Photoprotective Effect of Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra var. henenis Strapf) Leaf Extract against Ultraviolet Radiation-induced Chronic Skin Damage in the Hairless Mouse

자외선 조사 마우스에서 만성 피부손상에 대한 분죽(Phyllostachys nigra var. henenis Strapf)잎 추출물의 효과

To evaluate the ability of Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra var. henenis Strapf) leaf extract (BL) to protect the skin from photodamage, the gross and microscopic changes in the skin of hairless mice and BL-treated mice exposed chronically to ultraviolet (UV) were examined. The skin of the UV-irradiated mice showed characteristic signs of photoaging, such as deep wrinkles across the back, increased epidermal thickeness, numerous cell infiltration, and many enlarged keratinizing cysts. BL-treated mice showed a significantly decreased wrinkling score and lack of proliferation of cysts. By the 22nd week, 88.9% (i.p. with saline) or 60.0% (topical administration with cream base) of the UV-irradiated mice developed at least one tumor. BL delayed tumor onset significantly. BL (i.p.) was also effective in reducing the occurrence of UV radiation-induced skin tumors and reduced the number of tumors per mouse. After 22 weeks of treatment, 37.5% (i.p.) of the mice treated with BL were tumor-free. Tumor multiplicity was reduced by 81.2% (i.p.) in the BL treated groups. It is noted that skin that is chronically exposed to UV is subject to photoaging and photocarcinogenesis and regular use of BL would prevent these photodamaging effects of UV.