Development of anti-ageing natural products based on biodiversity of the Greek flora by employing environmentally friendly technologies and anti-ageing biological research

VI Boka; A Sklirou; M Angelopoulou; A Konstantas; A Argyropoulou; H Pratsinis; D Bilalis; E Kalpoutzakis; N Aligiannis; D Kletsas; IP Trougakos; M Ralli; AL Skaltsounis

doi:10.1055/s-0035-1565634

Development of anti-ageing natural products based on biodiversity of the Greek flora by employing environmentally friendly technologies and anti-ageing biological research

VI Boka ¹, A Sklirou ², M Angelopoulou ³, A Konstantas ⁴, A Argyropoulou ¹, H Pratsinis ³, D Bilalis ⁴, E Kalpoutzakis ¹, N Aligiannis ¹, D Kletsas ³, IP Trougakos ², M Ralli ⁵, AL Skaltsounis ¹

¹Department of Pharmacognosy & Natural Products Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Athens, Zografou, 15771, Athens, Greece
²Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Zografou 15784, Athens, Greece
³Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre of Scientific Research ''Demokritos'', 11855, Athens, Greece
⁴Agricultural University of Athens, Department of Crop Science Lab. Of Crop Production, Iera Odos 75, 10445, Athens, Greece
⁵Korres S.A. Natural Products, 3 Drosini & Tatoiou Street Metamorfosi, 144 52, Athens, Greece

Abstract

Ageing is a complex process driven by diverse molecular pathways and biochemical events. It has been defined as the time-dependent decline of functional capacity and stress resistance and affects most of tissues and organs of the body. The aim of this study is the development of anti-ageing natural products by employing state-of-the art environmentally friendly technologies and anti-ageing biological research. Specifically, a high number of plants (600) from Greek flora was selected and extracted by using “green technologies” (SFE, ASE and MWE). The extracts were investigated for their chemical profile and for their in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH· and ABTS assays). Subsequently, the most promising extracts were applied to human diploid skin fibroblast cells and their antioxidant capacity was recorded by using the DCFH-DA assay. Based on these results 25 plant extracts were selected for further investigation. Assays were mainly based on normal human cells and refer to targets known to contribute cell protection from age-related damage. Specifically, they were tested for their efficacy against UV protection, as well as for their ability to modulate the proteasome and/or the autophagy-lysosome pathways functionality. “Multi-functional” extracts that apart from exerting antioxidant activity, are also activating main cellular pathways were identified. Plants affording the most bioactive extracts were cultivated, in order to protect the Greek biodiversity, while their chemical profile and biological activity was afresh confirmed. Among others, Rosa damascena R. and Sideritis scardica L. preparations showed the ability to reduce the ROS levels (to 24% and 51% compare to the control, respectively), while at a non-toxic concentration induced the activation of the proteasome LLVY/β5 peptidase activity. Finally, the results of the aforementioned biological research revealed these extracts as promising anti-ageing agents for potential usage as cosmeceuticals.