Anti-Aging, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytoprotective Properties of Lactobacillus- and Kombucha-Fermented C. pepo L. Peel and Pulp Extracts with Prototype Skin Toner Development.

2025-10-14
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 30(20)

PubMed: 41157100
DOI: 10.3390/molecules30204082

Study Design

Methods: Fermentation was carried out using Lactobacillus strains (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, and L. paracasei) and kombucha (SCOBY); the obtained products were analyzed by LC-MS for phytochemical composition and assessed for antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays), ROS reduction in keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (HDF), cytoprotective effects, anti-aging effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and a moisturizing skin toner containing the extracts and ferments was developed and tested for cytoprotective effects on HaCaT keratinocytes.

This study examined the cosmetic potential of extracts from the peel and pulp of fermented pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.). Fermentation was carried out using Lactobacillus strains (L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, L. fermentum, and L. paracasei) and kombucha (SCOBY). Fermentation was carried out for 3 days (for lactic acid bacteria) and 10 and 20 days (for kombucha). The obtained products were analyzed by LC-MS for phytochemical composition and assessed for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and ROS reduction in keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (HDF). The obtained ferments demonstrated cytoprotective effects (using Alamar Blue and Neutral Red assays). Both kombucha ferments and certain strains of Lactobacillus ferments demonstrated anti-aging effects (by inhibiting collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase) and anti-inflammatory effects (by significantly affecting IL-6 and IL-1β cytokine levels). A moisturizing skin toner containing the extracts and ferments was developed and tested for cytoprotective effects on HaCaT keratinocytes. The results confirm that fermented pumpkin peel and pulp extracts can be used as multifunctional cosmetic ingredients with the potential to provide antioxidant protection, anti-aging, and skin regeneration.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus rhamnosus HA-500	—	Improved Antioxidant Function	Beneficial	Moderate	View source The results confirm that fermented pumpkin peel and pulp extracts can be used as multifunctional cosmetic ingredients with the potential to provide antioxidant protection, anti-aging, and skin regeneration.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus HA-500	—	Improved Skin Aging	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Both kombucha ferments and certain strains of Lactobacillus ferments demonstrated anti-aging effects (by inhibiting collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase).
Lactobacillus rhamnosus HA-500	—	Reduced Skin Inflammation	Beneficial	Moderate	View source Both kombucha ferments and certain strains of Lactobacillus ferments demonstrated ... anti-inflammatory effects (by significantly affecting IL-6 and IL-1β cytokine levels).