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

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.

Free Amino Acids and Biogenic Amines Profiling and Variation in Wild and Sub-Endemic Cardueae Species from Sardinia and Corse

“…The concentration values were calculated based on a single-point external calibration method. As already discussed, the amino compound content in the Cardueae extracts is characterized by a high variability and these results are supported by the literature data [ 45 , 46 , 47 ]. In general, all the samples proved to be rich in proline, glutamine, glutamic acid and asparagine.…”

“…A comparison with the literature data shows that the content of some characteristic essential amino acids in the investigated species is comparable to those observed, for example, in Aloe sp. , pumpkin andbanana for arginine and strawberry for both valine and phenylalanine [ 46 ]. The concentration of other amino compounds that were found in high amounts in the Cardueae extracts, including glutamine, glutamic acid and asparagine, is in line with the literature data on the amino acid content in different types of teas [ 48 ], while the proline content is comparable to those observed, for example, in Panax ginseng C.A.Mey., Passiflora incarnata L. and tobacco leaves [ 31 , 45 ].…”

Development and Validation of a Simple, Selective, and Accurate Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatographic Method with Diode Array Detection (RP-HPLC/DAD) for the Simultaneous Analysis of 18 Free Amino Acids in Topical Formulations

“…One way to overcome such disease conditions is to formulate and deliver the major components of the NMF, i.e., FAAs, to the human skin in the form of semisolid or colloidal formulations [6]. The active pharmaceutical ingredients for such formulations (FAAs) can be sourced from different plants and mushrooms as reported in our previous work [7]. As with any other pharmaceutical or cosmeceutical products, the quality, safety, and efficacy of products loaded with FAAs should be ensured.…”