Bioactivities and Phytochemical Potential of Vatica Diospyroides Flower Extracts

This study investigated the phytochemical composition and bioactivities of Vatica diospyroides flower extracts to evaluate their potential for natural product and cosmetic applications. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids, with ethanol extracts exhibiting the highest abundance of bioactive constituents. In all extracts, total phenolic content was higher than total flavonoid content. The ethanol bud extract showed strong antioxidant activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.00050 ± 0.00003 µg/mL in the DPPH assay. Anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated by 70% inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages at 2.5 mg/mL. The extract also exhibited potent tyrosinase inhibition (90% at 2.5 mg/mL), comparable to kojic acid, indicating potential for skin-brightening applications. Antimicrobial testing against Cutibacterium acnes showed dose-dependent inhibitory activity. In a scratch wound-healing assay, the ethanol bud extract enhanced fibroblast migration, achieving 46.7% wound closure after 48 h, approaching the effect of vitamin C. Collectively, these results demonstrate that V. diospyroides flower extracts possess multifunctional bioactivities relevant to cosmetic and dermatological applications. Further studies on formulation stability, safety, and clinical efficacy are warranted to support their development as natural cosmetic ingredients.