Search Results (532)

Background/Objectives: Dioscorea batatas Decne (yam), which contains various bioactive compounds, has been utilized in the cosmetics industry, while most of the peel of D. batatas (DBP) is discarded without further use. Recent studies have shown that DBP contains higher levels of bioactive substances than the rhizome flesh. The aim of this study was to evaluate the skin biological activities of DBP extracts obtained using 70% ethanol (70% EtOH DBP), 95% ethanol (95% EtOH DBP), and ethyl acetate (EA DBP), with particular attention to their antioxidant-associated protective effects. Methods: Skin-related bioactivities of DBP extracts prepared using ultrasonic extraction were evaluated using in vitro tyrosinase and matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) assays, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells, ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated HaCaT viability assays, and Western blot analysis of pro-collagen type I alpha 1(Pro-COL1A1) and MMP-1 in HDF cells. In addition, the ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities of DBP extracts and representative DBP derivatives were assessed. Results: DBP extracts inhibited tyrosinase activity in vitro and reduced melanogenesis in B16F10 cells. DBP extracts also protected skin cells from UVB by increasing the viability of UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. In UVB-irradiated HDF cells, DBP extracts restored Pro-COL1A1 expression and suppressed MMP-1 levels. Additionally, DBP extracts inhibited MMP-1 activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The DBP extracts themselves exhibited ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activities, with EA DBP showing the highest vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity among the tested extracts. Representative DBP-derived phenanthrene compounds also showed radical scavenging activities, supporting the antioxidant potential of peel-derived phytochemicals. Conclusions: These findings indicate that DBP extracts possess skin-whitening and anti-photoaging effects and suggest that these protective activities may be associated with the antioxidant potential of both DBP extracts and DBP derivatives. Full article

Dendrobium officinale has attracted increasing attention as a functional food because of its diverse biological activities; however, the photoprotective potential of its protein-derived peptides remains poorly understood. In this study, D. officinale protein hydrolysates were fractionated by ultrafiltration according to molecular weight, and their protective effects against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging were systematically evaluated in HaCaT keratinocytes. Among the tested fractions, low-molecular-weight peptide fractions exhibited relatively stronger antioxidant activity and effectively reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in UVB-irradiated cells. In addition, the peptide fractions alleviated UVB-induced inflammatory responses and decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression, which was associated with modulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Higher-molecular-weight fractions showed relatively stronger effects on maintaining skin barrier-related functions and were associated with regulation of transforming growth factor-β/Smad (TGF-β/Smad) signaling and collagen-related protein expression. Overall, these findings demonstrate functional differences among Dendrobium officinale peptide fractions and suggest their potential application as natural photoprotective ingredients in functional foods and cosmeceutical products. Full article

Skin aging stems from intrinsic decline and external stressors that induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage, ultimately lowering cellular energy production and slowing epidermal turnover to cause wrinkles, dryness, and pigment imbalances. While disodium adenosine monophosphate (AMP2Na) is hypothesized to enhance cellular adenosine triphosphate production and restore epidermal metabolism, its broader anti-aging effects have remained underexplored. To address this, a multi-tiered study integrating in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical investigations was conducted. Specifically, a 12-week exploratory clinical trial involving female participants with facial hyperpigmentation (n = 23), alongside a short-term forearm study (n = 22), suggested that the AMP2Na-containing product could reduce wrinkles and hyperpigmentation while safely improving hydration, barrier function, skin lifting, and epidermal turnover with high participant satisfaction. Mechanistically, in vitro assays on human dermal fibroblasts showed that the formulation restored antioxidant enzyme activity and mitigated senescence. Ex vivo UVB-irradiated skin explant models corroborated these findings by revealing reduced melanin levels, preserved collagen and elastin networks, and an upregulation of key structural and barrier-related proteins. Ultimately, by potentially supporting epidermal turnover and restoring barrier function through this biomimetic mechanism, the AMP2Na-containing product might offer a promising option for alleviating wrinkles, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. Future randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical trials and comprehensive laboratory studies are warranted to validate its true potential in skin rejuvenation. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) peel, a by-product of the food processing industry, has attracted attention as a potential source of bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the antioxidant and anti-photoaging-related effects of potato peel extracts in human skin cells. Solanum tuberosum L. peel water extract (PPW) and Solanum tuberosum L. ethanol extract (PPE) were prepared and examined in UVB-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) cells. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) expression, pro-collagen type I production, and cellular senescence were evaluated in HDF cells, whereas wound closure was assessed in HaCaT cells using a scratch assay. PPE showed higher polyphenol and flavonoid contents and stronger radical scavenging activity. In HDFs, PPW significantly reduced intracellular ROS production, whereas both extracts reduced MMP-1 expression under UVB-irradiated conditions. PPE significantly increased pro-collagen type I production. Both extracts reduced cellular senescence under UVB-irradiated conditions. In addition, PPE enhanced wound closure in HaCaT cells, suggesting a possible improvement in cell migration-related responses. Taken together, these findings suggest that potato peel extracts may exert protective effects against UVB-induced oxidative stress and photoaging-related cellular changes and may serve as potential functional materials associated with skin-protective and anti-photoaging-related cellular effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Propolis is well recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, supporting its cutaneous application in phytopharmaceuticals for the management of ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin damage. However, the application of propolis is limited by its intense coloration, stickiness, and poor user convenience. In situ film-forming systems (FFS) represent a novel dosage form designed to overcome these challenges, although efficacy data for using FFS remains limited. Consequently, this study aimed to develop a propolis-based FFS and evaluate its efficacy in mitigating UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes. Methods: Apis mellifera propolis was macerated and analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay), and nitric oxide scavenging capability. Bioactive compounds were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC). The propolis extract was formulated into FFS and investigated on UVB-damaged HaCaT keratinocytes. An MTT viability assay, propidium iodide flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis, and a scratch wound healing assay were used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the FFS. Results: The 72 h macerated propolis extract contained high levels of TPC, TFC, and targeted phytochemicals. The propolis extract exhibited free radical scavenging and nitric oxide inhibitory activities. Seven formulations exhibited suitable performance, with formulation F7 (FFS-F7) demonstrating superior drying time and dose-dependent free radical scavenging. Notably, FFS-F7 (≥12.5 µg/mL) significantly enhanced HaCaT proliferation, mitigated UVB-induced cell cycle arrest, reduced cellular damage, and accelerated wound closure. Conclusions: This study successfully developed an FFS that not only overcomes these physical drawbacks but also preserves the biological activity of the extract. The significant protective and restorative effects against UVB-induced HaCaT damage demonstrate the therapeutic potential of Thai Apis mellifera propolis and establish the FFS as a versatile base with the potential for delivering other bioactive compounds. Full article

Astragalin (AST), a natural flavonoid found in various plants, possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its protective efficacy against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced cutaneous damage remains unclear. This study investigated the photoprotective effects of AST against UVB-induced photodamage using HaCaT keratinocytes and Kunming mice. In vitro, AST mitigated UVB-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in HaCaT cells. In vivo, topical application of AST attenuated UVB-induced erythema, epidermal hyperplasia, and collagen degradation in mouse skin. Additionally, AST reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation and enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity via activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Furthermore, AST suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings demonstrate the photoprotective properties of AST and support its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for preventing UVB-induced skin damage. Full article

