Anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities of Ardisia elliptica Thunb. extract: in vitro and molecular docking insights

Ardisia elliptica Thunb. (AET) has been recognized as a source of natural active ingredients with antioxidant and anti-aging properties. However, its mode of action remains inadequately elucidated. This study aims to characterize the phytochemical profile and evaluate the antioxidant and collagenase- and elastase-inhibitory activities of AET extract in vitro , as well as elucidate the potential interaction mechanisms of the compounds with enzyme active sites through molecular docking. Different plant parts (leaves, flowers, and fruits) were extracted using 70% ethanol by ultrasound-assisted extraction followed by maceration. Phytochemical analysis encompassed the quantification of total phenolic and flavonoid contents and metabolite profiling using liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Antioxidant activities were measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The leaf extract demonstrated the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, with IC 50 values of 54.21 ± 2.21 and 43.73 ± 0.64 μg/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively. Furthermore, it showed significant collagenase- and elastase-inhibitory activities, with IC 50 values of 104.11 ± 11.20 and 294.67 ± 8.52 μg/mL, respectively. Its collagenase-inhibitory activity was comparable to that of the positive control, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), but remained lower for elastase inhibition. Additionally, molecular docking predicted the strong potential of bilobol, α-linolenic acid, and monoolein as collagenase inhibitors, with MolDock scores of −131, −121, and −119, respectively. Monoolein, bilobol, and erucamide exhibited potential elastase-inhibitory activity, with MolDock scores of −139, −133, and −129, respectively. These findings highlight AET leaf extract as a promising natural candidate for the development of phytocosmetic products, particularly for anti-aging applications with collagenase- and elastase-inhibitory mechanisms.