Anti-Aging, Anti-Acne, and Cytotoxic Activities of Houttuynia cordata Extracts and Phytochemicals Analysis by LC-MS/MS

Abstract

Although many biological properties of Houttuynia cordata have been found, its anti-aging and anti-acne effects have not yet been investigated. This study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro anti-aging and anti-acne activities of H. cordata extracts and their cytotoxic activities and phytochemicals analyzed with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Dried aerial parts of H. cordata were given different extractions. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts obtained were named HCA and HCE, respectively, and used to screen total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In vitro anti-aging, skin-related antimicrobial, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in vitro cytotoxic, and LC-MS/MS analyses were performed. The total phenolic contents of the HCA and HCE were 5.11 ± 0.25 and 27.02 ± 1.07 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry extract while their total flavonoid contents were 104.94 ± 5.16 and 571.86 ± 2.86 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry extract, respectively. The HCA and HCE inhibited the activities of collagenase (28.33–46.00%), elastase (30.00–34.33%), and hyaluronidase (93.87–98.72%). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the HCA against Cutibacterium acnes DMST14916 were 5.77 and 5.77 mg/mL while those of the HCE were 2.47 and 2.47 mg/mL, respectively. Cell collapses of C. acnes after treatment with the extracts were observed with SEM. The HCE was not toxic to macrophages, keratinocytes, and fibroblasts up to 400 mg/mL. The HCA showed toxicity against macrophages at 62.5 mg/mL and both skin cells at 250 mg/mL. The main phytochemicals in the extracts were identified with LC-MS/MS. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and flavonoid derivatives in H. cordata extracts could be major phytochemicals to possess a broad spectrum of biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging activities. The findings from this study showed that the HCE has potential anti-aging and anti-acne properties while having non-cytotoxic activities on the immune and skin cells. These results indicate that the extract is probably advantageous in the development of skincare cosmeceutics and beauty treatments.

Development and Clinical Efficacy Evaluation of Facial Toner Containing Houttuynia cordata Thunb

“…Quercetin significantly reduces cholesterol levels [33,34], where cholesterol is a component of sebum [35]. The results were consistent with reports that the extract works well for acne-prone skin while gently controlling the sebum [9].…”

“…Phenolic compounds from HCE, such as alkaloids and flavonoids (hyperoside, afzelin, and quercetin) are beneficial as active ingredients for cosmetics [4,6,7]. Moreover, many studies have found that HCE contains compounds with antioxidant properties [8], antibacterial properties (strong anti-microbial effects against the bacteria most commonly contributing to acne: Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis) [9], antiviral activity [10][11][12], anti-inflammatory properties [13,14], anti-skin-aging properties [15,16] and anti-allergic effects [15,17]. Some…”

Response surface methodology for aqueous two-phase system extraction: An unprecedented approach for the specific flavonoid-rich extraction of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. leaves towards acne treatment

“…Most antibacterial activity studies have been performed on Bacillus sp., E. coli , and Staphylococcus aureus [ 40 , 41 ]. Notably, in 2022, a study by Phosri et al (2022) investigated the antibacterial activity of H. cordata using aqueous and ethanol extraction methods [ 16 ]. The MIC values against the C. acnes strain for the aqueous and ethanol extracts were 5.77 mg/mL and 2.47 mg/mL, respectively, significantly higher than the values obtained in the current study.…”

“…Furthermore, rutin H. cordata was proven to effectively prevent UV-induced damages associated with proinflammatory and prooxidative activity and protect cells against apoptosis [ 15 ]. H. cordata extract has been studied for potential anti-aging and anti-acne properties without attempting to detect immune cell and skin properties [ 16 ]. These have become significant advantages in the cosmetics and beauty industry.…”

Phytochemicals and Antimicrobial Properties of Thai Edible Plant Extracts and Their Prebiotic-Like Effects

“…The phytochemical composition of the selected Thai herbal extracts was determined by LC-MS/MS analysis as the previous study [34]. Briefly, the samples of extracts (500 ppm) were prepared by dilution in the absolute methanol and then filtered through a 0.2 μm NYL filter, and filled into a vial.…”