Marigold flowers (Calendula officinalis) and comfrey root (Symphytum officinale) are plant materials traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing
topical
remedies for skin diseases. Also, they are the components of many popular ointments,
creams, and tinctures applied directly to the skin [1], [2].
The aim of the research was to establish the phytochemical composition of 70% ethanolic
extracts, the verification of its influence on the biodiversity of the skin microbiome
and evaluate its
metabolism by human skin microbiota.
The extracts were analyzed using HPLC-DAD-MS. It was shown that Calendula officinalis mostly contains phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins, and Symphytum officinale is
rich in
alkaloids, lignans, and phenolic acid derivatives.
16 s rDNA sequencing showed that tested extracts (at 2 mg/ml) have no influence on
the biodiversity of the skin microbiota after 24 h incubation. However, some qualitative
changes in
microbiota composition were observed. Changes in extracts composition after incubation
with skin microbiota for 24, 48, and 72 h were also assessed. Tinderesting application
and
data-transformation script in R [3] were used to screen for potential metabolites and microbiota-enhanced biodegradation.
The results showed extracts alter the composition of skin microbiota. That may play
a role in extractsʼ activity in the treatment of skin diseases. Microbiota-enhanced
biodegradation of
extracts was detected using a machine learning approach. Some metabolites were
detected in samples with comfrey root.
The authors declare no conflict of interest. The presented research was financially
supported by the NCN research grant Preludium Bis 2 No. 2020/39/O/NZ7/01 109.
