In-vitro studies on antioxidant, anti-melanogenic and anti -wrinkle effects of medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant, anti-melanogenic and anti-wrinkle activity of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (G. uralensis) for cosmeceutical application. Methodology: The free radical scavenging activity of 1,3-butylene glycol (1,3-BG) extract of G. uralensis was analyzed using 1,1-dipheny1-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. The anti-melanogenesis and anti-wrinkle effects of G. uralensis extract were also analyzed by tyrosinase, zymography and collagen assays. Results: The EC50 of 1,3-BG extract of G. uralensis, determined by DPPH and ABTS assays, was 0.59% and 1.17%, respectively.The ORAC value of the extract was 41.56 pM trolox equivalent. The G. uralensis extract inhibited in vitro mushroom tyrosinase activity with an IC50 of 0.6%, and it also reduced melanin contents in mouse melanoma cells. In addition, the G. uralensis extract notably inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity via zymography. Approximately, 60% collagen production enhancement was observed upon treatment with the extract, suggesting its anti-wrinkle potential. Interpretation: The 1,3-BG extract of G. uralensis may be utilized as a cosmeceutical ingredient, offering anti-oxidant, brightening and anti-wrinkle effects. [GRAPHICS] .