The effect of plant extracts on the activity and the expression of MMPs (matrix metalloprotease) induced by UVA

UV irradiation on a skin brings about the qualitative and quantitative alterations of the extracellular matrix. Repeated-UV irradiation suppressed the synthesis of collagen and activated the expression of the matrix metalloprotease (MMP). In this paper, on the purpose of development of novel anti-aging agents from natural sources, effects of several natural products on in vitro MMP-1 activity and UVA induced MMP-1 synthesis in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) culture were studied. We measured MMP-1 activities by fluorescence assay using gelatin as substrates. As a result, the extract of Dicentra spectabilis, and flower buds of Tussilago farfara showed strong inhibitory effect. Among them, the extract of flower buds of Tussilago fartara and Dicentra spectabilis inhibited MMP-1 activity by 92% and 87% at 0.05% (w/v). And UVA induced MMP-1 expression were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gelatin-based zymography in HDF culture. The extract of flower buds of Tussilago farfara and Dicentra spectabilis suppressed the UVA induced expression of MMP-1 by similar level of Vitamin C 200$\mu$M at 0.1% (w/v). These results suggest that the extract of Dicentra spectabilis, and flower buds of Tussilago farfara effectively prevent skin from the UV-induced photoaging. So the extracts are thought to have potential as effective raw materials for anti-aging cosmetics.