Work

Multi-Target Anti-Aging Mechanisms of Multani Mitti (Fuller’s Earth): Integrating Enzyme Inhibition and Molecular Docking for Cosmeceuticals

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The growing demand for natural anti-aging ingredients necessitates scientific validation of traditional cosmetic materials. Multani Mitti (MM), a clay widely used in South Asian traditional skincare, lacks comprehensive chemical and biological characterization. This study employed a multi-analytical approach to investigate MM’s anti-aging potential through chemical analysis, enzyme inhibition studies, and in silico evaluations. Five commercial MM samples were pooled and analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). INAA revealed silicon as the predominant inorganic constituent (169.3742 mg/g), while GC-MS identified 13 bioactive compounds, with Beta-sitosterol (15.45% area), Docosanamide (12.36% area), and Cyclohexasiloxane (9.80% area) being the most abundant. MM demonstrated significant enzyme inhibition against key aging-related enzymes, with notably strong effects on hyaluronidase (IC50: 18 μg/mL) and tyrosinase (IC50: 27 μg/mL), outperforming standard inhibitors. The antioxidant activity showed moderate effectiveness (IC50: 31.938 μg/mL) compared to ascorbic acid (IC50: 8.5 μg/mL). Molecular docking studies of identified compounds against hyaluronidase (PDB: 1FCV) and tyrosinase (PDB: 3NQ1) revealed Beta-sitosterol and Benzyl-piperazine-carboxamide as the most promising candidates, showing strong binding affinities (−8.5 and −8.6 kcal/mol, respectively) and favorable ADMET profiles. This comprehensive characterization provides the first scientific evidence supporting MM’s traditional use in skincare and identifies specific compounds that may contribute to its anti-aging properties, warranting further investigation for modern cosmetic applications.

Source: Cosmetics

DOI: 10.3390/cosmetics12030124

Authors: Muhammad Javid Iqbal, Pía Loren, Viviana Burgos, Luis A. Salazar

Institutions: Universidad de La Frontera, Government College University, Faisalabad, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Universidad Santo Tomás

Language: English

Topic: Skin Protection and Aging

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172