Multispectroscopic, virtual and in vivo insights into the photoaging defense mediated by the natural food colorant bixin

Food Funct. 2023 Jan 3;14(1):319-334. doi: 10.1039/d2fo02338e.

Abstract

An upsurge in early onset of photoaging due to repeated skin exposure to environmental stressors such as UV radiation is a challenge for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical divisions. Current reports indicate severe side effects because of chemical or synthetic inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) in anti-skin aging cosmeceuticals. We evaluated the adequacy of bixin, a well-known FDA certified food additive, as a scavenger of free radicals and its inhibitory mechanism of action on MMP1, collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. The anti-skin aging potential of bixin was evaluated by several biotechnological tools in silico, in vitro and in vivo. Molecular docking and simulation dynamics studies gave a virtual insight into the robust binding interaction between bixin and skin aging-related enzymes. Absorbance and fluorescence studies, enzyme inhibition assays, enzyme kinetics and in vitro bioassays of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells highlighted bixin's role as a potent antioxidant and inhibitor of skin aging-related enzymes. Furthermore, in vivo protocols were carried out to study the impact of bixin administration on UVA induced photoaging in C57BL/6 mice skin. Here, we uncover the UVA shielding effect of bixin and its efficacy as a novel anti-photoaging agent. Furthermore, the findings of this study provide a strong foundation to explore the pharmaceutical applications of bixin in several other biochemical pathways linked to MMP1, collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Collagenases
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Food Coloring Agents*
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronoglucosaminidase / metabolism
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Molecular Docking Simulation
  • Pancreatic Elastase
  • Skin Diseases*
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects

Substances

  • bixin
  • Collagenases
  • Food Coloring Agents
  • Hyaluronoglucosaminidase
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 1
  • Pancreatic Elastase