Evaluation on the skin anti-aging potential of an aqueous extract from Oenanthe javanica (Blume) DC

Background: Water dropwort (Oenanthe javanica [Blume] DC.) has been used for the improvement of diverse health disorders in the traditional folk medicine. Objectives: This work aimed to primarily assess the skin anti-aging potential of its aerial parts. Materials and Methods: The dried aerial parts of water dropwort were extracted with water under high pressure and high temperature, which produced the resultant powdered extract, named OJW. The antiradical activity of OJW was quantitated using ABTS^•+ and 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assays. The in vitro scavenging activities of OJW against superoxide anion radical, hydrogen peroxide and nitrite ions were determined based upon spectrophotometric protocols. The anti-elastase and anti-hyaluronidase activities of OJW were spectrophotometrically determined. Results: The contents of total polyphenols and total flavonoids in OJW were determined to be 13.5 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/gram OJW and 16.9 ± 0.1 mg naringin equivalent/gram OJW, respectively. OJW exhibited total antiradical activities in both ABTS^•+ and DPPH scavenging assays. The scavenging activities of OJW on individual Reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anion radical, and nitrite ions were convinced. OJW exerted inhibitory activities on elastase and hyaluronidase. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis indicated the presence of two flavonoids, quercetin, and isorhamnetin, in OJW. Conclusion: O. javanica aerial parts possess skin anti-aging potential through the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-wrinkle activities.