Aqueous extract of Phragmites communis rhizomes attenuates phototoxicity in skin cells

Background Excessive sunlight exposure leads to photodamaged skin, resulting in wrinkles, roughness, relaxation, and pigmentation. We examined photoprotective effects of aqueous extracts of dried Phragmites communis rhizome (PCWE) on ultraviolet B radiation (UVB)-mediated photodamage in skin cells. Methods Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), melanocytes (B16F10 cells), and keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) were treated with PCWE (25–200 μg/mL), with or without UVB (30 mJ/cm 2 ). Cell viability, cell senescence, and mRNA levels of genes involved in skin homeostasis were assessed. Anti-melanogenic effects of PCWE on B16F10 cells were evaluated. Cyclooxygenase-2 ( COX-2 ) mRNA levels and β-hexosaminidase release were evaluated in macrophage RAW264.7 and basophilic leukemia RBL-2H3 cells, respectively. Results No significant cytotoxicity was observed in tested cells up to 200 μg/mL PCWE. In HDFs and HaCaT cells, PCWE pretreatment afforded significant, concentration-dependent photoprotection. PCWE downregulated baseline matrix metalloprotease-1 expression and elastase activity in HDFs; in HaCaT cells, telomerase reverse transcriptase and hyaluronan synthase-2 expressions were upregulated. PCWE suppressed α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone-mediated increase in melanin production and tyrosinase activity. PCWE suppressed COX-2 induction (in RAW264.7) and β-hexosaminidase release (in RBL-2H3). Conclusion PCWE exhibits good potential to attenuate photodamage in skin cells.