20(S)-protopanaxadiol, an aglycone derivative of ginsenoside, inhibits solar ultraviolet-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 expression

Abstract

Ginseng is widely used as traditional medicinal plant in Korea and it has been reported various biological activities such as anti-tumor and anti-diabetic. Among its potential health benefits, ginseng has shown positive effects on preventing skin aging caused by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Ginsenosides are the major pharmacologically active components of ginseng and 20-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-20(S)-protopanaxadiol (GPPD) and ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) were reported to have anti-wrinkle effects. In this research, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol (20(S)-PPD), an aglycone derivative of Rb1 metabolite was focused on its potential anti-wrinkle benefit compared to other ginsenosides, GPPD and Rb1. Anti-wrinkle effect of 20(S)-PPD against solar UV was investigated in human skin equivalent and human keratinocytes. 20(S)-PPD strongly attenuated solar UV-induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 expression compared to GPPD and Rb1. It was found that 20(S)-PPD regulated MMP-1 protein expression and activator protein (AP)-1 gene transcriptional activity. In addition, 20(S)-PPD suppressed both in MEK1,2/ERK/P90RSK and MEK3,6/p38 pathways. These signaling pathways stimulate transcription factor AP-1 which regulate MMP-1 expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that 20(S)-PPD could be a potential agent for preventing solar UV-induced skin wrinkle.