• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.53-60
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• 2016

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate anti-aging and antioxidant effects of extracts of Nelumbo nucifera leaves (NN-L) using ethanol on skin .Methods : Each part of leaves(NN-L), flowers(NN-F) and stem(NN-S) was extracted with 70% ethanol. We performed radical scavenging assay(DPPH, ABTS+, Superoxide anion radical), elastase inhibition assay, collagenase inhibition assay. NN-L extracts were tested for cell viability(MTT assay), MMP-1 inhibition and MMP-1 protein expression on CCD-986sk cells (human fibroblast line).Results : Recently, many studies have reported that elastin is also involved in inhibiting or repairing wrinkle formation, although collagen is a major factor in the skin wrinkle formation. We measured its free radical scavenging activity, elastase inhibitory activity and expression of MMP-1 (matrix metalloprotease-1) in human fibroblast cells. Among the parts of Nelumbo nucifera, NN-L showed the highest antioxidant activities and in radical scavenging. DPPH, ABTS+ and Superoxide anion radical scavenging activity of NN-L at concentration of 1,000 μg/mL were 91.43%, 99.31% and 73.7% respectively. In vitro elastase and collagenase inhibition effects of NN-L at concentration of 1,000 μg/mL was 42.8% and 55.3% respectively. The ethanol extract of NN-L showed cell viability of 95.4% in 50 μg/mL concentration. In addition, The results from Western blot assay showed that NN-L decreased the expression of MMP-1 protein in a dose-dependent manner (by up to 35.0% at 50 μM).Conclusion : The findings suggest that the NN-L great potential as a cosmeceutical ingredient with antioxidant and anti-wrinkling effects.