Artichoke Polyphenols Produce Skin Anti-Age Effects by Improving Endothelial Cell Integrity and Functionality.

Isabella D’Antuono,Antonio Logrieco,Fabio Apone,Vito Linsalata,Angela Cardinali,Maria Colucci,Luigi Sena,Antonietta Carola

doi:10.3390/molecules23112729

Abstract

Artichoke is a characteristic crop of the Mediterranean area, recognized for its nutritional value and therapeutic properties due to the presence of bioactive components such as polyphenols, inulin, vitamins and minerals. Artichoke is mainly consumed after home and/or industrial processing, and the undersized heads, not suitable for the market, can be used for the recovery of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, for cosmetic applications. In this paper, the potential skin anti-age effect of a polyphenolic artichoke extract on endothelial cells was investigated. The methodology used was addressed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and the improvement of gene expression of some youth markers. The results showed that the artichoke extract was constituted by 87% of chlorogenic, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic, and 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acids. The extract induced important molecular markers responsible for the microcirculation and vasodilatation of endothelial cells, acted as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, protected the lymphatic vessels from oxidative damage by ROS formation, and enhanced the cellular cohesion by reinforcing the tight junction complex. In addition, the artichoke extract, through the modulation of molecular pathways, improved the expression of genes involved in anti-ageing mechanisms. Finally, clinical testing on human subjects highlighted the enhancement by 19.74% of roughness and 11.45% of elasticity from using an artichoke extract cosmetic formulation compared to placebo cream.

Highlights

IntroductionCommonly known as artichoke, is a plant characteristic of the Mediterranean area belonging to the Asteraceae family [1]
The effect of a polyphenolic artichoke extract in promoting endothelial cell functions was investigated through different mechanisms
In vivo studies on human subjects with sagging face reported an improvement in roughness and elasticity with application of the artichoke extract cosmetic formulation compared to the placebo cream

Summary

Introduction

Commonly known as artichoke, is a plant characteristic of the Mediterranean area belonging to the Asteraceae family [1]. In particular Italy, is the main producer of artichokes, with annual production of 737,591 and 451,461 tons, respectively [2]. The edible portion of artichoke is represented by an immature inflorescence (head) composed of tender bracts, and a tasty receptacle. Artichoke is well known for its nutritional values and therapeutic properties [3] due to the presence of bioactive components such as polyphenols, inulin, vitamins and minerals [1]. Artichoke can be considered a rich source of vitamin C (10 mg 100 g−1 FW),

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Results

Conclusion