Evaluation of Skin Anti‑aging Potential of Citrus reticulata Blanco Peel

Background: The peel of Citrus reticulata Blanco is traditionally used as tonic, stomachic, astringent, and carminative. It is also useful in skin care. Objective: To study the anti‑aging potential of alcoholic extracts of C. reticulata Blanco peel using in vitro antioxidant and anti‑enzyme assays. Materials and Methods: Plant extracts were obtained by Soxhlation (CR HAE- Hot Alcoholic Extract of Citrus reticulata) and maceration method (CR CAE- Cold Alcoholic Extract of Citrus reticulata). Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis was performed. Further, in vitro antioxidant, anti‑enzyme, and gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS) analyses were performed. Results: Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of CR HAE were found to be higher than CR CAE. EC₅₀ value of CR HAE and CR CAE for 1,1‑Diphenyl‑2‑picrylhydrazyl, Superoxide anion, and 2, 2’‑azino‑bis (3‑ethylbenzothiazoline‑6‑sulfonic acid) assays were 250.33 ± 40.16 μg/ml and 254.73 ± 15.78 μg/ml, 221.27 ± 11.25 μg/ml and 354.20 ± 23.79 μg/ml, and 59.16 ± 2.17 μg/ml and 59.12 ± 6.21 μg/ml, respectively. Oxygen radical absorbance capacity values for CR HAE and CR CAE were found to be 1243 and 1063 μmoles 6‑hydroxy‑2,5,7,8‑tetra methylchromane‑2‑carboxylic acid equivalent/g of substance, respectively. Anti‑collagenase and anti‑elastase activities were evaluated for both CR HAE and CR CAE. EC50 values of CR HAE and CR CAE for anti‑collagenase and anti‑elastase were 329.33 ± 6.38 μg/ml, 466.93 ± 8.04 μg/ml and 3.22 ± 0.24 mg/ml, 5.09 ± 0.30 mg/ml, respectively. CR HAE exhibited stronger anti‑collagenase and anti‑elastase activity than CR CAE. GC‑MS analysis of CR HAE was carried out because CR HAE exhibited higher antioxidant and anti‑enzyme potential than CR CAE. Conclusion: C. reticulata peel can be utilized in anti‑wrinkle skin care formulations.