Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) is an herbal tea with medicinal properties and potent antioxidants. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are another interesting solvent for plant extraction due to their ability to extract plant phytochemicals efficiently. This research was conducted to study the phytochemicals of GP extracts isolated by DESs, investigate the biological activities, and develop cosmetic formulations containing GP extracts. The results showed that the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of DES extracts were 0.39 ± 0.04 to 6.93 + 0.59 mg GAE/g extract and 1.48 ± 0.44 to 8.17 + 0.07 mg QE/g extract, respectively. The highest IC₅₀ values of DES extract on DPPH assay, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and nitric oxide radical scavenging of DES extracts were 8.54 ± 3.31, 6.04 ± 0.82, and 38.63 ± 1.46 mg/mL, respectively. The DES extracts demonstrated collagenase enzyme inhibition at IC₅₀ values of 0.92 ± 0.04 mg/mL. The selected DES extracts, S7, S9, S11, and S13, exhibited low cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells and exhibited the most substantial reduction in nitic oxide levels. The selected DES extract with high bioactivities, S7, exhibited a high rutin and kaempferol content at 7.87 ± 0.01 mg rutin/g extract and 25.36 ± 0.08 mg kaempferol/g extract in the active content determination by HPLC assay. The cosmetic formulations containing S7 exhibited excellent stability after the stability test. This study illustrated the potential of DES extracts for further development in novel cosmetic products.

Sacha inchi husk (SIH), brown covering material of the seed, is considered as a by-product from edible oil production, yet it might be a functional ingredient for anti-aging applications owing to its polyphenols. The aims of this study were to evaluate the anti-aging functional properties including antioxidant and anti-enzymatic capacities of the optimally extracted SIH which was achieved by optimizing the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using response surface methodology (RSM), with a focus on identifying the most effective conditions for maximal yield and polyphenol content. In addition, UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was employed for phytochemical profiling of the extract. Furthermore, a docking simulation was conducted to elucidate the binding affinities of identified phytochemicals towards enzymes related to the aging process. Besides, the safety evaluation was determined in terms of cytotoxicity and irritation profile through Hen's egg test chorioallantoic membrane. From the results of extraction optimization, the empirical mathematic models from RSM implied that a solvent composition of 70%v/v ethanol in DI water, a Solvent-to-Plant ratio of 12:1, and a sonication time of 40 min, yielded an extract with high polyphenol content and favorable yield. Additionally, UAE markedly enhanced extraction efficiency compared to conventional maceration. Besides, the optimal extract demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-enzymatic effects against collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presences of hydroxy acids, sphingoids, catechins and flavonoids of which kaempferol 3-(2''-p-coumarylglucoside), catechin, and epigallocatechin exhibited strong enzyme binding affinities with dock scores less than -6.5 kcal/mol. Furthermore, safety evaluation showed no irritation at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, and non-toxicity to human dermal fibroblasts at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 mg/mL. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the SIH could be a promising functional ingredient for anti-aging applications showing significant antioxidant and anti-enzymatic effects.

Mitragyna speciosa Korth. (Kratom) is a plant native to Southeast Asia, traditionally used for its stimulant and analgesic properties. Beyond mitragynine, the principal alkaloid dominating M. speciosa research, this study explored the cosmeceutical and nutraceutical potential of its phenolic and flavonoid constituents. Kratom leaf extract (MLE) was obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction optimized by Central Composite Design, yielding high polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. The optimized MLE showed measurable collagenase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 92.63 ± 7.81 µg/mL) while maintaining fibroblast viability (>80%). UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS tentatively identified chlorogenic acid, rutin, and kaempferol 3-glucosyl-(1→6)-galactoside (K3G). Chlorogenic acid and rutin were quantified by HPLC at 31.37 ± 2.41 and 18.76 ± 1.66 µg/mg extract, respectively, while K3G remained linked to an unidentified peak. Mitragynine was also quantified at an appreciable level (59.38 ± 0.21 µg/mg extract), indicating that removal of the alkaloid fraction is required before application. Molecular docking identified chlorogenic acid as the strongest predicted collagenase binder (−12.82 kcal/mol), though chlorogenic acid and rutin together could not fully account for the extract’s activity, suggesting possible contributions from K3G and other unidentified compounds. These findings provide preliminary evidence for the cosmeceutical potential of kratom leaf extract, pending control of its alkaloid content.