In vitro study on the inhibitory effects of Korean brown, green, and red seaweed extracts on collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase

Skin aging is classified according to intrinsic factors, such as genetic and metabolic processes, and extrinsic factors, such as stress and exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These factors activate enzymes in the skin, such as collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase (HAse), thereby promoting skin aging. In this study, we investigated the effects of a Korean edible seaweed extract on collagenase, elastase, and HAse, three extracellular matrix enzymes involved in the aging process. Brown and green seaweed extracts showed high collagenase inhibitory activity. Among these, Cladophora wrightiana var. minor exhibited the highest inhibitory activity. In elastase inhibitory activities of seaweed extracts, the brown seaweed extract showed the highest elastase inhibitory activities compared to other seaweed extracts. Padina gymnospora showed the highest inhibitory activity among tested seaweed extracts. Green seaweed extracts of C. wrightiana var. minor showed the highest inhibitory activity, followed by brown seaweed extract. The results of this study suggest that seaweed extract strongly inhibits collagenase, elastase, and HAse, which are responsible for skin aging and antiwrinkle effects.