Assessment of the Effect of Berberine on Metalloprotease Enzymes Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity: Possible Application in Skin Aging

Skin aging has been defined to enclose both intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Phytochemicals are frequently used for developing skin care formulations and could protect the skin’s epidermal and dermal layers, consisting mainly of elastin and collagen, from UV radiation. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid and a biologically active component from plant sources. Our objective was to assess Berberine’s anti-aging capabilities by conducting elastase and collagenase enzyme inhibition and kinetic studies and to also evaluating its antioxidant capacity with three different methods. Furthermore, heat stability, pH and sun protection factor (SPF) of the formulated cream containing 1.5% berberine was evaluated. The elastase and collagenase IC50 values of berberine were estimated to be 47.54 and, 22.16 µg/mL respectively. Berberine was determined as an un-competitive inhibitor of elastase and collagenase. It scavenged DPPH and ABTS free radicals with IC50 values of 66.81 and 180.5 µg/mL respectively. 210.387 mg/L of berberine was equivalent in reducing power of 176 mg/L of ascorbic acid. SPF and pH value of cream containing berberine was found to be 12.3 and 5.62 respectively. In conclusion, these findings suggest that Berberine is a promising candidate for use as an active ingredient in cosmeceuticals, offering a natural approach to enhance skin health and reduce the visible signs of aging.