Photoprotective effect of red ginseng against ultraviolet radiation-induced chronic skin damage in the hairless mouse.
To evaluate the ability of red ginseng (RG) to protect the skin from photodamage, the gross and microscopic changes in the skin of hairless mice and RG-treated mice exposed chronically to UV were examined. The skin of the UV-irradiated mice showed characteristic signs of photoaging, such as deep wrinkles across the back, increased epidermal thickness, numerous cell infiltration, and many enlarged keratinizing cysts. The RG-treated mice showed a significantly decreased wrinkling score, minimal epidermal hyperplasia, slightly increased dermal cellularity and lack of proliferation of cysts. By week 22, 88.9% (i.p. with saline) or 60.0% (topical administration with cream base) of the UV-irradiated mice developed at least one tumor. RG delayed tumor onset significantly. RG was also effective in reducing the occurrence of UV radiation-induced skin tumors and reduced the number of tumors per mouse. After 22 weeks of treatment, 57.1% (i.p.) or 85.7% (topical administration) of the mice treated with RG were tumor-free. Tumor multiplicity was reduced by 89.3% (i.p.) or 92.2% (topical administration) in the RG treated groups. It is noted that skin that is chronically exposed to UV is subject to photoaging and photocarcinogenesis and the regular use of RG would prevent these photodamaging effects of UV.
Lee
Hae June
HJ
Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Science, Seoul 139-240, South Korea.
Kim
Joong Sun
JS
Song
Myoung Sub
MS
Seo
Heung Sik
HS
Moon
Changjong
C
Kim
Jong Choon
JC
Jo
Sung Kee
SK
Jang
Jong Sik
JS
Kim
Sung Ho
SH
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D009381:Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced / Q000473:pathology; D005894:Panax / Q000737:chemistry*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011833:Radiation Injuries, Experimental / Q000473:pathology; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D015595:Skin Aging; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D010936:Plant Extracts; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents