Oral Centella Asiatica Extract Attenuates UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Extracellular Matrix-Preserving Effects in Hairless Mice
December 2025
in “
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
”
Centella asiatica asiaticoside UVB-induced photoaging antioxidant anti-inflammatory extracellular matrix hyaluronic acid ceramide matrix metalloproteinase-1 matrix metalloproteinase-9 collagen malondialdehyde pro-inflammatory cytokines skin hydration skin elasticity transepidermal water loss Gotu Kola MMP-1 MMP-9 TEWL
TLDR Centella asiatica extract taken orally can reduce skin aging from UVB exposure.
This study demonstrates that oral administration of Centella asiatica extract (sCAE) effectively reduces UVB-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice by enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities, reducing inflammation, and preserving extracellular matrix integrity. The extract improved skin hydration, elasticity, and reduced wrinkles, primarily through the restoration of hyaluronic acid and ceramide levels, and suppression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). The protective effects were dose-dependent, with the higher dose (80 mg/kg) showing more significant improvements. The study involved 40 male mice and suggests that sCAE could be a promising oral nutraceutical for skin health and anti-aging applications, though further research is needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.
