Functional Properties and Components of Koenigia alpina Extract

Area of Science:

• Botany
• Pharmacology
• Cosmeceutical Science

Background:

• Koenigia alpina (alpine knotweed) is a Polygonaceae family herb.
• While other Polygonaceae species are studied for cosmeceutical use, K. alpina remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cosmeceutical potential of K. alpina extracts.
• To evaluate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, whitening, and antiaging effects.

Main Methods:

• Induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells using H2O2 and lipopolysaccharide.
• Assessed free-radical scavenging (DPPH, H2O2), tyrosinase inhibition, collagenase/elastase inhibition, and wound healing.
• Analyzed nitric oxide production and identified key components using HPLC, UV, and MS/MS.

Main Results:

• K. alpina extracts demonstrated potent free-radical scavenging and significant tyrosinase, collagenase, and elastase inhibition.
• Extracts effectively inhibited nitric oxide production and promoted wound healing in cells.
• Key compounds identified include cardamonin, quercetin, and quercitrin.

Conclusions:

• K. alpina extracts possess notable antioxidant, antiaging, whitening, and anti-inflammatory activities.
• These properties indicate K. alpina's promising potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient for antiaging applications.