Comparative Study of the Antioxidant Mediated Antiaging Properties of Endocarp Extracts From Phoenix dactylifera and Phoenix

ABSTRACT

The rising demand for sustainable cosmeceuticals has driven us to explore the botanical source for anti‐aging application. This comparative study explores the antioxidant mediated anti‐aging potential of two varieties of dates Phoenix dactylifera (Zahidi dates) and Phoenix dactylifera L. (Piarom dates), through both in vitro and in silico analysis. It aims to evaluate antioxidant potential, inhibition of anti‐aging protein and binding interaction of phytochemicals against the target of anti‐aging proteins. To achieve this, total phenolic and flavonoid content was analyzed, and radical scavenging activity was determined by DPPH analysis. The antioxidant enzymes SOD, catalase and peroxidase activity were assessed. Results revealed higher phenolic (92 ± 1.15 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (39.2 ± 0.11 mg CE/g) and % inhibition of DPPH (81.2 ± 1.46) in Phoenix dactylifera as compared to Phoenix dactylifera L., revealing its high antioxidant potential. Phoenix dactylifera exhibited a greater anti‐aging potential against ECM‐degrading proteins than Phoenix dactylifera L ., as evidenced by the inhibition percentages of elastase (49.69% ± 1.15%), hyaluronidase (51.65% ± 1.49%) and collagenase (58.41% ± 1.98%). LCMS analysis identified key phytochemicals that are madecassoside, glutaric acid, benzoquinoline, myrtenol and pimelic acid. FTIR and UV spectroscopy confirmed the presence of hydroxyl and phenolic compounds. These in vitro analyses were further validated by in silico pharmacokinetics that suggest the majority of phytochemicals have high skin permeability, high GI absorption and suitable bioavailability scores, with phosphatidylcholine ( Phoenix dactylifera L .) having a LogKp value of −0.27, and furostane ( Phoenix dactylifera ) having a LogKp value of −3.16. The molecular docking analysis revealed 6‐sec‐Butylquinoline ( Phoenix dactylifera ) and isonipecotic acid ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) outperforming with inhibition values reaching up to −11.8062 and −15.82 kcal/mol against ECM‐degrading protein targets. These findings support Phoenix dactylifera 's antioxidant mediated‐anti‐aging properties in comparison to Phoenix dactylifera L ., prompting subsequent in vivo and clinical research to confirm its effectiveness.