Untargeted metabolomic profiling reveals potential skin aging benefits of an extract from Myrothamnus flabellifolia, a desiccation-tolerant medicinal plant
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Presented by: Gabrielle Misset
Introduction: The process of skin aging in humans is complex and is induced by multiple factors, including genetic (intrinsic) and various environmental (extrinsic) ones. Although there are lacunae in our understanding, several studies have pointed towards biological processes such as alterations in DNA repair and stability, mitochondrial function, cell cycle and apoptosis, ubiquitin-induced proteolysis, and cellular metabolism. To investigate the latter, untargeted metabolomics is emerging as a powerful tool at a molecular level. Thus, power of metabolomics can be utilized to understand the relevance of metabolic changes in human skin, both as drivers of functional deterioration as well as a target for anti-aging treatments and if the treatment has a beneficial effect. Thus, it appeared interesting to investigate the potential metabolomic changes induced by Myrothamnus flabellifolia, a traditional African medicine. The uniqueness of this plant is its capacity to revive after months of desiccation thanks to key metabolites.
Objective: Here, we evaluated biochemical changes on skin of 32 individuals after application with a formulation containing an extract of M. flabellifolia, using metabolomics analysis.
Methods: The study included facial skin metabolome analysis of 32 Asian women, 45 to 60 years old, representing all skin types. The study was conducted in compliance with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. The volunteer’s written informed consent to participate in the study was obtained prior to the study, all data was analyzed anonymously and steps were taken to protect the identities of all participant. The women applied the formulation containing M. flabellifolia twice a day for 56 days. D-Squame sampling on the cheek was done on D0 & D56 for untargeted metabolomics analysis that was performed at Metabolon, Inc (Morrisville, NC). In brief, samples were extracted and split into equal parts for analysis on the LC/MS/MS and Polar LC platforms. Proprietary software was used to match ions to an in-house library of standards for metabolite identification and for metabolite quantitation by peak area integration. Matched pairs t-test, Random Forest Analysis, and Principal Component Analysis were used to analyze the data. We also carried out metabolite profiling of M. flabellifolia extract and did a comparative analysis of plant metabolites and skin metabolite pathways.
Results: Overall, the results demonstrated post-application metabolomic signatures that suggest changes in skin hydration (reduced protein degradation, elevated osmolyte and sugar levels), lipid barrier alterations (fatty acids, lipolysis, sphingolipids, endocannabinoids), increased vitamin availability and utilization (vitamin C and E), and elevated allantoin (via purine metabolism). Additionally, treated subjects demonstrated significant increases in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates such as succinate, fumarate, and 2-methylcitrate/homocitrate. These TCA cycle intermediates were also elevated in the M. flabellifolia extract. These findings indicate that the formulation supplements skin with its energy substrates that may contribute towards improving mitochondrial function.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated significant biochemical changes after application of the active formula, in addition the plant extract brings its metabolites to the skin. Collectively these properties might act to improve skin quality and aging signs.
Objective: Here, we evaluated biochemical changes on skin of 32 individuals after application with a formulation containing an extract of M. flabellifolia, using metabolomics analysis.
Methods: The study included facial skin metabolome analysis of 32 Asian women, 45 to 60 years old, representing all skin types. The study was conducted in compliance with the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. The volunteer’s written informed consent to participate in the study was obtained prior to the study, all data was analyzed anonymously and steps were taken to protect the identities of all participant. The women applied the formulation containing M. flabellifolia twice a day for 56 days. D-Squame sampling on the cheek was done on D0 & D56 for untargeted metabolomics analysis that was performed at Metabolon, Inc (Morrisville, NC). In brief, samples were extracted and split into equal parts for analysis on the LC/MS/MS and Polar LC platforms. Proprietary software was used to match ions to an in-house library of standards for metabolite identification and for metabolite quantitation by peak area integration. Matched pairs t-test, Random Forest Analysis, and Principal Component Analysis were used to analyze the data. We also carried out metabolite profiling of M. flabellifolia extract and did a comparative analysis of plant metabolites and skin metabolite pathways.
Results: Overall, the results demonstrated post-application metabolomic signatures that suggest changes in skin hydration (reduced protein degradation, elevated osmolyte and sugar levels), lipid barrier alterations (fatty acids, lipolysis, sphingolipids, endocannabinoids), increased vitamin availability and utilization (vitamin C and E), and elevated allantoin (via purine metabolism). Additionally, treated subjects demonstrated significant increases in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates such as succinate, fumarate, and 2-methylcitrate/homocitrate. These TCA cycle intermediates were also elevated in the M. flabellifolia extract. These findings indicate that the formulation supplements skin with its energy substrates that may contribute towards improving mitochondrial function.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated significant biochemical changes after application of the active formula, in addition the plant extract brings its metabolites to the skin. Collectively these properties might act to improve skin quality and aging signs.