Protective effect of oligosaccharides isolated from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer against UVB-induced skin barrier damage in BALB/c hairless mice and human keratinocytes

The whitening effect of cuscutin responsible for traditional use of Bergenia purpurascens

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The roots and rhizomes of Bergenia purpurascens (Hook. f. et Thomson) Engl., was used as a sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet rays in Tibet of China historically, but its skin whitening constituents and pharmacological effects of this plant remained unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the anti-melanogenesis effect of B. purpurascens in vitro and in vivo, and then explore the preliminary mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin injury model of mice was used to verify the ameliorative effect of B. purpurascens extract (BPE) on ultraviolet damage. Then, alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-induced murine melanoma cell line (B16F10) melanin generation model was further adopted to approval the effects of BPE and its bioactive compound, cuscutin, in vitro. Moreover, α-MSH stimulated melanogenesis model in zebrafish was employed to confirm the anti-pigmentation effect of cuscutin. Then, proteins expressions associated with melanin production were observed using western blotting assay to explore preliminary mechanism.

RESULTS

BPE inhibited UVB-induced mice injury and restored skin barrier function observably in vivo. BPE and cuscutin suppressed the overproduction of melanin in α-MSH induced B16F10 significantly, in which cuscutin exhibited better effect than well-known whitening agent α-arbutin at same 10 μg/mL concentration. Moreover, the pigmentation of zebrafish embryo was decreased by cuscutin. Finally, cuscutin showed significant downregulation of expressions of tyrosinase (TYR) and tyrosinase related protein-1 (TRP-1), TRP-2 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) in the melanogenic signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

B. purpurascens extract and its major bioactive constituent, cuscutin, showed potent anti-melanogenesis and skin-whitening effect by targeting TYR and TRP-2 proteins for the first time, which supported its traditional use.

Combination of red ginseng and velvet antler extracts prevents skin damage by enhancing the antioxidant defense system and inhibiting MAPK/AP-1/NF-κB and caspase signaling pathways in UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes and SKH-1 hairless mice

Background

Studies have reported that the combination of two or more therapeutic compounds at certain ratios has more noticeable pharmaceutical properties than single compounds and requires reduced dosage of each agent. Red ginseng and velvet antler have been extensively used in boosting immunity and physical strength and preventing diseases. Thus, this study was conducted to elucidate the skin-protective potentials of red ginseng extract (RGE) and velvet antler extract (VAE) alone or in combination on ultraviolet (UVB)-irradiated human keratinocytes and SKH-1 hairless mice.

Methods

HaCaT cells were preincubated with RGE/VAE alone or in combination for 2 h before UVB (30 mJ/cm2) irradiation. SKH-1 mice were orally given RGE/VAE alone or in combination for 15 days before exposure to single dose of UVB (600 mJ/cm2). Treated cells and treated skin tissues were collected and subjected to subsequent experiments.

Results

RGE/VAE pretreatment alone or in combination significantly prevented UVB-induced cell death, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species production, and DNA damage in keratinocytes and SKH-1 mouse skins by downregulating mitogen-activated protein kinases/activator protein 1/nuclear factor kappa B and caspase signaling pathways. These extracts also strengthened the antioxidant defense systems and skin barriers in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells and SKH-1 mouse skins. Furthermore, RGE/VAE co-administration appeared to be more effective in preventing UVB-caused skin injury than these extracts used alone.

Conclusion

Overall, these findings suggest that the consumption of RGE/VAE, especially in combination, offers a protective ability against UVB-caused skin injury by preventing inflammation and apoptosis and enhancing antioxidant capacity.

Preventive and Therapeutic Benefits of Natural Ingredients in Photo-Induced Epidermal Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

The skin, particularly the epidermis, is subjected to various external stresses, including ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. UV irradiation, mainly UVB at wavelength of 280-315 nm, can alter several epidermal functions, including cutaneous inflammation, epidermal hyperproliferation, DNA damage, disruption of epidermal permeability barrier and reduction in stratum corneum hydration levels. Because of the negative impacts of UVB irradiation on epidermal functions, great efforts have been made to develop regimens for the protection of alterations in epidermal function induced by UV irradiation.

