Protective Effects of Schinus Terebinthifolius Leaf Supercritical Fluid Extract Against UVC-Induced Oxidative Stress: A Comprehensive Gene Expression Study
February 2026
in “
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
”
Schinus terebinthifolius UVC-induced oxidative stress supercritical fluid extraction phenolic compounds flavonoid compounds collagenase antioxidant activity HaCaT keratinocytes ECM integrity epidermal barrier function cellular defense EGCG ascorbic acid photoprotective properties Brazilian pepper tree epigallocatechin gallate vitamin C
TLDR Brazilian pepper tree leaf extract effectively protects skin cells from UVC damage and is a strong natural skincare option.
The study demonstrates that Schinus terebinthifolius (SB) leaf extract provides significant protection against UVC-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes. The extract, rich in phenolic compounds like naringin, epicatechin gallate, and rosmarinic acid, showed superior antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition compared to other extracts and standard antioxidants. SB effectively enhanced the expression of genes related to extracellular matrix integrity, skin barrier function, and antioxidant defense, suggesting its potential as a natural photoprotective agent for skincare applications. While the results are promising, further research is needed to confirm these findings in primary human cells and explore topical applications.