Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation often causes skin aging, inflammation, cancer and other related skin diseases. In this study, the main components of Tricholoma matsutake extract (TME) were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and their anti-photoaging effects were assessed through UV-induced cell and animal models. The key components identified were D-mannitol (27.41%), DL-malic acid (14%), alginate (12.5%), isoleucine (4.82%), and phenylalanine (4.31%), all of which played roles in anti-aging and UV protection. TME (50-100 mg/ml) significantly alleviated UVA/UVB-induced erythema and wrinkles in mice. Pathological staining showed that TME suppressed UV-induced epidermal hyperplasia (p < 0.05), reduced collagen damage (p < 0.01), and decreased mast cell infiltration (p < 0.01), while down-regulating inflammatory markers such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. TME also upregulated type I collagen (COL-1). Flow cytometry results demonstrated that high-dose TME inhibited UV-induced apoptosis and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HaCaT cells (p < 0.05). Immunofluorescence and scratch migration assays showed that TME promoted PPAR-α expression, reduced inflammation, and supported skin repair (p < 0.01). Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses indicated that TME regulated inflammation-related signaling pathways, helping to prevent skin aging. TME is a promising natural product for skin care and treatment of oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.