SUMMARY

While sunscreen can provide physical barrier to UV light, some natural ingredients can also effectively protect the skin from UVB irradiation-induced damages. Studies have demonstrated that either topical or oral administrations of some natural ingredients attenuate UVB irradiation-induced alterations in the epidermal function. The underlying mechanisms by which natural ingredients improve epidermal functions are attributable to antioxidation, stimulation of keratinocyte differentiation, increases in the content of epidermal natural moisturizers and inhibition of inflammation.

KEY MESSAGE

Some natural ingredients exhibit protective and therapeutical benefits in photo-induced epidermal dysfunctions via divergent mechanisms.

Synergistic effect of Panax ginseng, Polygonatum cyrtonema, Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Nelumbo nucifera and Osmanthus fragrans extracts on skin aging regulation. From in silico predictions to in vitro outcome

Intrinsic and extrinsic aging affect the health of human skin. Extracellular matrix protein degradation, DNA damage and oxidative stress are known to disturb skin architecture and skin homeostasis leading to skin aging. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) delivers a large amount of knowledge regarding the phytotherapeutic power of diverse plants. Panax ginseng, Polygonatum cyrtonema, Epiphyllum oxypetalum, Nelumbo nucifera and Osmanthus fragrans are five plants used in TCM for their protective effect. In this study, several combinations of these TCM plants were explored: first, an in silico analysis was performed to predict their potential to target biological activities in the skin and then, some predictions were verified with in vitro studies to underline the synergistic effect of plant extracts. The results showed a stronger anti-aging activity for the combination with the five plants compared to the combination with Panax ginseng, Polygonatum cyrtonema, Epiphyllum oxypetalum and, compared to Panax ginseng alone.

Research Progress on Extraction, Isolation, Structural Analysis and Biological Activity of Polysaccharides from Panax Genus

The panax genus is a widely used medicinal plant with good biological activity. As one of the main active components of the Panax genus, polysaccharides have various pharmacological effects. This review summarizes the latest research reports on ginseng, American ginseng, and Panax notoginseng polysaccharides and compares the differences in extraction, isolation and purification, structural characteristics, and biological activities. The current research mainly focuses on ginseng polysaccharides, and the process of extraction, isolation, and structure analysis of each polysaccharide is roughly the same. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that these polysaccharides have antioxidants, antitumor, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, intestinal protection, skin repair, and other biological activities. This review provides new insights into the differences between the three kinds of ginseng polysaccharides which will help to further study the medicinal value of ginseng in traditional Chinese medicine.

Efficient decolorization of oligosaccharides in ginseng (Panax ginseng) residue using ultrasound-assisted macroporous resin

An efficient decolorization method for ginseng residue oligosaccharides (GROs) using ultrasound-assisted D392 macroporous resin was developed. The decolorization effects and color differences of activated carbon adsorption, hydrogen peroxide oxidation, and resin adsorption were evaluated. The optimal conditions of the three decolorization methods for static, dynamic, ultrasound-assisted resin adsorption were compared. The results showed that ultrasound-assisted decolorization had the best decolorization effect of greatly decreasing the decolorization time to 80 min. Color difference analysis revealed the process of pigment removal during GRO decolorization. The UV-visible full-wavelength scan showed that most pigments were removed after decolorization. The characterizations by the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the chemical structure and crystallinity of the GROs did not change upon decolorization. In addition, the molecular weight distribution did not change significantly. This research contributes to further exploration of the structures and functions of GROs.

Photoprotective Effect of Fermented and Aged Mountain-Cultivated Ginseng Sprout (Panax ginseng) on Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Skin Aging in a Hairless Mouse Model

Interest in foods that promote inner beauty increases with increases in exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays and with improvements in quality of life. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of fermented and aged mountain-cultivated ginseng sprouts (FAMCGSs), which have higher anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared to mountain-cultivated ginseng sprouts (MCGSs), as an inner beauty enhancing food. The effect of orally administered FAMCGSs on UV type B (UVB) radiation-induced skin aging was investigated in a hairless mouse model through analyzing skin parameters including epidermal thickness, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), roughness, moisture, elasticity, and collagen contents. The mice exposed to UVB had markedly greater epidermal thickness, TEWL, and skin roughness than those of the normal control (NC) group. In addition, the levels of collagen, skin moisture, and dermal elasticity were lower in the UVB radiation group than the NC group. These UVB-induced skin aging parameters were significantly lower in the groups administered FAMCGSs than in the groups not administered FAMCGSs (p < 0.05). These results show that FAMCGSs exhibit a photoprotective effect in mice exposed to UVB and suggest that FAMCGSs can be used as a food that promotes inner beauty and protects skin from UVB-induced photoaging.

