Dietary Rosa damascena protects against UVB-induced skin aging by improving collagen synthesis via MMPs reduction through alterations of c-Jun and c-Fos and TGF-β1 stimulation mediated smad2/3 and smad7

[Display omitted] •RD inhibited MMP by suppressing AP-1 activation.•RD reversed reduction in type 1 procollagen by regulating TGF-β/Smads signals.•RD has valuable potential for use in protecting skin aging as a functional food. Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure induces skin damage, which can result in elevated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and in the loss of Type 1 procollagen. Rosa damascena (RD) is well known for its aromatic flowers. This aesthetic has led it to be used in the cosmetic industry to provide fragrances. Additionally, RD has been used as an herbal remedy for pharmacological conditions; it has not, however, been tested for its effect on photoaged skin. In this study, we investigated whether treatment with 50% ethanol RD extract induces a protective effect on photoaging. We found that RD impacted MMP transcription by suppressing AP-1 activation. Simultaneously, RD reversed the UV-induced reduction in Type 1 procollagen and TGF-β1 expression by regulating Smads. Finally, we observed a reduction in wrinkle formation after RD treatment on photoaging-induced hairless mice. Together, our findings indicate that RD may act as an effective anti-aging treatment if consumed as functional food.