Potential application of oat-derived ceramides in improving skin barrier function: Part 1. Isolation and structural...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Dermatology
• Cosmetic Science

Background:

• Impaired skin barrier function and dryness in conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and aged skin are linked to ceramide depletion.
• Phyto-ceramides (CERs) from wheat and rice are known to restore epidermal CERs and skin barrier function.
• Limited exploration exists for alternative plant sources of CERs for dermal applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate Ethiopian oat grain (Avena abyssinica) as a novel source of ceramides.
• To isolate and structurally characterize glucosylceramides (GlcCERs) from Ethiopian oat lipids.
• To assess the potential of oat-derived CERs for skincare and dietary supplements.

Main Methods:

• Glucosylceramides (GlcCERs) were isolated from Ethiopian oat lipid extracts.
• GlcCER species were separated using reversed-phase HPLC and identified via tandem MS.
• Ceramides were obtained after acid cleavage of GlcCERs and characterized using LC-MS, HR/ESI-MS, and NMR analyses.

Main Results:

• Oat-derived GlcCERs comprised C18 dihydroxy sphingoid bases linked to α-hydroxylated fatty acids (C16-C24).
• The predominant species were sphingenine linked to hydroxypalmitic acid and hydroxyarachidic acid.
• Quantification revealed 193.5 mg/kg of GlcCERs in oat grain, comparable to commercial sources.

Conclusions:

• Ethiopian oat grain is a viable source of ceramides with structures similar to commercial phyto-CERs.
• Oat-derived CERs show potential for both topical skincare formulations and oral dietary supplements.
• Further research can validate the efficacy of oat CERs in restoring skin barrier function.