Glucosyloxybenzyl Eucomate Derivatives from <i>Vanda teres</i> Stimulate HaCaT Cytochrome <i>c</i> Oxidase.

Eucomic acid [(2<i>R</i>)-2-(<i>p</i>-hydroxybenzyl)malic acid)] (<b>1</b>) and three new glucopyranosyloxybenzyl eucomate derivatives, vandaterosides I (<b>2</b>), II (<b>3</b>), and III (<b>4</b>), were isolated and identified from the stems of <i>Vanda teres</i>. Their cellular antiaging properties were evaluated in a human immortalized keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) by monitoring their effect on cytochrome <i>c</i> oxidase activity, implicated in mitochondrial respiratory function and cellular energy production. Eucomic acid (<b>1</b>) and vandateroside II (<b>3</b>) increased cytochrome <i>c</i> oxidase activity and/or expression, without enhancing cellular mitochondrial content. These two <i>V. teres</i> biomarkers apparently contributed to stimulate respiratory functions in keratinocytes. Since aging and its pathologies may be ascribed to a decline in mitochondrial functions, these biomarkers have the potential to become new natural ingredients for antiaging preparations to remedy age-related disorders such as skin aging.