Effects of Bletillae Rhizoma on the Elastase, Collagenase, and Tyrosinase Activities and the Procollagen Synthesis in Hs68 Human Fibroblasts

Objectives： Bletillae Rhizoma, the roots of Bletilla striata, is used to restrain the leakage of blood and stop bleeding. It can cure the sores, ulcers, and chapped skin. This study was designed to investigate the collagen metabolism, elastase and tyrosinase activity of Bletillae Rhizoma extract (BR). Methods : The effects of BR on type I procollagen production and collagenase activity in human normal fibroblasts Hs68 after UVB (312 nm) irradiation were measured by ELISA method. The elastase activity, tyrosinase activity, and L-DOPA oxidation after treatment of BR were measured as well. Results : In the present study, the collagen production (type I procollagen) was significantly increased to $15.7{\pm}1.8$ ng/ml at a concentration of BR 100 ${\mu}g/ml$ in UVB damaged Hs68 cells. The increased collagenase activity after UVB damage was significantly recovered to $42.7{\pm}0.7%$, $54.5{\pm}3.5%$, and $38.4{\pm}0.9%$ by BR 10, 30, and 100 ${\mu}g/ml$. The activities of BR 10 mg/ml on tyrosinase activity was significantly reduced to $45.1{\pm}8.4%$ as well. However, there were no significant effects on the elastase activity and the L-DOPA oxidation. Conclusion : BR showed the promoting effects of collagen synthesis and inhibitory effects of collagenase activity in Hs68, human normal fibroblast cells. And these could be thought to have the anti-wrinkle effects and whitening effects in vitro. These results suggest that BR may have potential as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetic treatment.