Litchi Products as Dermatological Agents and Their Active Components

Abstract

Litchi vinegar (extracted and fermented from litchi fruit) and litchi juices have potential dermatological benefits. In this study, we evaluated litchi vinegar and litchi juices with regard to their protective effects on HaCaT keratinocytes irradiated with UVB or treated with poly­(I:C) at different doses by assessing cell survival (optical density, MTT assay), reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. In addition, different inflammatory markers were measured, e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8. As a result, litchi vinegar and juice are shown (1) not to exhibit a cytotoxic effect at therapeutic concentrations, (2) to protect HaCaT keratinocytes against UVB irradiation or poly­(I:C) treatment, (3) to reduce oxidative stress through inhibiting ROS and enhancing SOD and GSH-Px activity, and (4) to suppress inflammatory factors, e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-8. Epicatechin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid are confirmed as the active ingredients that are responsible for these effects.