Natural Bioactive Peptides from Tree Peony Flowers: Multifunctional Effects on Skin Antioxidation, Wrinkle Reduction,...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Dermatology
• Cosmetic Science

Background:

• Edible tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) flowers contain bioactive compounds.
• The skin-health benefits of their protein hydrolysates are not well-established.
• Research is needed to explore the potential of tree peony flower protein hydrolysate (TPFP) for skin applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, and whitening properties of TPFP.
• To assess the safety and biocompatibility of TPFP for skin cells.
• To identify the peptide composition of TPFP.

Main Methods:

• TPFP was prepared using enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrafiltration.
• Peptide identification was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
• In vitro assays were used to evaluate antioxidant (ROS inhibition, SOD/CAT activity), anti-wrinkle (pro-collagen I, MMP-1), moisturizing (HA content), and whitening (melanin synthesis, TYR/TRP-1/TRP-2 expression) effects on HaCaT keratinocytes and B16F10 melanoma cells.

Main Results:

• TPFP contains 54 unique small peptides and demonstrated no significant cytotoxicity in skin cells.
• TPFP exhibited potent antioxidant activity by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity.
• TPFP showed anti-wrinkle and moisturizing effects by preserving pro-collagen I, inhibiting MMP-1, and increasing hyaluronic acid (HA) content. It also suppressed melanin synthesis, indicating a whitening effect.

Conclusions:

• TPFP possesses comprehensive skin-health-promoting activities, including antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, and whitening effects.
• TPFP exhibits good biocompatibility, making it a safe ingredient for skin applications.
• TPFP is a promising natural functional ingredient for the cosmetic and functional food industries.