Anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase activities of selected traditional Chinese preparations

Skin aging can be related to the damage of the connective tissue and melanin over production. They may lead a loss of skin elasticity and pigmentation that are major signs of skin aging. Four traditional Chinese formulations were investigated for their anti-elastase and anti-tyrosinase properties. Methanolic extracts of the four traditional preparations Ermiao Wan (EW), Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (FFTSS), Si Miao San (SMS), and BuShenYiShou Capsules (BSYS) were evaluated along with standards by in-vitro enzymatic assays. The IC₅₀ of the elastase inhibition was 0.004, 0.330, 0.028 and 0.830 µg/mL for EW, FFTSS, SMS and BSYS, respectively while the IC₅₀ of the reference quercetin dihydrate was 0.480 µg/mL. On the other hand the IC₅₀ of the tyrosinase inhibitory activity was 0.77, 0.27, 0.98 and 1.68 µg/mL for EW, FFTSS, SMS and BSYS, respectively compared to L(+)-ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ 38.89 µg/mL). The most potent formulation among the selected traditional preparations was Ermiao Wan with a 100 fold stronger inhibitory activity of elastase and over a 50 fold higher inhibitory potential of tyrosinase compared to references. This study confirms not only the mode of action for traditional Chinese herbal formulations as anti-aging medicines but also proves that the treatment with extracts can be more effective as a single compound treatment. It would potentially establish new alternative therapeutics for skin disorders based on traditional medicines.

Financial support from the Austrian Federal Ministry of Science, Research and Economy and the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences is gratefully acknowledged.