Exploring Tagetes erecta Linn flower for the elastase, hyaluronidase and MMP-1 inhibitory activity

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Traditionally Tagetes erecta Linn flower is claimed to treat skin diseases like sores, burns, wounds, ulcers, eczema and several other skin ailments. The aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the anti-wrinkle potential of standardized flower extract of Tagetes erecta. Materials and methods: The Tagetes erecta extract and fractions were screened for hyaluronidase, elastase and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) inhibitory activity compared with the activity of standard oleanolic acid. Syringic acid and beta-amyrin were obtained from the extract and quantified through RP-HPLC. Also the compounds were evaluated for anti-wrinkle activity. Results: The methanol extract showed significant (P-a < 0.05) hyaluronidase and elastase inhibition with IC50 of 11.70 +/- 1.79 mu g mL(-1) and 4.13 +/- 0.93 mu g mL(-1) respectively and better MMP-1 inhibition compared to standard oleanolic acid. The isolated compounds syringic acid and beta-amyrin found to inhibit enzymes comparable to oleanolic acid. The RP-HPLC analysis revealed that good amounts of syringic acid and beta-amyrin (2.30%, w/w and 0.06%) are present in Tagetes erecta. Conclusion: Tagetes erecta flower showed effective inhibition of hyaluronidase, elastase and MMP-1. Therefore, this experiment further rationalizes the traditional uses of this plant, which may be useful as an anti-wrinkle agent. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.