In the study, the optimization of the extraction from Aloe vera leaf waste was performed via varying solid-to-solvent ratio, solvent type, extraction time, and technique (maceration, heat-, ultrasound-, and microwave-assisted extractions—HAE, UAE, and MAE, respectively). The optimal extraction conditions for achieving the highest polyphenol content are a 1:30 ratio, 70% ethanol, and 30 min of HAE. Total flavonoid and protein contents were significantly higher in the extract from MAE, while total condensed tannin content was the highest in HAE. LC-MS analysis quantified 13 anthraquinone and chromone compounds. The variations in the FT-IR spectra of the extracts obtained by different extraction procedures are minor. The influence of extraction conditions on the antioxidant ability of the extracts depended on applied antioxidant assays. The extracts possessed medium inhibition properties against Staphylococcus aureus and weak inhibitory activity against Enterococcus feacalis. The extracts had stimulative effect on HaCaT cell viability. Regarding the extraction yield, there was a significant difference between the used extraction techniques (MAE > HAE > maceration and UAE). The presented study is an initial step in the production of polyphenol-rich extracts from A. vera leaf waste aimed to be used for the potential preparation of pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations for the skin.

The aims of the present research include (1) optimization of extraction from Vaccinium myrtillus leaf waste via investigation of plant material:medium ratio, extraction medium, and extraction period, employing extractions at room and high temperatures, or using ultrasound and microwaves (M, HAE, UAE, and MAE, respectively), (2) physicochemical characterization, and (3) investigation of extract biological potential. The statistical analysis revealed that optimal levels of parameters for the greatest polyphenolic yield were a proportion of 1:30 g/mL, ethyl alcohol 50% (v/v) during 2 min of microwave irradiation. By LC-MS analysis, 29 phenolic components were detected; HAE showed the highest richness of almost all determined polyphenols, while chlorogenic acid and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide were dominant. All extracts showed a high inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth. The effect of different parameters on extracts’ antioxidant capacity depended on the used tests. The extracts also showed a stimulative influence on keratinocyte viability and anti-inflammatory activity (proven in cell-based ELISA and erythrocyte stabilization assays). The extraction procedure significantly affected the extraction yield (MAE ≥ maceration ≥ UAE ≥ HAE), whereas conductivity, density, surface tension, and viscosity varied in a narrow range. The presented research provides evidence on the optimal extraction conditions and technique, chemical composition, and antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and keratinocyte viability properties of bilberry extracts for potential applications in pharmacy and cosmetics.

Puffballs are fungi that produce globose fruiting bodies that undergo autolysis, transforming their insides into a spore bearing, powdery mass. Mature fruiting bodies are traditionally used to treat open skin wounds. In this study, methanol extracts of two puffball species, Handkea excipuliformis and Vascellum pratense, were examined and compared in order to provide insight into the changes these mushrooms undergo during maturation, with respect to their potential use in skin care and wound treatment. Some compounds involved in skin care and regeneration were quantified, and it was found that maturation increases the concentrations of almost all of these compounds. Antioxidant activity was also more pronounced in mature fruiting body extracts, which was in correlation with the higher content of antioxidants. Tyrosinase inhibition was vastly improved with autolysis, correlating with the higher phenolic content in mature fruiting body extracts. Antimicrobial activity was negatively affected by autolysis in the case of H. excipuliformis, whereas autolysis had little effect on the antimicrobial activity of V. pratense. Autolysis generally improved the biological activity and increased the concentrations of compounds involved in skin care, which justifies the traditional use of puffballs and makes them good candidates for various potential cosmetic and medicinal skin-care products.