Panax ginseng Meyer cv. Silvatica phenolic acids protect DNA from oxidative damage by activating Nrf2 to protect HFF-1 cells from UVA-induced photoaging

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Long-wave ultraviolet A (UVA) causes skin aging by damaging the fine structures of the skin, such as elastic fibers and collagen fibers, through oxidation. Currently, the use of plant extracts to protect skin from photoaging is a popular method. Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer exerts commendable anti-photoaging and antioxidant effects. P. ginseng Meyer cv. Silvatica, also known as forest ginseng (FG), is a type of ginseng cultivated by artificially simulating the growth environment of wild ginseng aged >15 years. However, there are only a few reports on its anti-photoaging effect on the skin caused by UVA stimulation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate whether isolated and extracted FG can inhibit skin photoaging as well as to explore its action mechanism.

METHODS

The FG extract (FGE) was obtained from the supernatant of FG after water extraction and alcohol precipitation with the D101 resin. The composition and content of phenolic acids in FGE were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The MTT assay was performed to detect cell viability. The ratio of SA-β-GAL-positive cells, CoL-I level, 8-OHdG concentration, MDA, GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT activity were measured using relevant kits. Furthermore, cell cycle alterations and ROS accumulation were assessed by flow cytometry. The expressions of p53, p21, p16, and Keap1 protein were detected by Western blotting. The Nrf2 translocation was monitored by immunofluorescence staining.

RESULTS

The findings revealed that FGE significantly restored UVA injury-induced cell viability, reduced the proportion of SA-β-GAL-positive cells, and increased the level of CoL-I secretion in a dose-dependent manner, where the main ingredients were chlorogenic acid, protocatechuic acid, salicylic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid. Further studies indicated that this phenolic acid mixture (PAM) could alleviate UVA-induced HFF-1 cell cycle arrest and protect the DNA from oxidative damage caused by UVA stimulation. Moreover, the expressions of cell cycle regulatory proteins p53, p21, and p16 and the accumulation of ROS were inhibited, the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus was promoted, the expression of Keap1 protein was inhibited, the activity of intracellular antioxidant indicators GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT was enhanced, and the expression of malondialdehyde (MDA) was inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our results demonstrated that FG phenolic acids protect DNA from oxidative damage by activating Nrf2 to safeguard the skin from photoaging induced by UVA stimulation.

The relationship of skin disorders, COVID-19, and the therapeutic potential of ginseng: a review

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made significant impacts on global public health, including the development of several skin diseases that have arisen primarily as a result of the pandemic. Owing to the widespread expansion of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), the development of effective treatments for these skin diseases is drawing attention as an important social issue. For many centuries, ginseng and its major active ingredients, ginsenosides and saponins, have been widely regarded as herbal medicines. Further, the anti-viral action of ginseng suggests its potential effectiveness as a therapeutic agent against COVID-19. Thus, the aim of this review was to examine the association of skin lesions with COVID-19 and the effect of ginseng as a therapeutic agent to treat skin diseases induced by COVID-19 infection. We classified COVID-19-related skin disorders into three categories: caused by inflammatory, immune, and complex (both inflammatory and immune) responses and evaluated the evidence for ginseng as a treatment for each category. This review offers comprehensive evidence on the improvement of skin disorders induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection using ginseng and its active constituents.

Premna microphylla Turcz pectin protected UVB-induced skin aging in BALB/c-nu mice via Nrf2 pathway

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is one of the major risk factors for skin photoaging. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of Premna microphylla Turcz pectin (PMTP) against UVB-induced skin aging in BALB/c-nu mice. PMTP was characteristic of a low methoxyl RG-I pectin with Mw was 26.60 kDa, mainly composed of galacturonic acid. PMTP-containing cream efficiently inhibited the water loss, epidermal hyperplasia, matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), and collagen destruction in UVB-induced skin injury mice. Additionally, topical administration of PMTP-containing cream significantly increased protein levels of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), macrophage-activating factor (Maf), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and the expression of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). In contrast, application of PMTP-containing cream on mice skin decreased the protein levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), inhibitor kappa B kinase β (IKKβ), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Taken togethmier, these findings suggest that PMTP might protect UVB-induced skin aging via activating Nrf2 pathway and suppressing NF-κB pathway.