Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of Diplectria barbata (Wall. Ex C.B. Clarke) Franken & Roons (DFR) on wound healing, antioxidant and aging in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblast cell (NHDF) cells and mouse skin models. We investigated the effects of the aging process in vitro and in vivo. DFRtreated NHDF cells showed a concentration-dependent increase in the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (Collagen-2.5-fold increase at 50 μg/ml, Elastin-1.5-fold increase at 1μg/ml) as well as an increase in proteins related to cell survival, differentiation, and development, while expression of aging proteins such as matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) was decreased (5-fold decrease at 50 μg/ml). DFR treatment also led to enhanced expression of antioxidant proteins such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (10-fold increase at 50 μg/ml) and heme oxygenase 1 (1.5-fold increase at 25 μg/ml). To further investigate the antioxidative effects of DFR extracts, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activities were also evaluated. DFR extracts improved wound healing and resulted in increased expression of ECM proteins, while enzymes involved in collagen degradation, including MMP-3, were decreased in NHDF cells as well as in a mouse model. This study demonstrates the anti-aging, antioxidant, and wound healing properties of DFR extracts. Therefore, DFR extracts present may facilitate skin protection and care.