Standardized hot water extract from the aerial parts of Cirsium setidens (Dunn) Nakai alleviates UVB-induced skin photoaging damage through the inhibition of MMP-1/3 and MAPK/AP-1 pathways in vitro and in vivo

Repetitive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes skin damage, leading to inflammation, wrinkles, and aging. Many natural products are being highlighted as anti-aging agents due to their accessibility and minor side effects. Here, we explored the photoprotective effects of a standardized hot water extract from the aerial parts of Cirsium setidens (Dunn) Nakai (CS). In Hs68 cells, CS treatment reduced UVB-induced cytotoxicity and inflammation. CS decreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1, −3) expression by inactivating the MAPK/activator protein-1 (AP-1) signaling pathways and recovered pro-collagen type I levels by activating the Smad pathway. CS reduced ROS production and activated heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway. In HR-1 mice, oral administration of CS reduced wrinkle formation and epidermal/dorsal thickness, while also restoring hydration. CS inhibited collagen degradation by downregulating MMP-1, −3, and − 9 expression via inactivation of the MAPK/AP-1 and stimulation of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathways.