In vitro bioactivities and formulation stability of Houttuynia cordata essential oil for cosmetic applications

Sangthong, S, Chaiwut, P, Pintathong, P, Suwannawong, B, Srisayam, M, Theansungnoen, T, Chandarajoti, K, Arabnozari, H, Sarker, SD ORCID: 0000-0003-4038-0514 and Nahar, L ORCID: 0000-0002-1157-2405 (2025) In vitro bioactivities and formulation stability of Houttuynia cordata essential oil for cosmetic applications. Scientific Reports, 15 (1). p. 37263. ISSN 2045-2322

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Abstract

Houttuynia cordata essential oil (HCEO) is a promising ingredient for acne-focused phytocosmetics. This in vitro study evaluated its volatile compounds, antimicrobial, antioxidant, wound-healing, anti-melanogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties, along with the stability of topical oil‑in‑water emulsions. GC-MS analysis identified n-decanoic acid (46.21%), β-myrcene (14.082%), and 2-undecanone (11.01%) as the main components. HCEO inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Cutibacterium acnes. It displayed antioxidant activity, with IC50 values of 13.25 ± 0.09 mg/mL (DPPH) and 17.44 ± 0.16 mg TEAC/g (FRAP). No cytotoxicity was observed in NIH/3T3 fibroblasts and RAW 264.7 macrophages (up to 500 µg/mL). HCEO enhanced fibroblast migration by 26.94% ± 1.12% at 400 µg/mL. It inhibited melanin synthesis in B16F10 and A375 cells, with IC50 values of 200.61 ± 2.19 and 152.16 ± 1.97 µg/mL, respectively, and tyrosinase activity (IC50 of 48.00 ± 0.01 µg/mL). Additionally, HCEO suppressed nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophages (IC50 of 1.176 ± 0.084 µg/mL). Oil-in-water emulsions containing HCEO maintained physical stability for eight weeks, indicating suitability for cosmetic product development. These findings suggest HCEO has potential as a natural ingredient for advanced skincare formulations targeting acne and skin inflammation, although further work is needed to optimise loading, assess skin permeation, and confirm efficacy in vivo.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Houttuynia cordata essential oil; Anti-melanogenesis; Antimicrobial; Antioxidant; Phytocosmetics; Wound healing; Animals; Oils, Volatile; Mice; Houttuynia; Cosmetics; Antioxidants; Humans; RAW 264.7 Cells; NIH 3T3 Cells; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Wound Healing; Candida albicans; Anti-Infective Agents; 30 Agricultural, Veterinary and Food Sciences; 31 Biological Sciences; 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences; 3107 Microbiology; 3006 Food Sciences; Infectious Diseases; Animals; Oils, Volatile; Mice; Houttuynia; Cosmetics; Antioxidants; Humans; RAW 264.7 Cells; NIH 3T3 Cells; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Wound Healing; Candida albicans; Anti-Infective Agents
Subjects:	R Medicine > RL Dermatology R Medicine > RS Pharmacy and materia medica
Divisions:	Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences
Publisher:	Springer Nature
Date of acceptance:	19 September 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	30 October 2025
Date Deposited:	30 Oct 2025 10:17
Last Modified:	30 Oct 2025 10:30
DOI or ID number:	10.1038/s41598-025-21278-x
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27446

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