Abstract
Damage due to UV rays induces photoaging such as pigmentation, wrinkles and sagging in the skin. In this study, we focused on finding efficient plant extracts to prevent UV-induced damage, and found remarkable activities in Rose Myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) extract and its key component, piceatannol. In evaluations using UVB-damaged human keratinocytes, Rose Myrtle extract and piceatannol, which have inhibitory activity on UVB-induced cell death in keratinocytes, suppressed DNA damage via a decrease of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer levels and regulation of nucleotide excision repair gene expression. In addition, both Rose Myrtle extract and piceatannol showed anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities such as an increase of glutathione synthesis, inhibition of prostaglandin E2 production and inhibition of interleukin-1β secretion. These results suggested that Rose Myrtle extract might be a useful antiaging ingredient for UV protection and piceatannol may be one of the active components of Rose Myrtle extract.
