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.

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.