Antioxidant and Anti-Wrinkle Effects of Ethanolic Extract from Quercus acuta Thunb. Leaf and Branch

Quercus acuta Thunb (QA) has been reported to contain various polyphenolic and flavonoid components, contributing to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral effects.However, most studies have focused on Q. acuta Thunb leaves, and there is limited research comparing the physiological activities of leaves and branches or addressing wrinkle improvement.In this study, we investigated the antioxidant activity and wrinkle inhibition effects of Q. acuta Thunb leaf and branch extracts using hot water, 70% ethanol and 100% ethanol.Additionally, LC-MS/MS analysis was employed to identify the physiologically active components in Q. acuta Thunb leaves and branch extracts.The comparison of antioxidant activities between Q. acuta Thunb leaves and branches revealed higher antioxidant activity in Q. acuta Thunb branch extract, with an IC 50 value of 117.54 µg/mL in the ABTS radical scavenging assay.To verify the wrinkle improvement effect, the enzyme inhibition activity of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase was measured.The enzyme inhibition experiment results showed that Q. acuta Thunb branches 100% ethanol extract (QAB3) had enzyme inhibition activity, with IC 50 values of 390.40 µg/mL, 309.44 µg/mL and 307.98 μg/mL, respectively.RT-PCR results on epidermal cells (HaCaT) showed a decrease in the expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9, enzymes responsible for collagen degradation.Therefore, QAB3 extract proves to be a highly effective substance for antioxidant activity and wrinkle improvement, suggesting its potential use as a functional material in various beauty products.