Cyperus fuscus: A natural source for anti-aging via elastase and collagenase inhibition

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ and protects against extrinsic factors while maintaining essential functions. Skin aging, influenced by pollution, ultraviolet radiation, stress, and unhealthy habits, involves intrinsic and extrinsic processes that degrade collagen and elastin fibers. This study examined Cyperus fuscus—a medicinal plant from the Cyperaceae family—for its potential to slow skin aging by inhibiting elastase and collagenase activity. Biological assays assessed the plant’s enzyme inhibition, while GC-MS profiling identified active compounds. C. fuscus extracts significantly inhibited elastase and collagenase activity. Methanol extracts had the strongest elastase inhibition, with underground-derived methanol extracts showing 35.39% inhibition at 2 µg/mL. For collagenase, underground methanol extracts had the greatest inhibitory effect (62.46% at 2 µg/mL), while the aerial water extract showed the lowest effect (22.21% at 2 µg/mL). Antioxidant assays confirmed high phenolic content, particularly in methanol extracts from aerial parts of the plant. The DPPH assay revealed antioxidative potential, with water extracts performing similarly to synthetic antioxidants. GC-MS analysis identified bioactive compounds, including benzoic acid, ginsenol, and hexadecanoic acid, suggestive of the plant’s therapeutic properties. These findings suggest C. fuscus as a promising natural anti-aging agent; however, further research is required to confirm its clinical potential.

Keywords

• Cyperaceae
• Cyperus fuscus
• Anti-aging
• Elastase
• Collagenase

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