E'jiao and Cubilose Formula Induced Antioxidant Activity and Improved Collagen Expression of Human Skin Fibroblasts During Oxidation Damage.

Abstract

Background: As traditional Chinese medicinal materials, E'jiao and cubilose are rich in various bioactive substances with good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating effects.

Aim: To obtain the optimal ratio of synergistic effect between E'jiao and cubilose.

Methods: The antioxidant capacity of E'jiao and cubilose digestive fluid was evaluated in vitro, as well as the intracellular oxidation balance between HSF cells and 3D whole-skin model induced by H₂O₂.

Results: E'jiao, cubilose, and their different ratios of composites had better scavenging ability against free radicals such as DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Using HSF cells induced by H₂O₂ as an oxidative damage model, it was found that the combination of E'jiao and cubilose in a ratio of 2:3 significantly enhanced the activities of SOD, GSH-PX, and CAT enzymes compared to the separate treatments of E'jiao and cubilose, as well as other combination ratios. It effectively reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species caused by H₂O₂ in HSF (Human Skin Fibroblast) cells and protected the integrity of the cells. Further analysis using flow cytometry and a 3D full-thickness skin model revealed that the combination ratio of 2:3 increased the proportion of H₂O₂-treated cells in the S%+G2% phase from 19.1% + 7.4%-22.1% + 28.8%, helping oxidatively damaged cells partially recover their proliferative capacity. It also promoted the expression of collagen I and collagen IV in the 3D full-thickness skin model, with improvement rates reaching 168.00% and 123.68%, respectively.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that the combination of E'jiao and cubilose in a ratio of 2:3 exhibits good synergistic effects, enhancing the ability of cells to resist oxidative damage, promoting cellular renewal and metabolism, and improving skin antiwrinkle capacity.