A study published in the Journal of Dematologic Science and Cosmetic Technology has revealed that sea buckthorn-derived polysaccharides could promote skin health and vitality.
The group of researchers from the Inner Mongolia University found that three polysaccharide nutraceuticals extracted from the berry all showed potential in reducing oxidative stress.
These findings highlight the potential of sea buckthorn extracts in cosmeceutical and beauty from within applications.
Protecting the skin from external factors
The skin is a highly important organ in the human body, as it protects us from the external environment, while also preventing the entry of potentially harmful pathogens.
However, it is vulnerable to a range of environmental factors, including UV rays, pollution and smoke — which can significantly affect an individual's skin health.
Through prolonged and unchecked exposure to these factors, people may face irregularities in their skin barrier, as well as premature skin ageing.
As many plant polysaccharides have been touted for their strong antioxidant capacity, researchers wanted to determine if sea buckthorn berries could be used as a free radical-reducing cosmeceutical for skin health.
Sea buckthorn polysaccharides may reduce oxidative stress
To find out how a range of polysaccharides derived from sea buckthorn would fare as antioxidants, scientists extracted three different types of polysaccharides, which were extracted via hot water and ultrasonic extraction.
This included SPA — a polysaccharide eluted from deionised water — and SPB and C, which were eluted from 0.1 and 0.2 M of sodium choloride solution, respectively.
They then performed a range of in vitro assays to determine the thermal stability, morphology, molecular weight and composition of each polysaccharide — as well as assessing their ability to perform as an antioxidant.
Senior and corresponding author of this study's paper, Yongmin Zhang. “Thermogravimetric analysis showed that all four polysaccharides had good thermal stability.”
Researchers also found that all three polysaccharides had reducing potential, while also being able to neutralise superoxide anions to some capacity.
They also found that they could scavenge both DPPH and ABTS radicals, highlighting the potential of these polysaccharides in reducing oxidative stress at the skin barrier.
Better than vitamin C
Notably, not only were sea buckthorn polysaccharides found to be potent antioxidants, but they also outperformed vitamin C in eliminating free radicals.
Vitamin C has commonly been used as an antioxidant in both cosmetic and supplement formulations as an antioxidant ingredient.
Therefore, the results of this study could assert that other plant-based nutrients such as polyphenols could be incorporated into cosmeceutical products with better effects.
“Based on our findings, we believe sea buckthorn polysaccharides have strong potential for application in antioxidant and anti-ageing functional cosmetics.” concluded Zhang.
Reference
1 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950306X24000219?via%3Dihub