Enhanced Antioxidant, Anti-Aging, Anti-Tyrosinase, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Vanda coerulea Griff. Ex Lindl. Protocorm through Elicitations with Chitosan

This study aimed to investigate the effects of elicitors on Vanda coerulea Griff. Ex Lindl. protocorms to enhance bioactive compound production and evaluate their biological activities relevant to cosmeceutical applications. The protocorms were developed from the callus treated with different elicitors, including 6-benzylaminopurine (BA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and chitosan. Both the adult plant and protocorms were extracted by maceration in 80% methanol and investigated for their chemical compositions using high-performance liquid chromatography. The extracts were evaluated for antioxidant, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-tyrosinase activities. In addition, anti-inflammatory properties were assessed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The irritation potency was evaluated using the hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane test. The findings revealed that protocorms treated with BA and chitosan developed a greener color, while those treated with MeJA exhibited a distinct darker coloration. Elicitation with BA and chitosan resulted in protocorms with comparable or higher levels of syringic acid, rutin, and quercin compared with the adult plant, with rutin being the most prominent identified compound. Furthermore, rutin was reported as the compound responsible for all biological activities. The chitosan-treated protocorm extract exhibited potent inhibition against oxidation, collagenase, elastase, tyrosinase, and inflammatory cytokines, along with a nonirritating effect, making it a promising candidate for cosmeceutical applications.