Photoprotective and Immunoregulatory Capacity of Ginsenoside Rg1 in Chronic Ultraviolet B-Irradiated BALB/c Mouse Skin

The study explored the effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on BALB/c mice skin exposed to chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Mice treated with ginsenoside Rg1 showed reduced skin damage from UVB exposure, including less hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, edematization, and inflammation. Ginsenoside Rg1 also decreased the expression of p53 protein, a marker of DNA damage, by 69.50%, 23.53%, and 12.93% at UVB doses of 30, 60, and 120 mJ/cm2, respectively. Additionally, it modulated the expression of cytokines, decreasing interferon (IFN)-γ mRNA by 19.6%, 36.3%, and 39.6%, and increasing interleukin (IL)-10 mRNA by 40.1%, 71.0%, and 89.4% at the same respective UVB doses. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α mRNA levels also increased following UVB exposure but were attenuated by ginsenoside Rg1 treatment. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 has photoprotective and immunoregulatory effects, reducing UVB-induced skin damage and modulating inflammatory cytokine expression.