SUSTAINABLE VALORIZATION OF GARDENIA JASMINOIDES BUDS AND FLOWERS WASTE: CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION, ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, AND IN VIVO ASSESSMENT OF A FORMULATION USING VOLABOLOMIC FINGERPRINTING

Introduction: Volatile plant-derived metabolites represent an important class of bioactive molecules capable of modulating neuroactive interactions through peripheral olfactory receptors and sensory pathways present in cutaneous tissues. Gardenia jasminoides is particularly rich in aromatic constituents such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and benzoate derivatives, which are known for their impact on sensory perception and physiological relaxation responses.In this study, a model topical formulation was developed to evaluate the relationship between the microstructural organization of emulsions and the volatilomic release profile of the volatile constituents. Materials and Methods: Fresh GJ floral waste was processed via hydrodistillation (HD), ethanol extraction (AP), and supercritical CO₂ extraction (CO2S). Volatiles were profiled using SPME-GCMS/MS, TPC quantified via Folin-Ciocalteu, and antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. In vitro safety and bioactivity were tested on BJ-5ta fibroblasts (MTS, TAC). A W/O 624 “SË BASHKU PËR FARMACEUTIKËN’’ cream containing GJ extract (CGJ) was formulated, and physicochemical stability, particle size distribution(Mastersizer 3000+), pH, density, microbial safety, rheological behavior via amplitude and frequency sweep tests (Thermo Scientific™ HAAKE™ MARS™ iQ Air Rheometer) and skin compatibility were evaluated. In vivo VOC emission and physiological responses were monitored in volunteers using an iAQ-2000 sensor. Statistical analyses employed one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post-hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: Droplet size analysis showed that the CGJ formulation presented a broader and more polydisperse distribution. Rheological analysis at 25 °C and 35 °C confirmed shear-thinning behavior for both systems. The VOC fingerprint heatmap revealed that CGJ produced significantly higher and more temporally dynamic VOC levels (>3,260 ppm), with a pronounced burst release followed by sustained emission up to 96 hours. In contrast, the base formulation displayed a stable and low-intensity profile, confirming its limited aromatic activity. Conclusions: The findings indicate that incorporation of Gardenia jasminoides extract modulates the microstructural organization of the formulation and markedly enhances the release kinetics of volatile metabolites. The Gardenia-enriched system exhibited elevated and sustained VOC emissions, implying augmented potential for neurosensory activation via cutaneous sensory pathways.