Asian J Beauty Cosmetol. 2013; 11(2): 239-252.

Histological Studies on the Inhibitory Effects of Yukmijiwhangtang on Photoaging Skin Induced by UVB Irradiation in SKH-1 Mice

Hye-Sook Jeon, and Hong-Seok Ahn

Chronic ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation of the skin results in epidermal hyperplasia, degradation of extracellular matrix, and formation of wrinkles. To investigate the anti-photoaging effect of extract of Yukmijiwhangtang (YM) in SKH-1 mice. We observed the effects of YM on skin wrinkles formation, histological changes related to epidermal thickness, collagen fibers, elastic fibers and mast cells, and immunohistochemical changes related to cytokines and enzymes in photoaging skin caused by UVB irradiation of SKH-1 mice. The oral administration YM-O and topical application of extract of YM (YM-OA) significantly decreased wrinkle formation and the epidermal thickness compared to control group (p<.01). Furthermore, YM-OA prevented the disruption of collagen fibers within papillary layer of dermis, and significantly decreased number of mast cells in the dorsal and ear skins induced by UVB irradiation (p<.05). Treatment with YM-O and YM-OA decreased immunohistochemical density of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, -3 related to degradation of extracellular matrix, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression related to angiogenesis in the epidermis. Treatment with YM-O and YM-OA reduced number of epidermal growth factor (EGF) immunostained cells related to activation of MAP kinase pathways involving upregulation of EGF receptor in the photoaging skin. Our study suggests that oral administration and topical application of Yukmijiwhangtang participates in inhibitory effects in the process of photoaging skin on UVB irradiated SKH-1 mice.

Keywords : Yukmijiwhangtang, Ultraviolet B, Histological changes, Immunohistochemistry, MMP