Artichoke Polyphenols Produce Skin Anti-Age Effects by Improving Endothelial Cell Integrity and Functionality

Abstract

Artichoke is a characteristic crop of the Mediterranean area, recognized for its nutritional value and therapeutic properties due to the presence of bioactive components such as polyphenols, inulin, vitamins and minerals. Artichoke is mainly consumed after home and/or industrial processing, and the undersized heads, not suitable for the market, can be used for the recovery of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, for cosmetic applications. In this paper, the potential skin anti-age effect of a polyphenolic artichoke extract on endothelial cells was investigated. The methodology used was addressed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and the improvement of gene expression of some youth markers. The results showed that the artichoke extract was constituted by 87% of chlorogenic, 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic, and 1,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acids. The extract induced important molecular markers responsible for the microcirculation and vasodilatation of endothelial cells, acted as a potential anti-inflammatory agent, protected the lymphatic vessels from oxidative damage by ROS formation, and enhanced the cellular cohesion by reinforcing the tight junction complex. In addition, the artichoke extract, through the modulation of molecular pathways, improved the expression of genes involved in anti-ageing mechanisms. Finally, clinical testing on human subjects highlighted the enhancement by 19.74% of roughness and 11.45% of elasticity from using an artichoke extract cosmetic formulation compared to placebo cream.

Antidiabetic, Anticholinesterase and Antioxidant Activity vs. Terpenoids and Phenolic Compounds in Selected New Cultivars and Hybrids of Artichoke Cynara scolymus L.

“…The previously mentioned edible parts of artichoke constitute only 15–20% of total biomass of the plant. Remaining wastes are unsuitable for consumption, however, they are a rich source of inulin (which is a prebiotic) and polyphenolic compounds [6,7]. Artichoke residues from food industry can also be used as biofuels, thus treating them as a solid waste is uneconomical [7].…”

“…Remaining wastes are unsuitable for consumption, however, they are a rich source of inulin (which is a prebiotic) and polyphenolic compounds [6,7]. Artichoke residues from food industry can also be used as biofuels, thus treating them as a solid waste is uneconomical [7]. To solve the problem of competition between the food industry and the pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic industry, it seems appropriate to use parts of artichoke that are unsuitable for the market for the recovery of bioactive compounds for non-food applications.…”

Production of Vegetables and Artichokes Is Associated with Lower Cardiovascular Mortality: An Ecological Study

“…In addition, improved hypertension, body mass index, cardio-metabolic parameters, and hepato-protective effects have been observed [ 67 , 68 , 69 ]. Artichoke extract may be relevant as a therapeutic factor for atherosclerosis due to it lowering the rates of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nitric oxide regulation effects [ 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 ].…”

Nondestructive Determination and Visualization of Quality Attributes in Fresh and Dry Chrysanthemum morifolium Using Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging

“…Chlorogenic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid are the main active ingredients in Chrysanthemum morifolium. Medical benefits of these three ingredients have been reported in literature [2][3][4]. Determination of chlorogenic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and 3,5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid content is of great importance for quality monitoring of Chrysanthemum morifolium.…”