Effects of Water–Ethanol Extracts from Four Sphagnum Species on Gene Expression of Selected Enzymes in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Their Antioxidant Properties

Abstract

Mosses (Bryophyta), particularly species of the genus Sphagnum, which have been used for centuries for the treatment of skin diseases and damage, are still not explored enough in terms of their use in cosmetics. The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant properties of water–ethanol extracts from four selected species of the genus Sphagnum (S. girgenshonii Russow, S. magellanicum Brid., S. palustre L., and S. squarrosum Crome) and their impact on the expression of genes encoding key enzymes for the functioning of the skin. In this study, the effects of Sphagnum extracts on the expression of genes encoding tyrosinase, collagenase, elastase, hyaluronidase and hyaluronic acid synthase in human dermal fibroblasts were determined for the first time in vitro. The extracts inhibited tyrosinase gene expression and showed antioxidant activity. The experiment showed an increase in the expression of some genes encoding collagenase (MMP1) or hyaluronidase (HYAL2, HYAL3 and HYAL4) and a decrease in the hyaluronan synthase (HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3) genes expression by the tested extracts. The obtained results suggest that using extracts from the tested Sphagnum species in anti-aging cosmetics does not seem beneficial. Further studies are needed to clarify their impact on the skin.

Porcine Placenta Peptide Inhibits UVB-Induced Skin Wrinkle Formation and Dehydration: Insights into MAPK Signaling Pathways from In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

“…HA, synthesized in the perinuclear region by HA synthase (HAS) 1–3, plays a crucial role in wound healing and tissue repair processes due to its ability to maintain a hydrated environment. Among the HAS enzymes, HAS2 has been identified as the primary isoform in dermal fibroblasts [ 32 ]. In this study, oral administration of porcine placental peptides significantly increased the levels of HAS1 and HAS2 mRNA following UV radiation exposure, increasing hyaluronic acid content within the skin.…”

Advances in the Toxicity Assessment of Silver Nanoparticles Derived from a Sphagnum fallax Extract for Monolayers and Spheroids

“…These substances help to retain nutrients and acidify the environment, which inhibits the growth of microorganisms and vascular plants [ 12 ]. In addition, studies on the composition of Sphagnum secondary metabolites have also been conducted [ 13 , 14 ]. The use of S. fallax is advantageous because this moss contains compounds with biological activity.…”