Protective and Reparative Effects of Naematelia aurantialba Ethanol Extract Against UV-Induced Skin Photoaging and Its Underlying Mechanisms

Abstract

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Naematelia aurantialba ethanol extract (NAAE) against skin photoaging. Furthermore, we sought to elucidate the underlying repair mechanisms and related pathways. The results indicated that NAAE treatment significantly enhanced cell viability and proliferation under UV stress, while exerting potent antioxidant effects by effectively reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitigating oxidative damage. Furthermore, NAAE accelerated the migration capacity of damaged cells and promoted skin repair. In animal models, NAAE inhibited UV-induced skin injuries in a concentration-dependent manner and facilitated tissue regeneration. Further investigations revealed that NAAE exerted photoprotective effects by modulating several key metabolic pathways and biological processes, including fatty acid metabolism and nuclear receptor activity. Moreover, NAAE positively influenced the skin microbiota by reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria and promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, potentially enhancing skin barrier function through the cross-system mechanism of the "gut-skin axis." This study provides a theoretical basis for the use of NAAE in preventing and repairing skin photoaging and offers new insights for the development of natural plant-derived skincare products.