Chemical constituents of Tilia taquetii leaves and their inhibition of MMP-1 expression and elastase activities.

The ethanol extract of Tilia taquetii Schneider leaves was investigated for its anti-wrinkle properties and for the relevant chemical constituents. Phytochemical studies led to the identification of five known compounds, viz. phytol (1), isoquercitrin (2), oleanderolide (3), arjunolic acid (4) and maslinic acid (5) from the extract. Of these, compounds 4 and 5 inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of collagen fiber. Moreover, compound 5 showed inhibition activity on elastase, a protease enzyme capable of degrading elastin. These results suggest that the extract of T. taquetii containing the triterpenes 4 and 5 could be applied as anti-wrinkle ingredients in cosmetic preparations.