Anemopsis californica Attenuates Photoaging by Regulating MAPK, NRF2, and NFATc1 Signaling Pathways

Long-term exposure of the skin to solar radiation causes chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which accelerates collagen degradation. This contributes to the formation of wrinkles and dark spots, skin fragility, and even skin cancer. In this study, Anemopsis californica (AC), a herb from North America that is well known for treating microorganism infection and promoting wound healing, was investigated for its photoprotective effects. The biological effects of AC were studied on two in vitro models, namely, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages and ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated dermal fibroblasts, to characterize its underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that AC decreased the mRNA levels of inflammatory mediators in sensitized macrophages, including cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). Moreover, AC alleviated UVB-induced photoaging in dermal fibroblasts by restoring procollagen synthesis. This resulted from the regulation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) by AC, which was mediated by the activation of the antioxidative system nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). AC also alleviated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by inhibiting the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and interfering with the nuclear translocation of the immune regulator nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1). In conclusion, the protective effects of AC on skin cellular components suggested that it has the potential for use in the development of drugs and cosmetics that protect the skin from UVB-induced chronic inflammation and aging.

Biosíntesis y caracterización de nanoestructuras por microscopía electrónica

Los métodos de obtención de nanoestructuras han sido un área de estudio fundamental desde el inicio del auge de la nanotecnología. La biosíntesis de nanoestructuras se inspira en los mecanismos que tienen algunos microorganismos y plantas para subsistir en ambientes con estrés químico. En el presente trabajo se presentan resultados novedosos que ha logrado nuestro grupo de investigación para generar nanoestructuras de Au y Ag con una morfología fácilmente sintonizable a partir de los extractos de té verde (Camellia sinensis), y hierba del manso (Anemopsis californica), como agentes reductores de los iones Au+3 y Ag+1; así como la obtención de nanopartículas de magnetita (Fe2O3) con un control de tamaño y de fase superior a lo reportado en literatura para métodos biogénicos. Adicionalmente se demuestra el uso efectivo de biotemplates para diseñar materiales nanoestructurados con métodos de síntesis verde. Finalmente se exhibe evidencia de los nanomateriales obtenidos por biosíntesis en base a la caracterización con Microscopía Electrónica de Transmisión, Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido y Espectroscopia de Dispersión de Energía de Rayos-X.

SERS properties of biogenic gold nanoparticles synthesized using Anemopsis californica extract.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been classified as one of the most attractive nanotechnologies, thanks to their potential or already implemented applications; therefore, biological methods for their synthesis have been widely investigated. This study explores the synthesis of AuNPs using the extract of Anemopsis californica, and determinates the effect of the solvent used (water, methanol, and isopropanol) to obtain the AuNPs. Biogenic nanoparticles were analysed through UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM, HRTEM, and SAED). Significant differences in polydispersity and morphology of AuNPs among the different methods used were found; the aqueous extract and the extract based on methanol formed nanotriangles and polyhedral nanoparticles; the shape of the nanoparticles is predominantly polyhedral when isopropanol is used as the solvent. The as obtained nanoparticles were placed on glass slides to perform Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) experiments, an amplification of the methylene blue Raman signal was observed when triangular nanoparticles cover the biogenic SERS substrate.

Storage Effect on Phenols and on the Antioxidant Activity of Extracts fromAnemopsis californicaand Inhibition of Elastase Enzyme

The amount of total phenols and flavonoids and the antioxidant activity of leaf, stem, and rhizome methanolic extracts from a commonly consumedAnemopsis californicaunder different storage conditions were investigated. Storage conditions were at 50, 25, 4, and −20°C, protected or not from light, during 180 days. The inhibition of the elastase enzyme was also evaluated. The results demonstrated that leaf, stem, and rhizome methanolic extracts ofAnemopsis californicamaintain approximately up to 97 and 95% stability in phenolic content and antioxidant activity, respectively, when stored during 60 days at −20°C in the dark. Additionally, these extracts, principally from leaf and rhizome, showed an elastase inhibitory effect by 75 and 71.8%, respectively. Therefore, this study provides the basis for further research on the anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand,Anemopsis californicacould comprise a good alternative of use as antioxidant in foods.