Ameliorating Effect of Astragalus sinicus Ethanol Extract on Dermal Aging

Background: Skin aging is caused by two factors: Intrinsic factors such as genetics and extrinsic factors such as ultraviolet exposure. This study aimed to explore the ameliorating activity of ethanol extract of Astragalus sinicus (ASE) on human skin fibroblast (HDFs) subjected to intrinsic and extrinsic aging via continuous culturing and UVB radiation, respectively.Methods and Results: Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) mRNA expression and elastase activity were determined using qRT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. The activities of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) with or without UVB exposure were investigated using enzyme histochemical staining assay. ASE treatment decreased MMP-1 expression and elastase activity. Furthermore, ASE treatment suppressed SA-β-gal activity in both UVB-exposed and UVB-free environments.Conclusions: These finding suggest that ASE has dermal anti-aging effects and can be employed as a functional cosmetic material.