Skin aging is a natural, unavoidable, and complex process caused by oxidative stress. As a consequence, it leads to an increase in the activation of extracellular matrix disruption enzymes and DNA damage. The search for natural sources that inhibit these mechanisms can be a good approach to prevent skin aging. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the composition of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the extracts obtained from the flowers, roots, and leaves of Eutrema japonicum cultivated in Poland. Then, the resultant extracts were subjected to an assessment of antioxidant, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-hyaluronidase, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties. It was demonstrated that the extract from the flowers had the highest content of flavonoid glycosides (17.15 mg/g DE). This extract showed the greatest antioxidant, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase activities compared to the other samples. Importantly, the collagenase inhibitory activity of this extract (93.34% ± 0.77%) was better than that of positive control epigallocatechin gallate (88.49% ± 0.45%). An undeniable advantage of this extract was also to possess moderate antibacterial properties and no cytotoxicity towards normal human skin fibroblasts. Our results suggest that extracts from E. japonicum flowers may be considered as a promising antiaging compound for applications in cosmetic formulations.
Keywords: Brassicaceae; Eutrema japonicum; antiaging activity; flavonoids; phenolic acids.