Empetrum nigrum var. japonicum Extract Suppresses Ultraviolet B-Induced Cell Damage via Absorption of Radiation and Inhibition of Oxidative Stress

• Published in: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Main Authors: Ki Cheon Kim, Daeshin Kim, Sang Cheol Kim, Eunsun Jung, Deokhoon Park, Jin Won Hyun
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2013
• Subjects: Empetrum nigrum
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/983609

This study focused on the protective actions of Empetrum nigrum against ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation in human HaCaT keratinocytes. An ethyl acetate extract of E. nigrum (ENE) increased cell viability decreased by exposure to UVB rays. ENE also absorbed UVB radiation and scavenged UVB-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HaCaT keratinocytes. In addition, ENE shielded HaCaT keratinocytes from damage to cellular components (e.g., peroxidation of lipids, modification of proteins, and breakage of DNA strands) following UVB irradiation. Furthermore, ENE protected against UVB-induced apoptotic cell death, as determined by a reduction in the numbers of apoptotic bodies and sub-G1 hypodiploid cells, as well as by the recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential. The results of the current study therefore suggest that ENE safeguards human keratinocytes against UVB-induced cellular damage via the absorption of UVB ray and scavenging of UVB-generated ROS.