Artificial Neural Network Modeling of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Containing 5-O-Caffeoylquinic Acid-Rich Cratoxylum formosum Leaf Extract for Skin Application

Purpose: To investigate the in vitro anti-skin-aging properties of Cratoxylum formosum extract and encapsulate this plant extract in nanostructured lipid carriers (CFE-NLCs) for dermal application. Methods: The biological properties of the plant extract, including enhanced procollagen type I synthesis and anti-matrix metalloproteinase activity, were evaluated to assess its cosmetic benefits. An artificial neural network (ANN) coupled with K-fold cross-validation was applied to investigate the effects of the formulants and optimize the CFE-NLCs. The physicochemical properties, percutaneous absorption, and irritation potential of the CFE-NLCs were analyzed. Results: Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that CFE contained 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid as the vital constituent. Appropriate skin-care properties were also demonstrated with respect to enhanced type I procollagen synthesis and the inhibition of MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 in primary human dermal fibroblasts. The optimal CFE-NLCs exhibited better skin absorption and biocompatibility and lower irritation potential than the free botanical extract solution. Conclusion: The findings obtained highlight CFE-NLCs as promising skin-care ingredients.