Mangiferin (2-C-β-D-glucopyranosyl-1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone) is a polyphenol with strong antioxidant properties. Mangiferin is obtained from the mango tree (Mangifera indica L., Anacardiaceae). It has been proven that mangiferin exhibits many pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to analyze the penetration of mangiferin into the human skin and through the skin. According to our knowledge, skin penetration and permeation studies of mangiferin have not been analyzed so far. Additionally, the influence of mangiferin on two Extracellular Matrix Enzymes (ECM): collagenase and elastase, was evaluated for the first time. It has been indicated that mangiferin is able to permeate the stratum corneum and penetrate into the epidermis and dermis in comparable amounts. For confirmation of the obtained results, fluorescence microscopy was successfully utilized. The analysis revealed the capability of mangiferin to reversibly inhibit elastase and collagenase activity. The mechanism of mangiferin interaction with both enzymes was estimated as a noncompetitive inhibition.

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Polyphenolic compounds—mangiferin and hesperidin—are, among others, the most important secondary metabolites of African shrub Cyclopia sp. (honeybush). The aim of this study was to compare the percutaneous absorption of mangiferin and hesperidin from solutions (water, ethanol 50%, (v/v)) and extracts obtained from green and fermented honeybush (water, ethanol 50%, (v/v)). Research was performed with the Bronaugh cells, on human dorsal skin. The mangiferin and hesperidin distributions in skin layers (stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis) and in acceptor fluid (in every 2, 4, 6, and 24 h) were evaluated by HPLC–Photodiode Array Coulometric and Coulometric Electrochemical Array Detection. The transdermal distribution of hesperidin was also demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy. Results indicated that mangiferin and hesperidin were able to cross the stratum corneum and penetrate into the epidermis and dermis. An advantage of hesperidin penetration into the skin from the water over ethanol solution was observed (451.02 ± 14.50 vs. 357.39 ± 4.51 ng/cm2), as well as in the mangiferin study (127.56 ± 9.49 vs. 97.23 ± 2.92 ng/cm2). Furthermore, mangiferin penetration was more evident from nonfermented honeybush ethanol extract (189.85 ± 4.11 ng/cm2) than from solutions. The permeation of mangiferin and hesperidin through the skin to the acceptor fluid was observed regardless of whether the solution or the honeybush extract was applied. The highest ability to permeate the skin was demonstrated for the water solution of hesperidin (250.92 ± 16.01 ng/cm2), while the hesperidin occurring in the extracts permeated in a very low capacity. Mangiferin from nonfermented honeybush ethanol extract had the highest ability to permeate to the acceptor fluid within 24 h (152.36 ± 8.57 ng/cm2).