We comparatively evaluated the antioxidant properties of key triterpenes from Centella asiatica, including asiatic acid (AA), asiaticoside, madecassic acid, and madecassoside, in several cell types, including skin fibroblasts, macrophages, hepatocytes, and endothelial cells, under conditions promoting oxidative stress. AA conferred the highest viability on Hs68 cells exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Triterpene pretreatment attenuated the UVB-induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the UVB-induced depletion of glutathione (GSH) in skin fibroblasts. AA most potently inhibited UVB-induced MMP generation, resulting in increased intracellular collagen levels. Pretreatment with triterpenes, particularly AA, significantly improved cell viability and attenuated TBHP-induced levels of ROS, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase in HepG2 cells. Triterpenes attenuated ROS levels and reduced MDA and GSH expression in EA.hy926 cells. In RAW264.7 macrophages, production of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 (indicators of LPS-induced oxidative damage) was significantly reduced by treatment with any of the triterpenes. Statistical analyses of triterpene biological activities using principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering revealed that AA exerted the greatest overall influence and showed remarkable activity in Hs68 and HepG2 cells.

Background: Photoaging, induced by chronic ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, results in the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, leading to skin roughness, wrinkle formation, and reduced elasticity. Recent studies have explored probiotics as potential inhibitors of extrinsic aging, primarily through mechanisms that protect the skin barrier and reduce collagen breakdown. Methods: This study investigates the anti-photoaging effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum MG5368 (L. fermentum MG5368) and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MG989 (L. plantarum MG989) in UVB-exposed keratinocytes and an SKH-1 hairless mice model. Results: Both strains demonstrated significant efficacy in preserving collagen through the inhibition of activating protein-1 (AP-1) and reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3. Additionally, both strains restored COL1A1 protein expressions, thereby enhancing collagen synthesis and ECM stability. Enhanced skin elasticity was observed, attributed to restored levels of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronan synthase 2 (HAS2) protein expressions. Conclusions: These findings suggest that L. fermentum MG5368 and L. plantarum MG989 may serve as promising probiotic-based agents for anti-photoaging applications.

Seonghwa Hong, Huijin Heo, Hana Lee, Mina Lee, Junsoo Lee, and Jeong Hwan Park. Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition 2021;50:339-46. https://doi.org/10.3746/jkfn.2021.50.4.339

Seungjoo Baik, Huijin Heo, Seonghwa Hong, Heon Sang Jeong, Junsoo Lee, and Hana Lee. Prev Nutr Food Sci 2024;29:162-9. https://doi.org/10.3746/pnf.2024.29.2.162

Minjun Kim, Seonghwa Hong, Jinhee Park, Kyeong-Hoon Kim, Hana Lee, and Junsoo Lee. Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition 2026;55:256-64. https://doi.org/10.3746/jkfn.2026.55.3.256

Hong-Min Lee*, Seonghwa Hong*, Huijin Heo, Hana Lee, and Junsoo Lee. Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition 2025;54:822-30. https://doi.org/10.3746/jkfn.2025.54.10.822