Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo

Abstract

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.

Plant Flavone Apigenin: an Emerging Anticancer Agent

“…Furthermore, a clinically meaningful but nonsignificant trend was noted for a greater reduction in total HAM-D scores for chamomile versus placebo in participants with current comorbid depression provided evidence that chamomile may provide clinically meaningful antidepressant activity. Choi et al [225] demonstrated the clinical efficacy of apigenin on aged skin, using an apigenin-containing cream on forty women, aged over 30 years, through a randomized and double-blinded clinical trial with four weeks of treatment. Application of apigenin-containing cream increased dermal density and elasticity, and reduced fine wrinkle length along with improved skin evenness, moisture content and transepidermal water loss, compared to the placebo group.…”

Polycomb group proteins: Novel molecules associated with ultraviolet A-induced photoaging of human skin

“…Among the various types of light affecting the skin, ultraviolet A (UVA) is the primary contributor to skin photoaging because it is not absorbed by any laminar flow and potently penetrates the skin ( 1 , 2 ). Previous studies have demonstrated that the probability of skin aging is doubled in populations with high UV exposure compared with populations with lower exposure, and skin aging occurs ≤10 years earlier in such populations ( 3 – 5 ).…”

Therapeutic Potential of Flavonoids in Pain and Inflammation: Mechanisms of Action, Pre-Clinical and Clinical Data, and Pharmaceutical Development

“…Results showed that pain, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia significantly decreased [201]. Topic application of apigenin-containing cream in 20 women reduces skin aging, besides increasing dermal density and elasticity [245]. In addition, treatment with a flavonoid mixture composed of 20 mg epigallocathechin-gallate plus 20 mg apigenin for 2-5 years reduced the recurrence rate of colon neoplasia in patients with resected colon cancer [246].…”