AUTHOR=Wang Qian , Yang Xiaoyan , Zhu Changwei , Liu Guodong , Han Weili , Sun Yujun , Qian Lisheng 

TITLE=Valorization of Polysaccharides From Benincasa hispida: Physicochemical, Moisturizing, and Antioxidant Skincare Properties

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.912382

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2022.912382

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p><italic>Benincasa hispida</italic> Cogn. (<italic>B. hispida</italic>) is a popular vegetable in China, and studies have been reported on <italic>B. hispida</italic> polysaccharides (BPS) preparation. However, few studies have been reported on its physicochemical and skincare properties. In this study, we analyzed the physicochemical properties of BPS, free radical scavenging capability, moisturizing and antioxidant activities <italic>in vitro</italic> and <italic>in vivo</italic>, respectively. Our results show that BPS was an inhomogeneous acidic polysaccharide that could scavenge a variety of free radicals. Also, BPS had a good moisturizing and antioxidant capability both <italic>in vitro</italic> and <italic>in vivo</italic>. Specifically, BPS could alter some key antioxidant enzyme activities and pro-inflammatory factor levels via activating the NRF2/HO-1 pathway, thereby preventing H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis of HDF-1 cells. Our results suggest that BPS exhibited favorable moisturizing and anti-aging properties and might be an attractive candidate for the development of anti-aging skincare products.</p>