Endothelial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress is a critical contributor to impaired microvascular homeostasis and skin aging. Blueberries are rich in polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant properties. However, whether bioconversion enhances their protective effects on endothelial function remains insufficiently explored. In this study, we investigated the beneficial effects of bioconverted blueberry extract (BBS) on human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs). HDMECs were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to induce oxidative stress and subsequently treated with BBS. BBS significantly reduced H₂O₂-induced ROS accumulation and preserved mitochondrial membrane potential. Consistently, BBS markedly enhanced endothelial migration and tube-forming ability under oxidative stress conditions. Furthermore, BBS treatment significantly suppressed the overactivation of MAPK signaling pathways. Collectively, BBS effectively mitigated oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction by restoring redox balance, preserving mitochondrial integrity, and promoting angiogenic function. Taken together, these findings suggest that bioconverted blueberry extract can be utilized as a functional ingredient for skin health and anti-aging.

Background/Objectives: The skin, being the body’s outermost organ, plays a vital role in protecting against various external stimuli. Ultraviolet generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), promoting the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inducing collagen degradation. Many studies have been conducted to identify natural substances that can prevent or delay the harmful effects of UV. Methods: A wound healing assay, DCF-DA reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay, and JC-1 assay were performed to assess the effects of bio-converted eggplant peels (BEPs) on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Western blot analysis was also conducted to understand the underlying mechanisms for their effects. Finally, hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry were also performed in animal studies. Results: Our study evaluated the antioxidant efficacy of BEPs fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-HDFs and UVB-induced skin damage in hairless mice. We demonstrated that BEPs exhibited enhanced antioxidant properties compared to non-fermented eggplant peels (EPs). BEPs facilitated wound healing in H₂O₂-damaged HDFs, reduced ROS levels, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. BEPs suppressed the phosphorylation of ERK, p38, and JNK as their underlying mechanism. We further demonstrated that dietary supplementation of BEPs also downregulated matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression and upregulated collagen I (COL1) in UVB-damaged hairless mice, indicating that BEPs were more effective compared to EPs. Conclusions: Our studies suggest that BEPs fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum hold significant potential as a protective agent for mitigating UVB-induced damage and promoting skin health.

Chamaecyparis obtusa (Hinoki cypress) has been extensively studied for its leaves and bark, which are known to contain high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids with potent bioactivities. In this study, the phytochemical transformation and changes in bioactivity of C. obtusa leaves were investigated through bioconversion using the mycelium of Phellinus linteus. Initially, extracts of C. obtusa leaves were prepared using distilled water (COD) and 99% ethanol (COE), and the bioconverted extract, CPE-1. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant potential (DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging), cytotoxicity, antibacterial efficacy, and anti-inflammatory activity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results indicated that CPE-1 exhibited the highest overall efficacy among the tested extracts, showing antioxidant activity comparable to that of BHT and ascorbic acid, while presenting relatively lower antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp. However, in an in vitro cellular model, CPE-1 significantly enhanced anti-inflammatory effects, including notable inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) production, suppression of COX-2 and iNOS expression, and inhibition of ERK and JNK phosphorylation. Its antioxidant activity remained strong, exhibiting radical scavenging capabilities comparable to those of synthetic controls (BHT and ascorbic acid). HPLC analysis confirmed that bioconversion successfully modified the phytochemical profile of C. obtusa, yielding metabolites with enhanced potency while preserving stable, beneficial compounds like gallic acid. These findings collectively establish fungal biotransformation as an effective technology for upgrading plant-derived extracts into potent, multifunctional bioactive materials suitable for therapeutic or functional food applications.

Andrographis paniculata leaves have been widely used in traditional medicine due to their rich content of phenolic compounds. In this study, we evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid content of Andrographis paniculata leaf extracts (ALE), as well as its antioxidant activities against DPPH, ABTS, and hydrogen peroxide radicals. Additionally, we conducted cell viability assays, RT-PCR, and western blot analysis to investigate the biochemical effects of ALE on UVB-induced HaCaT cells. Our results revealed that ALE exhibited a high concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids, which were associated with potent abiotic antioxidant properties. Furthermore, ALE treatment effectively abrogated the damage caused by UVB radiation on key molecules such as hyaluronan synthase 1, Aquaporin 3, and loricrin in HaCaT cells. ALE also demonstrated the ability to reduce the overactivation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 and interleukin-1β in UVB-induced HaCaT cells. Additionally, ALE positively influenced the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha in these cells. Overall, our findings highlight the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ALE, as well as its significant role in modulating skin barrier functions. These results contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of ALE in skincare and dermatological applications.