Protective Effect of Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum) Extract against UV- and AGEs-Induced Skin Aging via Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Collagen Degradation

Abstract

Skin aging is a complex process involving photoaging and glycation stress, which share some fundamental pathways and have common mediators. They can cause skin damage and collagen degradation by inducing oxidative stress and the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chenopodium formosanum (CF), also known as Djulis, is a traditional cereal in Taiwan. This study investigated the protection mechanisms of CF extract against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-induced stress. The results indicated that CF extract had strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging effects. It could reduce UV-induced intracellular ROS generation and initiate the antioxidant defense system by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling pathway in human skin fibroblasts. CF extract modulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and transformed growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways to alleviate oxidative stress-induced skin aging. Moreover, the results revealed that CF extract not only promoted collagen synthesis but also improved aging-induced collagen degradation. CF extract attenuated AGEs-induced ROS production and the upregulation of receptor for AGEs (RAGE). The overall results suggest that CF extract provides an effective anti-aging strategy by preventing skin damage from oxidative stress and collagen loss with potent antioxidant, anti-photoaging, and antiglycation activities.

Review on oral plant extracts in Skin Whitening

“…Black raspberry extract have high antioxidant activity which can be valuable food additives for functional food (Staszowska-Karkut & Materska, 2020). Chenopodium formosanum may be a good source for anti-aging via promoting collagen synthesis and attenuating AGEs-induced ROS production (Lyu et al, 2022). In the future, the mixture with skin whitening/ skin anti-aging / anti-inflammatory antioxidant oral plant extract can be a good candidate for further development on skin care product.…”

The effects of advanced glycation end‐products on skin and potential anti‐glycation strategies

“…This process, called protein glycation, leads to the stiffening and reduced elasticity of tissues. 11 Crosslinked proteins can impair the normal functioning of organs and tissues, particularly in long-lived proteins like collagen and elastin, leading to tissue damage and dysfunction. 38 RAGE activation can disrupt cellular function by affecting cell adhesion, migration and proliferation.…”

“…6,14,15 During oxidative stress, accumulation of ROS as a consequence of an imbalance between the production of ROS and the body's antioxidant defences could oxidise and modify proteins, lipids and nucleic acids to promote AGE formation, which occurs in various pathological conditions and during normal ageing. 11,16 As a component of the immune response, inflammatory processes in the body can trigger glycation reactions and stimulate the production of AGEs. High blood sugar levels, as seen in diabetes, accelerate glycation reactions, leading to increased AGE production and further aggravating the disease process.…”

“…12 During protein turnover, some proteins may undergo glycation, leading to AGE formation as old proteins are replaced with new ones. 11,13 As individuals age, AGEs gradually accumulate in tissues. However, excessive AGEs accumulation, as observed in conditions like diabetes or chronic inflammation, can have detrimental health implications and contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases.…”

Metformin Attenuates UVA-Induced Skin Photoaging by Suppressing Mitophagy and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway

“…Skin damage is mainly caused by the loss of collagen, which is manifested by a reduction in collagen synthesis and increased decomposition [41]. UVA irradiation induces collagen degradation and reduces protein synthesis.…”