LC-MS analysis, In-vitro & in-silico antioxidant potential and cosmeceutical application of Crocus sativus (saffron)

The skin, a prominent organ undergoing noticeable changes over time, serves as a model for unravelling ageing complexities. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to intrinsic ageing, emphasising the need for interventions targeting skin health. This research highlights the Crocus sativus antioxidant properties and its cosmeceutical application on skin ageing, suggesting its efficacy in skin protection from ROS-induced damage. Eight phytochemicals were found useful for skin health because of strong binding score, low Kp value (skin permeability), potent antioxidant and anti-ageing properties, and great potential as dermatocosmetic products. Among these 8 phytochemicals, crocetin has a high binding score with tyrosinase, while fucosterol has shown considerable binding score with two proteins tyrosinase and elastase which play an important role in skin health. By applying molecular dynamics analysis, a highly docked complex was simulated. These findings underscore the promising role of saffron-derived compounds in skincare and cosmetic products through in vitro and in silico analysis.