Antioxidant Capacity of Potentilla paradoxa Nutt. and Its Beneficial Effects Related to Anti‐Aging in HaCaT and B16F10 Cells

Abstract

Skin aging is a natural process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and many skin anti‐aging strategies have been developed. Plants from the genus Potentilla has been used in Europe and Asia to treat various diseases. Potentilla paradoxa Nutt. has been used as a traditional medicinal herb in China and has recently been shown to have anti‐inflammatory effects. Despite the biological and pharmacological potential of Potentilla paradoxa Nutt., its skin anti‐aging effects remain unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the free radical scavenging, moisturizing, anti‐melanogenic, and wound‐healing effects of an ethanol extract of Potentilla paradoxa Nutt. (Pp‐EE). Pp‐EE was found to contain phenolics and flavonoids and exhibits in vitro antioxidant activities. α‐Linolenic acid was found to be a major component of Pp‐EE on gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Pp‐EE promoted the expression of hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis‐related enzymes and suppressed the expression of HA degradation‐related enzymes in keratinocytes, so it may increase skin hydration. Pp‐EE also showed inhibitory effects on the production and secretion of melanin in melanocytes. In a scratch assay, Pp‐EE improved skin wound healing. Taken together, Pp‐EE has several effects that may delay skin aging, suggesting its potential benefits as a natural ingredient in cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.