Enzyme-modified Panax ginseng inhibits UVB-induced skin aging through the regulation of procollagen type I and MMP-1 expression

Panax ginseng Meyer (Ginseng) has been used widely in traditional herbal medicine because of its pharmacological activities. In this study, we tested the ability of an enzyme-modified ginseng extract (EG) to protect the skin against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced damage using cultured human dermal fibroblasts and hairless mice. EG, an extract which is rich in the active compound ginsenoside F2, and purified ginsenoside F2 were used in these experiments. The ginsenoside content of EG was measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The potential of EG to reduce UVB-induced skin damage was investigated by determining the levels of procollagen type I and metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) after UVB irradiation in human dermal fibroblasts and by examining the levels of hydration, thickness, and density of collagen fibers in the UVB-exposed dorsal skin of hairless mice. LC-MS analysis detected a difference in the ginsenoside content between normal white ginseng and enzyme-modified ginseng. In UVB-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts treated with EG, MMP-1 production considerably decreased without cell toxicity. Furthermore, topical application of EG showed significant reductions in skin dryness, thickness, and fragmented collagen fibers in UVB-exposed hairless mice. Ginsenoside F2, an active component of EG, increased procollagen type I production and decreased MMP-1 secretion in UV-irradiated human dermal fibroblasts. EG and ginsenoside F2 are potentially useful for the prevention and treatment of UVB-induced skin damage.