A bioactive enriched fraction derived from malts and hops, enhances keratinocyte antioxidant defenses and modulates psoriasis-like inflammation

A (poly)phenol enriched fraction, named Aliophen-XP, was obtained from a patented malt and hop derived formulation (Aliophen®). Here, we combined chemical profiling with in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in models relevant to psoriasis. Aliophen-XP was obtained by protein/carbohydrate depletion and C18 solid phase extraction (35% acetonitrile) and characterized by HPLC UV FLD ESI Q TOF MS/MS and nano LC Q-Orbitrap MS/MS. The fraction displayed a high abundance of barley phenolamides, predominantly hordatines and their glycosylated derivatives, together with minor flavonoid C glycosides and malt derived peptides. Total (poly)phenols and antioxidant capacity were 36.30 ± 2.15 mg quercetin equivalents/g (dw) and 81.92 ± 9.06 mg Fe2+/g (dw), respectively. In HaCaT keratinocytes, Aliophen-XP was non cytotoxic across tested exposures, markedly reduced tert-butyl hydroperoxide–induced ROS, and suppressed TNFα stimulated expression of IL 1β, IL 6, and IL 8, with concordant reduction of IL 6 protein. Aliophen-XP also increased NQO1 protein levels. In C57BL/6 J mice, preventive topical application (0.8–1.6 mg mL-1, 30 min before imiquimod) attenuated psoriasiform disease, reducing ear thickening, erythema and scaling (PASI components) and lowering tissue IL 17 A levels. The findings support further development of Aliophen-XP as a topical adjunct for psoriatic skin, including therapeutic onset regimens, formulation optimization, and fractionation guided mechanistic studies to define the active principles and pathways.