Screening for potential skin benefits of edible botanical extracts on a model associating in-vitro intestinal barrier passage with ex vivo human skin

We aimed to set up a functional in vitro system, combining the Caco-2 cell line intestinal barrier passage with ex vivo human skin explant to evaluate the effects of edible ingredients on skin health through full transcriptomic and specific biomarker assessments. After validation of this model, we have investigated several polyphenols-rich botanical extracts, already used as oral supplements tested now for skin health potentials. Out of five extracts tested, four (Combination of Immortelle and Clove, Hibiscus, Cranberry, and Olive extracts) have showed modulations of a wide range of gene expressions related to antioxidant and detoxifying cell process in the skin tissue, along with a lipid synthesis reduction. Additionally, Hibiscus and Olive extracts showed a protective effect on lipid peroxidation by reducing the malondialdehyde (MDA) production, a marker proposed for oxidative status. These in-vitro model and data should enhance representativity of nutricosmetic potential but remain to be confirmed by in vivo trials. • In vitro methodology for intestinal barrier passage and skin benefit evaluation. • Several botanical extracts achieve activities on gene expression and MDA production. • Primary putative benefit related to cell antioxidant and detoxifying functions. • Secondary putative benefit is related to inhibition of lipidic accumulation.