Ozone layer depletion exacerbates UV-induced skin damage, including oxidative stress and DNA lesions, thereby increasing the risk of photoaging and malignant transformation. Natural extracts have gained increasing attention as a photoprotective ingredient in cosmeceutical products. Kaempferia galanga, a species in the Zingiberaceae family traditionally used for skin-related treatment and listed in the CosIng database, exhibits multiple biologically relevant properties; however, its anti-photoaging and anti-photo-senescence effects in human dermal fibroblasts remain unexplored. This study investigated the in vitro photoprotective effects of K. galanga extract against UVB-induced photoaging and cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts. The ethanolic extract of K. galanga rhizomes (EKGRs) contained ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (EPMC) as a major constituent (33.7 ± 3.7% (w/w) of the crude extract), identified by HPLC-UV. Additionally, EKGR exhibited significant protective effects in UVB-irradiated fibroblasts. EKGR showed no cytotoxicity at concentrations up to 50.0 µg/mL, as determined by the MTT assay. EKGR pretreatment significantly reduced UVB-induced cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts compared with UVB-exposed cells (22.2 ± 2.7% vs. 36.7 ± 8.0%). Furthermore, pretreatment with EKGR prior to UVB exposure resulted in a significant increase in pro-collagen type I production (37,075.1 ± 7532.2 pg/mL) and a concomitant decrease in MMP-1 secretion (25,754.1 ± 4042.0 pg/mL) relative to UVB-exposed cells (26,845.8 ± 1454.6 and 39,910.8 ± 6035.1 pg/mL, respectively). To demonstrate formulation feasibility, EKGR was incorporated into an oil-in-water microemulsion, which exhibited concentration-dependent SPF enhancement. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the photoprotective efficacy of EPMC-rich EKGR and highlight its potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient for mitigating UVB-induced photo-senescence and skin aging, with an additional SPF boosting effect. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of EKGR-mediated protection against UVB-induced cellular senescence in human dermal fibroblasts. Full article

Vitamin D3 deficiency is a common concern in dermatology and aging, yet its topical supplementation is restricted in the EU, and direct precursors are unstable. Stimulating the skin’s endogenous vitamin D3 biosynthesis using phytochemicals represents a promising alternative. This research reveals the potential of a natural Passiflora edulis (passion fruit) extract to stimulate vitamin D3 synthesis in the skin epidermis. An in silico screening of phytochemicals using molecular docking and Molecular Mechanics/Poisson–Boltzmann Surface Area (MM/PBSA) analysis was performed to identify compounds with affinity for the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and lathosterol oxidase, a key enzyme in the vitamin D3 biosynthesis pathway. While several flavonoids showed high predicted vitamin D receptor affinity, genistein, which has been reported to occur in P. edulis fruit extracts, exhibited favorable docking scores and was predicted to interact with the active site of lathosterol oxidase. Subsequent in vitro experiments on HaCaT keratinocytes and an ex vivo human skin model demonstrated that the P. edulis extract significantly increased vitamin D3 amount, both under UVB irradiation and, notably, in its absence. The P. edulis extract significantly increased vitamin D3 level in HaCaT keratinocytes by up to 274.04% without UVB exposure and demonstrated a synergistic effect with UVB, enhancing production by a further 61.41% compared to UVB alone (p < 0.001). In the ex vivo model, the extract alone increased vitamin D3 levels by 153.31%, and its combination with UVB resulted in a 54.82% higher yield compared to the UVB control (p < 0.01). These findings highlight the promising potential of P. edulis fruit extract as a natural cosmeceutical ingredient for enhancing cutaneous vitamin D3 synthesis, offering a novel approach to supporting skin health through dermatocosmetics. Full article

The ultraviolet B (UVB) sunburn model is a well-established human experimental pain paradigm for investigating underlying inflammatory pain mechanisms and is used in preclinical drug development research. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of how UVB-induced cutaneous inflammation has been applied across experimental studies, with particular emphasis on methodological characteristics, sensory outcomes, and reported safety aspects. A total of 12 studies published between 1999 and 2025, comprising 367 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Across all studies, UVB irradiation produced a clearly demarcated inflammatory response accompanied by pronounced primary hyperalgesia. Peak primary hyperalgesia was typically observed between 24 and 48 h following irradiation and remained detectable for at least 72 h. Heterogeneity was identified using UVB dose calibration strategies, spectral properties of the irradiation source, size and anatomical location of the irradiated area, timing of sensory assessment, and applied testing methodologies. In contrast to the consistent induction of primary hyperalgesia, secondary hyperalgesia was reported inconsistently and appeared to depend on methodological conditions. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was reported primarily after irradiation with three minimal erythema doses, whereas lower doses appeared to provide a more favorable balance between hyperalgesia induction and tolerability. Overall, the UVB sunburn model reliably induces primary inflammatory hyperalgesia in humans. However, careful selection and standardization of methodological parameters are essential to optimize its use in mechanistic and early-phase analgesic research. Full article

