Anti-photoaging Effect of Prunus yeonesis Blossom Extract via Inhibition of MAPK/AP-1 and Regulation of the TGF-βI/Smad and Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathways

Abstract

Cherry blossoms have attracted attention as an ingredient with potential for use in skincare products. However, no skin photoaging-related research has been performed with this plant. In the present study, cherry blossom extract (CBE) at 1, 10, and 100 μg/mL was investigated for its skin anti-photoaging effects in UVB-irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) cells in vitro. Our results showed that CBE markedly increased type I procollagen during UVB exposure via two pathways. Firstly, transcription activator protein-1 expression and MAP kinases were downregulated, consequently reducing the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3. Secondly, transforming growth factor TGF-βI secretion was upregulated by Smads. Application of CBE facilitated the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage, which is essential for the coordinated induction of cytoptotective enzymes. Together, our findings suggest that CBE may be a promising ingredient for skin aging therapy and provide a novel approach for alleviating cutaneous aging.

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