article · Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
Prolonged skin exposure to intrinsic and extrinsic factors accelerates inflammation-induced skin aging (inflammaging), resulting in structural degradation. This study highlights the effects of Terminalia catappa fruit polyphenolic-enriched extract (PEF) in counteracting D-galactose-induced skin aging. The total ethanolic extract and PEF were characterized using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS/MS) and investigated in vitro for enzymes inhibitory activities. PEF was formulated into 3% and 5% gels and applied topically in a murine mouse model of D-galactose-induced inflammaging. Oxidative stress biomarkers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cellular senescence markers were analyzed alongside histopathological assessment. A total of 92 metabolites were identified, with 40 reported for the first time in fruit, mainly hydrolyzable tannins and triterpenes. PEF demonstrated the highest inhibitory activity against collagenase (IC 50 = 73 ± 3 μg/mL) and elastase (IC 50 = 37 ± 2 μg/mL), outperforming the epigallocatechin gallate. The 5% PEF gel decreased oxidative stress by increasing catalase and superoxide dismutase activities alongside decreasing malondialdehyde levels. It suppressed TNF-α and IL-1β, resulting in downregulating the senescence markers (iNOS and p16, p53, and p21), correlating with improved histopathological skin integrity. These findings support the anti-inflammaging and cellular anti-senescence potential of T. catappa fruit polyphenols encouraging their inclusion in anti-aging cosmeceutical formulations. • Total methanolic extract resulted in polyphenolic-enriched and ethanolic fractions • Identified 92 metabolites, mainly hydrolyzable tannins and triterpenes • PEF exhibited potent collagenase and elastase inhibitory activities in vitro • Topical 5% PEF gel in vivo revealed a significant anti-inflammatory effect • The study evidenced by biochemical and histopathological analyses in a mouse model
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2026.102867
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
