From Antioxidants to Enzyme Inhibitors: The Multifaceted Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties of Methanolic extract of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis

Abstract

The methanolic extracts of Salvia officinalis (MES) and Rosmarinus officinalis (MER) were evaluated for their antioxidant, radical scavenging, and enzyme inhibitory activities to explore their potential as natural anti-aging agents. Antioxidant activities were assessed using reducing power, total antioxidant activity and metal chelating activity. MES and MER demonstrated significant antioxidant potential, with IC₅₀ values comparable to or slightly lower than standard antioxidants such as quercetin, ascorbic acid, and EDTA. The total antioxidant activity of both extracts was superior to α-tocopherol and showed a concentration-dependent increase across assays. In enzyme inhibition studies, MES and MER exhibited strong inhibitory activities against elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase, enzymes responsible for extracellular matrix degradation. MES showed slightly higher inhibitory effects, with elastase inhibition at 95.72%, collagenase inhibition at 88.72%, and hyaluronidase inhibition at 80.75%, comparable to standard inhibitors. These results highlight the potential of MES and MER to preserve skin elasticity, hydration, and structural integrity. This study demonstrates the therapeutic promise of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis extracts as natural antioxidants and anti-aging agents, suggesting their potential applications in dermatological formulations and cosmeceutical products.