Lysine carboxymethyl cysteinate (LCC) has been identified as a glutathione (GSH) precursor for the use of cosmetic products, providing a defense against oxidative stress by elevating GSH levels, and mitigating UVB-induced pigmentation and barrier disruption. In this study, the protective efficacy of LCC on epidermal barrier integrity under UVB irradiation was systematically evaluated and its underlying mechanisms were investigated. Results from the UVB-exposed 3D living skin equivalent model (LSE) indicated that LCC effectively restored UVB-induced reductions in epidermal living cell thickness by 9.67%. In addition, LCC markedly increased the expression of key biomarkers related to cornified envelope (CE) formation and skin hydration, including transglutaminase 1, involucrin, loricrin and aquaporin 3 by 104.80%, 121.67%, 218.63% and 388.39%, respectively, compared with the UVB group. Transcriptomics analysis in human primary keratinocytes further revealed that LCC regulated multiple biological functions, including glutathione synthesis pathway, oxidation response, inflammatory process, and notably autophagy. After confirming LCC’s potential in boosting autophagy-associated gene expression (p-value < 0.05) and autophagy activity (p-value < 0.01) in keratinocytes, functional validation in the same model confirmed that LCC counteracted UVB-induced suppression of genes involved in barrier formation, particularly those associated with CE development and autophagy, while these protective effects were abolished by chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor. Findings from the UVB-exposed LSE model further substantiated this mechanism. Collectively, these results demonstrate that LCC safeguards the epidermis from UVB-induced cornification abnormalities through the activation of autophagy. Full article

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation induces complex skin damage, including hyperpigmentation, oxidative stress, and alterations in proteins related to keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal barrier-associated status. This study investigated the multifunctional protective effects of Padina arborescens ethanolic extract (PAEE) against skin damage in melanocytes, keratinocytes, and zebrafish. In alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 cells, PAEE effectively suppressed the protein kinase A (PKA)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway, which was associated with reduced expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and tyrosinase, leading to decreased melanin synthesis. PAEE also exhibited photoprotective properties by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and attenuating matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) upregulation associated with UVB (ultraviolet B)-induced photodamage in HaCaT keratinocytes. Notably, PAEE restored the UVB-reduced expression of filaggrin and involucrin, representative markers of keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal barrier-associated status, in HaCaT keratinocytes. In zebrafish embryos, PAEE suppressed α-MSH-induced melanin accumulation and UVB-induced ROS generation at non-toxic concentrations. Taken together, these results suggest that PAEE exerts anti-melanogenic and photoprotective effects in cellular and zebrasfish models and may serve as a promising marine-derived ingredient for cosmeceutical applications targeting UVB-related skin damage. Full article

In an accelerated aging experiment involving a wide range of cumulative UV-B radiant exposures (up to approximately 9.46 × 10³ J cm⁻²), the degradation state of microplastics was assessed using SEM, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and DSC, and correlated with the cumulative UV-B dose. Sunlight-induced photooxidation is a significant weathering mechanism for microplastics. In this study, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nylon, and polystyrene (PS) were exposed to UV-B radiation under controlled dry conditions at two irradiance levels (0.06 and 0.6 mW cm⁻²), covering cumulative UV-B radiant exposures of up to approximately 9.47 × 10³ J cm⁻². Degradation was evaluated using SEM, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and DSC, and was related to the cumulative UV-B dose (H). The extent and progression of degradation varied significantly among the polymers. Overall, FTIR provided the most sensitive assessment of photooxidative surface changes for HDPE, LDPE, PP, and PS, Raman spectroscopy was most diagnostic for PVC (particularly for dechlorination-related changes), and DSC-derived crystallinity was most informative for nylon. These dose-resolved datasets establish a reproducible reference framework (“degradation library”) to facilitate the comparative assessment of the relative photooxidative aging stage of microplastics under comparable surface UV-driven conditions. Outdoor “sunlight-equivalent” times are reported solely as order-of-magnitude contextualization due to environmental variability. Full article

