Main Article Content
Protective effect of total flavonoids from boxthorn leaf against UVB irradiation-induced skin injury
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of total flavonoids from boxthorn leaf against skin injury induced by UVB irradiation, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action.
Method: Healthy female mice (n = 100) were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group, UV negative control group, cream base group, and boxthorn leaf total flavonoid (BLTF) group, with 25 mice in each group. The mice in each group were irradiated with ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation instrument for 1.5 h daily for 3 weeks. Mice in the cream base group were smeared with cream base on their backs, while mice in BLTF group were smeared with 15 mg/g boxthorn BLTF cream. The control and negative control group mice were not treated. Changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were determined using standard methods.
Results: Compared to the negative control group, the levels of SOD and GSH-Px in the control group and BLTF were significantly elevated, while MDA levels declined significantly (p < 0.05). Although higher GSH-Px and SOD levels, and lower MDA were seen in the cream base group than in negative control group, these indices were comparable for the two groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: The total flavonoids of boxthorn leaves improve resistance to UVB-induced skin damage by regulating SOD, MDA and GSH-Px levels in the skin of mice. Thus, they exert protective effects on the skin.