/v) in order to examine the remaining phytochemical compounds, the bioactivity in pomace perilla, and its efficacy as a skincare product. In this study, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of P. frutescens seed extract (PFSE) were determined using spectrophotometry. The free radical scavenging activity was determined with 2, 2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) ABTS radicals. Additionally, the effects on collagenase activity, melanin content, and alpha-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) on the viability of cultured B16F10 melanoma cells were investigated. Skin irritation and efficacy of PFSE cream for skin elasticity and skin color were also clinically evaluated. The total phenolic content with gallic acid equivalents (GAE) value and total flavonoids content with catechin equivalents (CE) value were, respectively, 92.79 ± 1.19 and 56.02 ± 2.83 mg/g. Furthermore, PFSE significantly inhibited the collagenase activity (p < 0.001) at the concentration of 400 µg/mL (82 ± 3.23%). These results clearly demonstrated the anti-melanogenic effects on B16F10 cells without causing any cytotoxicity or death. Although there was a slight improvement in skin elasticity in the 4th week compared to the previous week, the 4th week melanin content of the skin significantly decreased from the beginning (p < 0.05) without any irritations. In conclusion, PFSE could be cosmetically considered as a key ingredient that effectively lessens the effects of skin aging and skin hyperpigmentation disorders.

Airborne particulate matter (PM) contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as primary toxic components, causing oxidative damage and being associated with various inflammatory skin pathologies such as premature aging, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Coffee cherry pulp (CCS) extract, rich in chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and theophylline, has demonstrated strong antioxidant properties. However, its specific anti-inflammatory effects and ability to protect macrophages against PAH-induced inflammation remain unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties of CCS extract on RAW 264.7 macrophage cells exposed to atmospheric PAHs, compared to chlorogenic acid (CGA), caffeine (CAF), and theophylline (THP) standards. The CCS extract was assessed for its impact on the production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Results showed that CCS extract exhibited significant antioxidant activities and effectively inhibited protease and lipoxygenase (LOX) activities. The PAH induced the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species, NO, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, and COX-2, which were markedly suppressed by CCS extract in a dose-dependent manner, comparable to the effects of chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and theophylline. In conclusion, CCS extract inhibits PAH-induced inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in RAW 264.7 cells. This effect is likely due to the synergistic effects of its bioactive compounds. Chlorogenic acid showed strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while caffeine and theophylline enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. CCS extract did not irritate the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane. Therefore, CCS extract shows its potential as a promising cosmeceutical ingredient for safely alleviating inflammatory skin diseases caused by air pollution.

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate an anti-pollution film-forming spray (FFS) containing coffee cherry pulp extract (FFS-CCS). The formulation was designed to create a protective skin barrier, improving skin health while defending against environmental pollutants. Its physical properties, dust resistance, stability, skin penetration, and clinical effectiveness were assessed to ensure optimal performance and safety. Methods: Various polymers and a ternary solvent system were used to enhance the stability and solubility of bioactive compounds from the coffee cherry pulp extract. The formulations were characterized based on appearance, film formation, viscosity, pH, spray uniformity, spray pattern, angle, film thickness, and particle adhesion. Stability testing was conducted under different storage conditions. Skin penetration was assessed using Franz diffusion cells with Strat-M^® membranes to simulate human skin. A single-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 42 participants was conducted over 60 days to evaluate the effects of FFS-CCS on skin hydration, tone, and wrinkle reduction. Clinical assessments were performed using a Corneometer, Mexameter, and Skin Visioscan. Results: The FFS1-CCS formulation, incorporating PVP K90 and a ternary solvent system, significantly improved the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of key bioactive compounds (chlorogenic acid, caffeine, and theophylline). Physical characterization confirmed uniform, transparent films with optimal viscosity and sprayability. Stability testing showed minimal degradation. Skin penetration and retention studies revealed enhanced retention of bioactive compounds with minimal systemic absorption. PVP K90, along with ethanol and propylene glycol, extended the compounds’ residence time on the skin, ensuring localized delivery. Clinically, FFS1-CCS significantly improved skin hydration, reduced roughness, lightened skin tone, and decreased erythema. Conclusions: The FFS1-CCS formulation utilizing PVP K90 significantly enhanced the stability, bioavailability, and skin retention of coffee cherry pulp extract, resulting in improved skin hydration, wrinkle reduction, and skin tone enhancement. These findings highlight the potential of coffee cherry pulp extract as a multifunctional, sustainable cosmeceutical ingredient, offering both anti-aging and environmental protection benefits, making it a promising solution for skincare applications.