Protective effect of fermented Cyclopia intermedia against UVB-induced damage in HaCaT human keratinocytes

Abstract

BackgroundThe fermented leaves and stems of Cyclopia intermedia are used to brew honeybush tea, a herbal tea indigenous to South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of fermented honeybush extracts (FH ex) and scale-up fermented honeybush extracts (SFH ex) against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced damage in HaCaT keratinocytes. To this end, we examined UVB-induced cell viability, antioxidant enzymes, and inflammatory mediators in HaCaT cells.MethodsUVB significantly decreased HaCaT cell viability, whereas FH ex and SFH ex did not exhibit cytotoxic effects and increased the viability of the HaCaT cells. To further investigate the protective effects of FH ex on UVB-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), pro-inflammatory cytokines and skin barrier function in terms of involucrin, filaggrin, and loricrin were analyzed.ResultsUVB-induced treatment reduced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and skin barrier function, while FH ex or SFH ex increased their activity. These results suggest that FH ex exerted cytoprotective activity against UVB-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT cells through stimulation of antioxidant enzymes activities. Furthermore, FH ex and SFH ex suppressed the UVB-induced expression of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, at mRNA level together with down regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs). In addition, FH ex and SFH ex reversed the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) induced by UVB-irradiation. Notably, FH ex and SFH ex markedly inhibited UVB-induced activation of ERK, p38, and JNK. Thus, this agent exhibits anti-oxidative and -inflammatory effects via lowering ROS production, suppressing p38, ERK, and JNK activation, and down-regulating expression of MMPs.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that FH ex and SFH ex can be used as a skin anti-photoaging agent.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Aspalathus linearis and Cyclopia spp. Extracts in a UVB/Keratinocyte (HaCaT) Model Utilising Interleukin-1α Accumulation as Biomarker

“…In this regard, mangiferin has been shown to possess cytoprotective and anti-genotoxic activity in vitro [70]. A recent study also reported on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of fermented C. intermedia extract in a pre-treatment UVB-HaCaT model further supporting the proposed photo protective properties of honeybush in the skin [71]. Future studies on rooibos and species-specific honeybush aqueous extracts should investigate the role of iron-related pro-oxidant mechanisms in effecting mitochondrial dysfunction, enhancement of oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as the subsequent removal of UVB damaged keratinocytes and the attenuation of inflammation.…”

Skin Hydration Effects of Scale‐Up Fermented Cyclopia intermedia against Ultraviolet B‐Induced Damage in Keratinocyte Cells and Hairless Mice

“…. HU-018 was prepared as per a previously described method [7] with slight modifications. In brief, honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) was obtained from Rooibos Ltd. (Clanwilliam, South Africa).…”

“…e detailed methods have been described previously [7]. In brief, HaCaT cells were purchased from CLS Cell line service (Eppelheim, Germany) and maintained in Huons Co., Ltd. (Gyeonggi-do, Korea).…”

“…For the use of fermented honeybush extract in clinical trials, we modified the process to yield scaled-up fermented honeybush extract (HU-018), after confirming the nontoxicity of HU-018 in Sprague Dawley rats and beagles, and confirmed that HU-018 met the requirements for commercialization as an antiaging agent. In addition, the effects of HU-018 on UVB-irradiated damage were previously evaluated in HaCaT cells [7].…”

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) and Honeybush (Cyclopiaspp.): From Bush Teas to Potential Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease

“…[91]. The anti-inflammatory effects of rooibos and honeybush may involve a reduction in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, COX2 [91,92,94]. It may also involve a reduction in neutrophil adhesion, and other mechanisms [96], Table 1.…”