Standardized Extract from Wastes of Edible Flowers and Snail Mucus Ameliorate Ultraviolet B-Induced Damage in Keratinocytes

Abstract

Several studies have highlighted the ability of snail mucus in maintaining healthy skin conditions due to its emollient, regenerative, and protective properties. In particular, mucus derived from Helix aspersa muller has already been reported to have beneficial properties such as antimicrobial activity and wound repair capacity. In order to enhance the beneficial effects of snail mucus, a formulation enriched with antioxidant compounds derived from edible flower waste (Acmella oleracea L., Centaurea cyanus L., Tagetes erecta L., Calendula officinalis L., and Moringa oleifera Lam.) was obtained. UVB damage was used as a model to investigate in vitro the cytoprotective effects of snail mucus and edible flower extract. Results demonstrated that polyphenols from the flower waste extract boosted the antioxidant activity of snail mucus, providing cytoprotective effects in keratinocytes exposed to UVB radiation. Additionally, glutathione content, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and lipid peroxidation levels were reduced following the combined treatment with snail mucus and edible flower waste extract. We demonstrated that flower waste can be considered a valid candidate for cosmeceutical applications due to its potent antioxidant activity. Thus, a new formulation of snail mucus enriched in extracts of edible flower waste could be useful to design innovative and sustainable broadband natural UV-screen cosmeceutical products.

Innovative snail-mucus-extract (SME)-coated nanoparticles exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects for potential skin cancer prevention and treatment

“…It has been reported that snail mucus is able to counteract the damage generated by free radicals thanks to the presence of hyaluronic acid and antioxidants (Conte et al ). As previously reported, 24 low levels of polyphenols justified the poor antioxidant activity of SEM provided by “La lumaca Madonita”. To enhance antioxidant activity of snail mucus, it was extracted in a hydroalcoholic solution and subsequently freeze-dried.…”

“…Snail mucus extraction was performed according to a cruelty-free system using the patented extractor machine EXTRACTA as reported in our previous study. 24 Snail Mucus Extract was prepared from Snail Mucus mixed with 60% hydroalcoholic solution (food grade) and then filtered. The filtrate was concentrated at low temperature to remove the solvent and then spray-dried to obtain the standardized extract.…”

Gastropod Mucus: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Biological Activities, Applications, and Strategic Priorities

“…Some bioactive compounds in gastropod mucus also exhibit antioxidant activities, including certain peptides and polyphenols. 5,72 In canine skin cell models, secretion filtrate from snail mucus reduced the production of inflammatory mediators implicated in atopic dermatitis, including cytokines like IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A. 73 These antiinflammatory effects suggest the potential for snail mucus components as natural therapeutic agents for inflammatory skin conditions in veterinary species.…”

“…In vitro studies illustrated that antioxidant-rich edible flower waste extracts amplify the cytoprotective effects of snail mucus against UVB-induced damage in keratinocytes, as evidenced by enhanced antioxidant activity, reduced glutathione content, ROS, and lipid peroxidation levels, thereby suggesting potential cosmeceutical applications for flower waste. 72 Finally, most mollusc mucus demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, 50,76,77 conferring preservative effects against contaminants in cosmetics. However, antimicrobial efficacy varies widely between species and individuals.…”

“…Mucus derived from Limax maximus and Arion rufus decreased metabolic activity and proliferation in human keratinocytes, indicating potential for products promoting healthy skin cell turnover. In vitro studies illustrated that antioxidant-rich edible flower waste extracts amplify the cytoprotective effects of snail mucus against UVB-induced damage in keratinocytes, as evidenced by enhanced antioxidant activity, reduced glutathione content, ROS, and lipid peroxidation levels, thereby suggesting potential cosmeceutical applications for flower waste …”