Anti-aging potential of Monascus purpureus pigments in skin care.

Context: Natural pigments derived from microbial sources are garnering increasing attention owing to their multifunctional roles in cosmetic and biomedical applications.

Objective: We investigated the antioxidant and biological activities of biocolor extracts of Monascus purpureus cultivated in potato dextrose broth supplemented with 1% Tubtim chumphae (Oryza sativa L., Poaceae) broken rice (MPTR).

Materials and methods: M. purpureus TISTR 3615 pigment yield and quality under fermentation conditions with and without 1% Tubtim chumphae broken rice were examined. Liquid chromatography was performed to determine and quantify the key components of the extracts. The biological activities of the extracts were investigated using antioxidant and enzyme inhibition assays. Cell viability assay was performed to determine the safety of the extracts on human dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, cellular collagen and elastin production promoted by the extracts was also investigated.

Results: Notably, MPTR extract demonstrated superior pigment production compared with conventional potato dextrose broth cultured fungi. MPTR extract exhibited potent antioxidant properties and was non-cytotoxic to human skin fibroblasts at concentrations up to 0.5 mg/mL. MPTR extract effectively inhibited collagenase and elastase enzymes, and induced cellular collagen type I and elastin production. Moreover, MPTR extract promoted wound healing, significantly reducing the wound area by up to 90% within 48 h.

Discussion and conclusion: MPTR extract from M. purpureus TISTR 3615 fermented with broken rice exhibited antioxidant properties as well as collagenase and elastase inhibitory activities, and promoted cellular collagen type I and elastin production. MPTR extract is a promising skin anti-aging agent for cosmetic and cosmeceutical applications.