Photoprotective and Anti-Aging Properties of the Apical Frond Extracts from the Mediterranean Seaweed Ericaria amentacea

Abstract

There is a growing interest in using brown algal extracts thanks to the bioactive substances they produce for adaptation to the marine benthic environment. We evaluated the anti-aging and photoprotective properties of two types of extracts (50%-ethanol and DMSO) obtained from different portions, i.e., apices and thalli, of the brown seaweed, Ericaria amentacea. The apices of this alga, which grow and develop reproductive structures during summer when solar radiation is at its peak, were postulated to be rich in antioxidant compounds. We determined the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of their extracts and compared them to the thallus-derived extracts. All the extracts contained polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidants and showed significant biological activities. The hydroalcoholic apices extracts demonstrated the highest pharmacological potential, likely due to the higher content of meroditerpene molecular species. They blocked toxicity in UV-exposed HaCaT keratinocytes and L929 fibroblasts and abated the oxidative stress and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, typically released after sunburns. Furthermore, the extracts showed anti-tyrosinase and anti-hydrolytic skin enzyme activity, counteracting the collagenase and hyaluronidase degrading activities and possibly slowing down the formation of uneven pigmentation and wrinkles in aging skin. In conclusion, the E. amentacea apices derivatives constitute ideal components for counteracting sunburn symptoms and for cosmetic anti-aging lotions.

Arzanol, a natural phloroglucinol α‐pyrone, protects HaCaT keratinocytes against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, counteracting cytotoxicity, reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial depolarization

“…For the first time, in this study, the antioxidant effect of arzanol was natural extracts and compounds against oxidative stress in human epidermal cells and skin pathologies (Jiang et al, 2020;Mirata et al, 2023;Wang et al, 2022). In our experimental conditions, HaCaT cells were cultured in DMEM medium containing high calcium (Ca 2+ ) amount, a condition favorable for keratinocyte differentiation (Colombo et al, 2017).…”

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Marine Collagen: A Scientific Exploration for Delaying Skin Aging

“…Finally, numerous bioactive peptide formulations can help stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity [52,54]. For example, extracts from brown algae have proven a plentiful resource for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds (Figure 6) [66]. Because of their photoprotective properties, these bioactive peptides can be used in cosmetic preparations for anti-aging skincare and sunscreen [66].…”

“…For example, extracts from brown algae have proven a plentiful resource for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds (Figure 6) [66]. Because of their photoprotective properties, these bioactive peptides can be used in cosmetic preparations for anti-aging skincare and sunscreen [66]. In one study, the brown algae, Ericaria amentacea, showed dose-dependent in vitro activity for reducing various markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen and hyaluronic degradation.…”

“…Further on, in rare cases, topical application of vitamin E has been linked to cases of contact dermatitis, erythema multiforme, and xanthomatous reaction [52]. As a result, recent trends in the anti-aging industry have demonstrated rising consumer interest in the natural bioactive compounds found in marine collagen rather than synthetic ingredients [66][67][68]. A recent study of the Portuguese antiaging cosmetic market revealed a 27% increase in marine collagen cosmetics from 2011 to 2018, with red algae being the most widely used marine ingredient [66].…”

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Marine Collagen: A Scientific Exploration for Delaying Aging

“…For example, extracts from brown algae have proven a plentiful resource for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds. Because of their photoprotective properties, these bioactive peptides can be used in cosmetic preparations for anti-aging skincare and sunscreen [35]. In one study, the brown algae, Ericaria amentacea, showed dose-dependent in vitro activity for reducing various markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and collagen and hyaluronic degradation.…”