Journal of Agriculture and Food Research (Mar 2024)
Unlocking the anti-aging ingredients of Sacha inchi husk through ultrasound-assisted extraction: Response surface methodology and comprehensive analytical approach
Abstract
Sacha inchi husk (SIH), brown covering material of the seed, is considered as a by-product from edible oil production, yet it might be a functional ingredient for anti-aging applications owing to its polyphenols. The aims of this study were to evaluate the anti-aging functional properties including antioxidant and anti-enzymatic capacities of the optimally extracted SIH which was achieved by optimizing the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) using response surface methodology (RSM), with a focus on identifying the most effective conditions for maximal yield and polyphenol content. In addition, UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS was employed for phytochemical profiling of the extract. Furthermore, a docking simulation was conducted to elucidate the binding affinities of identified phytochemicals towards enzymes related to the aging process. Besides, the safety evaluation was determined in terms of cytotoxicity and irritation profile through Hen's egg test chorioallantoic membrane as an alternative method used to evaluate the irritation potential of chemicals. From the results of extraction optimization, the empirical mathematic models from RSM implied that a solvent composition of 70 % v/v ethanol in DI water, a Solvent-to-Plant ratio of 12:1, and a sonication time of 40 min, yielded an extract with high polyphenol content and favorable yield. Additionally, UAE markedly enhanced extraction efficiency compared to conventional maceration. Besides, the optimal extract demonstrated significant antioxidant and anti-enzymatic effects against collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presences of hydroxy acids, sphingoids, catechins and flavonoids of which kaempferol 3-(2″-p-coumarylglucoside), catechin, and epigallocatechin exhibited strong enzyme binding affinities with dock scores less than −6.5 kcal/mol. Furthermore, safety evaluation showed no irritation at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, and non-toxicity to human dermal fibroblasts at concentrations ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 mg/mL. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated that the SIH could be a promising functional ingredient for anti-aging applications showing significant antioxidant and anti-enzymatic effects.
