β-Cyclodextrin as an elicitor of polyphenolic contents of barley (Hurdeum vulgare) callus with antioxidant and anti-aging properties on human skin fibroblast cells (HFF2)

The skin, as the largest organ of body, plays a crucial role in human beauty, yet is vulnerable to aging due to ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure. Various methods, including intradermal injection, surgery, laser therapy, stem cell applications, and cosmetic treatments, are employed to combat skin aging. Phytochemicals, known for their antioxidant properties, are extensively studied for skincare. Barley (Hurdeum vulgare) contains diverse phenolic compounds, exhibiting strong antioxidant activity, potentially reducing cellular aging. Here, we examined the anti-aging properties of barley callus extract enriched with polyphenols in human skin fibroblast cells (HFF2) exposed to UVB radiation. β-cyclodextrin was used as an elicitor at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 ppm to enhance the production of polyphenolic compounds in the callus of black and yellow barley. A concentration of 5 ppm significantly increased the phenolic and flavonoid content in both black and yellow barley callus. Analysis of the extracts obtained from the callus showed that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of black barley callus, at a concentration of 0.1 μg/mL, enhanced cell viability and decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels while increasing sirtuin (SIRT1) production in UVB-exposed HFF2 cells. These extracts also exhibited high antioxidant effects and promoted cell migration, DNA integrity, and cell cycle advancement. The findings suggest the potential use of black barley callus extract in cosmetics to mitigate UV radiation effects and premature skin aging. Additionally, β-cyclodextrin is highlighted as a valuable elicitor for enhancing polyphenol content, contributing to the antioxidant and anti-aging properties of black barley callus for skincare applications.