Free amino acid contents of selected Ethiopian plant and fungi species: a search for alternative natural free amino acid sources for cosmeceutical applications

Birhanu Nigusse Kahsay,Jörg Ziegler,Lucie Moeller,Reinhard H H Neubert,Tsige Gebre-Mariam,Peter Imming

doi:10.1007/s00726-021-03008-5

Abstract

Free amino acids (FAAs), the major constituents of the natural moisturizing factor (NMF), are very important for maintaining the moisture balance of human skin and their deficiency results in dry skin conditions. There is a great interest in the identification and use of nature-based sources of these molecules for such cosmeceutical applications. The objective of the present study was, therefore, to investigate the FAA contents of selected Ethiopian plant and fungi species; and select the best sources so as to use them for the stated purpose. About 59 different plant species and oyster mushroom were included in the study and the concentrations of 27 FAAs were analyzed. Each sample was collected, lyophilized, extracted using aqueous solvent, derivatized with Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl chloride (Fmoc-Cl) prior to solid-phase extraction and quantified using Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometric (LC-ESI–MS/MS) system. All the 27 FAAs were detected in most of the samples. The dominant FAAs that are part of the NMF were found at sufficiently high concentration in the mushroom and some of the plants. This indicates that FAAs that could be included in the preparations for the management of dry skin condition can be obtained from a single natural resource and the use of these resources for the specified purpose have both economic and therapeutic advantage in addition to fulfilling customer needs.

Highlights

Amino acids, often called “the building blocks of life”, are primary metabolites which play a vital role in nutrition and health maintenance (Leuchtenberger et al 2005; Mueller and Huebner 2003)
The objective of the present study was, to analyze the Free amino acids (FAAs) contents of Ethiopian plants and mushroom and to identify those natural resources with highest amount of FAAs that can further be used for cosmeceutical applications in the management of dry skin conditions
The concentrations are significantly different and the total FAAs found in the water extracts of the different species tested ranged from 0.86 mg/g to 400.01 mg/g (oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P

Summary

Introduction

Often called “the building blocks of life”, are primary metabolites which play a vital role in nutrition and health maintenance (Leuchtenberger et al 2005; Mueller and Huebner 2003). They are used as ingredients in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products and as special nutrients in the medical field (Ikeda 2003; Park and Lee 2008). Free amino acids (FAAs) are indispensable for healthy skin. They constitute the largest component (~ 40%) of the so-called natural moisturizing factor (NMF)

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Conclusion