Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo.
Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a flavone that has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of apigenin on skin and found that, in experiments using cells, apigenin restored the viability of normal human dermal fibroblasts (nHDFs), which had been decreased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the UVA range. Using a senescence-associated (SA)-β-gal assay, we also demonstrate that apigenin protects against the UVA-induced senescence of nHDFs. Furthermore, we found that apigenin decreased the expression of the collagenase, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, in UVA-irradiated nHDFs. UVA, which has been previously identified as a photoaging-inducing factor, has been shown to induce MMP-1 expression. The elevated expression of MMP-1 impairs the collagen matrix, leading to the loss of elasticity and skin dryness. Therefore, we examined the clinical efficacy of apigenin on aged skin, using an apigenin‑containing cream for clinical application. Specifically, we measured dermal density, skin elasticity and the length of fine wrinkles in subjects treated with apigenin cream or the control cream without apigenin. Additionally, we investigated the effects of the apigenin-containing cream on skin texture, moisture and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). From these experiments, we found that the apigenin‑containing cream increased dermal density and elasticity, and reduced fine wrinkle length. It also improved skin evenness, moisture content and TEWL. These results clearly demonstrate the biological effects of apigenin, demonstrating both its cellular and clinical efficacy, and suggest that this compound holds promise as an anti-aging cosmetic ingredient.
Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Sungjin
S
Choi
Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Jeungyeun
J
Youn
Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Karam
K
Kim
Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Da Hye
da H
Joo
Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Shanghun
S
Shin
Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Jeongju
J
Lee
Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Hyun Kyung
HK
Lee
GeneCellPharm Incorporated, Venture Center II, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 361-951, Republic of Korea.
In-Sook
IS
An
GeneCellPharm Incorporated, Venture Center II, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 361-951, Republic of Korea.
Seungbin
S
Kwon
Department of Dermatology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Hae Jeong
HJ
Youn
Department of Dermatology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Kyu Joong
KJ
Ahn
Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Sungkwan
S
An
Korea Institute for Skin and Clinical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea.
Hwa Jun
HJ
Cha
D000328:Adult; D047310:Apigenin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001681:Biological Assay; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D016922:Cellular Senescence / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D020405:Dermis / Q000473:pathology; D004548:Elasticity / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D063465:Skin Cream / Q000494:pharmacology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D047310:Apigenin; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1