Available online 13 January 2023, 100629

Skin-protective properties of saffron were elucidated in human dermal fibroblasts.

Saffron extract exhibited tyrosinase and collagenase inhibition activities.

Saffron extract promoted collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis in HDFn.

Picrocrocin and crocetin stimulated cell migration to a greater degree than safranal in HDFn.

Saffron, Crocus sativus L, is a perennial spice herb. It has been extensively studied for its antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties, and has recently gained new interest for use in high-end cosmetics. The present work aims to elucidate the skin-protective properties of saffron in human dermal fibroblasts.

The skin-protective properties of saffron extract were evaluated in terms of tyrosinase and collagenase inhibition activities, antioxidant activity in mouse macrophage cells, collagen synthesis and hyaluronic acid synthesis and cell migration activity in primary dermal fibroblast normal human neonatal cells (HDFn).

Saffron’s main phytoactive constituents - crocins, picrocrocin, safranal, and crocetin - were quantified by LC-MS at 91.0, 61.5, 3.6, and 1.9 mg/g, respectively. Saffron extract inhibited tyrosinase and collagenase with IC50 0.78 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL, respectively. Saffron extracts (100-200 μg/mg) suppressed reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide generation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells and promoted collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis in HDFn. Saffron extract at 25 μg/mg significantly promoted migration of HDFn cells (wound healing capacity) compared to control (no treatment).

The findings highlighted the potential benefits of saffron extract relevant to skin resilience.

cetyltrimethylammonium bromide

Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium

N-(3-[2-furyl]acryloyl)-Leu-Gly-Pro-Ala

2’,7’-dichlorofluorescin diacetate

human dermal fibroblast

dermal fibroblast normal human neonatal cells

matrix metalloproteinases

pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate

phosphate buffered saline

reactive oxygen species

Crocus sativus L

tyrosinase

collagenase

collagen

hyaluronic acid

antioxidant activity

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