Development of effects of plant extracts on the activity and expression of UVA-induced MMPs (matrix metalloproteases)

Abstract

The effects of several natural products on in vitro MMP-1 activity and UVA-induced MMP-1 synthesis in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cultures were studied with the aim of developing novel anti-aging agents from natural sources. We measured MMP-1 activities by fluorescence assay using gelatin as substrates. In addition, UVA-induced MMP-1 expression was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin-based zymography in HDF cultures, and RT-PCR techniques were used. The results showed a strong inhibitory effect of the extracts of Dicentra spectabilis and of the flower buds of Tussilago farfara. In a concentration of 0.05% (w/v), the extracts of the flower buds of Tussilago farfara and of Dicentra spectabilis inhibited MMP-1 activity by 92 and 87% respectively. At 0.1% (w/v), the extracts of the flower buds of Tussilago farfara and of Dicentra spectabilis suppressed the UVA-induced expression of MMP-1 by an amount similar to that with Vitamin C 200 μm. These results suggest that the extracts of Dicentra spectabilis and of the flower buds of Tussilago farfara effectively protect skin from UV-induced photoaging. Therefore, the extracts are thought to have potential as effective raw materials for anti-aging cosmetics.