Comparison of Anti-Wrinkle Effect of Ethanol and Hot Water Extract from Safflower Flower Based on Anti-Aging Potential

Background: The safflower flower (Carthamus tinctorius) contains many bioactive substances and natural pigments. This study aimed to develop a safe and effective functional cosmetic material by comparing the antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects of C. tinctorius flower ethanol extract (CTE) and hot water extract (CTW).BRMethods and Results: First, the content of hydroxysafflor yellow A in CTE and CTW was determined. Subsequently, a cell-free system was used to examine the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of CTE and CTW. Furthermore, the effects of CTE and CTW on elastase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) were determined through enzymatic analysis or real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. The wound closure effect of CTW was also measured using the scratching assay in keratinocyte HaCaT cells. The DPPH scavenging activity of CTE was slightly higher than that of CTW. Regarding wrinkle formation, CTE unexpectedly increased MMP-1 and had no effect on elastase activity except at 1,000 ㎍/㎖ of CTE. In contrast, CTW inhibited both elastase activity and MMP-1 expression. CTW also showed a considerable increase in wound closure rate in the scratching assay.BRConclusions: In conclusion, CTW containing the natural pigment hydroxysafflor yellow A is an effective substance for wrinkle treatment and wound healing for skin aging.