Skin damage and premature aging are predominantly driven by UV radiation through several mechanisms. The most common of these are by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and weakened antioxidant defenses. Moringa oleifera is a nutritionally valuable plant with diverse biological activities. This study optimized ethanol concentrations coupled with ultrasonic-assisted extraction to maximize the yield and efficacy of M. oleifera leaf extract (MOLE). We also elucidated the underlying mechanisms of MOLE in protecting against photooxidative damage and skin aging from UVB exposure in HaCaT keratinocytes. Extraction with 50% ethanol produced the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents, aligning with the greatest antioxidant activity by ABTS and FRAP assays. MOLE showed no significant cytotoxicity up to 1000 µg/mL in the MTT assay. MOLE protected cells from detrimental UVB radiation by scavenging ROS; reducing cell damage and death; enhancing gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT); and improving SOD activity. UVB exposure elevated MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 expression and decreased collagen type I (col-1) and elastin (ELN) expression, while these effects were ameliorated by MOLE. Our findings suggest that MOLE protected against UVB-induced photooxidative damage and premature aging in the HaCaT keratinocytes.

Allergic contact dermatitis commonly affects working-age adults due to repeated allergen exposure, leading to skin barrier damage, water loss, and oxidative stress. Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) (A. schmidtii) is traditionally used in Thai medicine to improve skin hydration. This study aimed to compare the effects of A. schmidtii, coconut, and cold creams on skin moisture, oiliness, and skin creases in working-age adults. Moreover, antioxidant activity and potential mechanisms were investigated by analyzing skin moisture-related gene expression in keratinocyte cells. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 45 volunteers was conducted. Participants applied A. schmidtii, coconut, and cold creams to the dorsal hands. Skin moisture, oiliness, and creases were assessed using the Corneometer® CM820/CM825, Sebumeter® SM815, and stereomicroscopic image analysis, respectively. The results exhibited that skin moisture and oiliness of A. schmidtii cream-treated groups significantly increased compared to bare skin (p < 0.05). In addition, the distance between skin creases of A. schmidtii cream-treated group was significantly decreased after application compared to bare skin (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the effects of A. schmidtii cream-treated group on these skin test parameters were practically similar to coconut and cold cream. Additionally, A. schmidtii oil demonstrated antioxidant activity as assessed by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The oil showed a notable antioxidant capacity, with an IC₅₀ value of 7.26 compared to 1.56 µg/mL for the standard antioxidant, Trolox. Moreover, after treating human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells with A. schmidtii oil for 24 h, there was an increase in the synthesis of hyaluronic acid by upregulating the HAS2 gene, along with an increase in the expression of genes encoding tight junction proteins (TJP1 gene) and filaggrin (FLG gene). These results provide evidence that A. schmidtii could be used as a moisturizing agent to prevent dry skin in working adults and could upregulate the gene-related skin moisture expression. HIGHLIGHTS Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) significantly increased skin moisture after topical application. Topical use of Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) enhanced skin oiliness, potentially supporting barrier function. The distance between skin creases was significantly decreased after applied schmidtii cream. Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) upregulated the expression of HAS2, FLG, and TJP1 genes in HaCaT keratinocytes. Amomum schmidtii (K. Schum.) demonstrated free radical scavenging activity, suggesting antioxidant potential. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB)-derived antimicrobial compounds are recognized as a promising source of novel antimicrobial agents, particularly for the treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), where the mode of action and associated cellular effects remain largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate antibacterial activity of Limosilactobacillus fermentum YTPP05 isolated from pickled radish against MRSA. Upon the initial antibacterial evaluations, it was found that strain YTPP05 inhibited the growth of MRSA isolates. Multiplex PCR identified multiple resistance genes in our MRSA strains, including mecA, blaZ, and aacA genes, aligning with antibacterial susceptibility profiles determined by the disc diffusion assay. An agar overlay assay showed that YTPP05 possessed antibacterial potential, with the largest inhibition zone diameters of 40.83 ± 8.43 mm, while the inhibition zones of the Cell Free Supernatant (CFS) of YTPP05 by an agar well diffusion were 27.16 ± 2.93 mm against the MRSA isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of YTPP05-derived CFS were 125 mg/mL. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) demonstrated YTPP05 extracts caused cell membrane disruption, bubble-like protrusion, and cell lysis. Collectively, this study highlights the anti-MRSA potential of YTPP05 as an alternative antimicrobial agent for combating MRSA infections.