Bioactive Characteristics of Extracts of Opuntia humifusa Fruit as Functional Cosmetic Ingredients

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the applicability of extracts of Opuntia humifusa fruit (OHF) as functional cosmetic ingredients. Methods: Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were measured, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical elimination, melanogenesis inhibition, microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), and tyrosinase expression were evaluated. Furthermore, inhibitory effects of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK), and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) were evaluated. Results: DPPH radical elimination and high polyphenol content were confirmed in extracts of OHF. As a result of a cytotoxicity experiment with the extracts of OHF on B16F10 and human dermal fibroblast cells, no cytotoxicity effects was observed at any of concentrations tested in both cells. The effects of melanogenesis inhibition even at a low concentration was established. In addition, a slight inhibitory effects on tyrosinase and MITF expression, reduction in MMP1 expression, and inhibition of phosphorylation of JNK were also confirmed. Conclusion: The extracts of OHF have excellent anti-oxidant effects, thus the extracts are valuable as ingredients in various functional cosmetics with whitening and wrinkle-improving effects.