Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling.
Skin aging appears to be principally related to a decrease in levels of Type I collagen, the primary component of the dermal layer of skin. It is important to introduce an efficient agent for effective management of skin aging; this agent should have the fewest possible side effects and the greatest wrinkle-reducing effect. In the course of screening collagen production-promoting agents, we obtained Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer. This study was designed to investigate the possible collagen production-promoting activities of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer root extract (PGRE) in human dermal fibroblast cells. As a first step to this end, human COL1A2 promoter luciferase assay was performed in human dermal fibroblast cells. In this assay, PGRE activated human COL1A2 promoter activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Human Type I procollagen synthesis was also induced by PGRE. These results suggest that PGRE promotes collagen production in human dermal fibroblast cells. Additionally, we have attempted to characterize the mechanism of action of PGRE in Type I procollagen synthesis. PGRE was found to induce the phosphorylation of Smad2, an important transcription factor in the production of Type I procollagen. When applied topically in a human skin primary irritation test, PGRE did not induce any adverse reactions. Therefore, based on these results, we suggest the possibility that PGRE may be considered as an attractive, wrinkle-reducing candidate for topical application.
Lee
Jongsung
J
Biospectrum Life Science Institute, 101-701 SK VENTIUM, 522 Dangjung Dong, Gunpo City, 435-833 Gyunggi Do, Republic of Korea.
Jung
Eunsun
E
Lee
Jiyoung
J
Huh
Sungran
S
Kim
Jieun
J
Park
Mijung
M
So
Jungwoon
J
Ham
Younggeun
Y
Jung
Kwangseon
K
Hyun
Chang-Gu
CG
Kim
Yeong Shik
YS
Park
Deokhoon
D
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D024043:Collagen Type II / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017930:Genes, Reporter / Q000235:genetics; D036145:Ginsenosides / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D047468:Immunoprecipitation; D007509:Irritants; D008156:Luciferases / Q000235:genetics; D005894:Panax / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D010766:Phosphorylation; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects*; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects; D051785:Smad Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D014162:Transfection
D000975:Antioxidants; D024043:Collagen Type II; D036145:Ginsenosides; D007509:Irritants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D051785:Smad Proteins; D008156:Luciferases