Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

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)
    • Aleksandra Ziemlewska
    • Zofia Nizioł-Łukaszewska
    • Martyna Zagórska-Dziok
    • Agnieszka Mokrzyńska
    • Witold Krupski
    • Magdalena Wójciak
    • Ireneusz Sowa

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

Back to top