Cutaneous fibrosis is characterized by aberrant wound healing with excessive extracellular matrix deposition, sustained inflammation, and oxidative stress, while currently available therapies show limited efficacy and safety. A Dual Hyaluronic Acid Compound (DHC), consisting of high-molecular-weight, low-molecular-weight, and minimally cross-linked hyaluronic acid, has demonstrated regenerative and antioxidant properties, but its anti-fibrotic effects have not been fully explored. This study investigated the anti-fibrotic potential of DHC using a bleomycin-induced murine dermal fibrosis model and a UVB-irradiated ex vivo human skin model. In C57BL/6 mice, dermal fibrosis was induced by daily bleomycin injections for three weeks, followed by intradermal DHC administration. Histological and biomechanical analyses showed that DHC significantly reduced dermal thickness, collagen deposition, and skin hardness compared with untreated fibrotic controls. DHC decreased α-SMA expression and increased MMP1 levels, indicating attenuation of myofibroblast activation and enhanced matrix remodeling. It also reduced macrophage markers (CD68, CD163) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α). Furthermore, DHC restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and upregulated NRF2, HO-1, and NQO1 expression in the in vivo model. Similarly, DHC upregulated SOD and CAT activity and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) in the ex vivo human skin model. These findings suggest that DHC exerts multimodal anti-fibrotic effects through coordinated regulation of fibroblast activation, inflammation, and oxidative stress, supporting its potential as a therapeutic approach for cutaneous fibrosis. Full article

Background: As the body’s first line of defense against environmental stressors, the skin is highly susceptible to UVB-induced damage, which triggers inflammation and impairs barrier function. This study investigates the protective effects of safflower seed oil (SSO) and fermented Artemisia annua oil (FAAO) against UVB-induced skin injury. Methods: The protective effects of SSO and FAO against UVB irradiation was first tested in HaCaT keratinocyte. Subsequently, a UVB-irradiated SKH-1 mouse model was established to evaluate these two oils. RNA-seq analysis was employed to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms by which SSO and FAO repair the skin barrier. Results: In vitro experiments demonstrated that SSO (0.25%) and FAAO (0.1%) significantly enhanced HaCaT keratinocyte viability following UVB exposure while selectively modulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production. In a UVB-irradiated SKH-1 mouse model, standalone SSO or FAAO treatment partially ameliorated epidermal hyperplasia and restored UV-reduced collagen content, while the 1:1 SSO/FAAO combination exhibited superior efficacy in restoring skin architecture, reducing erythema and edema, and suppressing immune cell infiltration. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that the combined treatment promoted structural repair by attenuating inflammatory responses and preserving extracellular matrix homeostasis. Conclusions: Together, these findings underscore the potential of SSO/FAAO as a multifunctional botanical intervention for mitigating UVB-induced cutaneous damage. Full article

Mitochondrial dysfunction is a major contributor to skin photoaging. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, a key regulator of developmental processes, can improve mitochondrial abnormalities associated with pathology. Therefore, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway emerges as a key therapeutic target in the context of photoaging. Isaridin E (ISE), a marine-derived natural product with a novel structure, exhibits potent antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory activities. We sought to examine the anti-senescence effects of ISE on fibroblasts in photoaged skin. In vitro, ISE improved UVB-induced fibroblast damage in a dose-dependent manner, restoring cell viability, reducing β-galactosidase accumulation, and suppressing SASP factor production. In a photoaging mouse model, ISE markedly decreased skin thickness, increased dermal collagen expression, and reduced SASP levels in skin tissues. ISE significantly improved fibroblast energy production deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction. RNA sequencing and Western blotting demonstrated that UVB irradiation significantly suppressed Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity, whereas ISE dose-dependently restored pathway activation. Using GSK-3β-targeted siRNA, we showed that the anti-photoaging effects of ISE are mediated via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. ISE appears to counteract photoaging by enhancing Wnt/β-catenin activity and improving mitochondrial function. Full article