Dietary intake of Rosa damascena against UVB-induced skin aging by improving collagen synthesis
In 2017, a group of Korean scientists published a study titled “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”. In other words, the scientific team studied how the intake of rose damascena through food can protect the skin from aging caused by UVB radiation by promoting the formation of collagen and reducing the activity of enzymes that destroy it.
To understand the meaning of their work, we must first clarify a few terms. UVB rays are part of the ultraviolet spectrum of the sun and are among the main culprits for burns, accelerated aging and skin damage. Collagen is a key protein in the skin that provides its firmness and elasticity, but under the influence of the sun it begins to break down. This is where the so-called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) – enzymes that “cut” collagen and elastin. The more active these enzymes are, the faster the skin loses its fresh appearance and wrinkles appear.
The scientists’ experiment was conducted with laboratory mice exposed to UVB rays, some of which received Rosa damascena extract in their food. The results show something curious – in mice fed with the rose extract, collagen destruction was significantly weaker, and their skin was smoother and more resistant. This is due to two main mechanisms. On the one hand, the rose suppresses the activity of c-Jun and c-Fos – proteins that “turn on” the genes for MMPs. With less active MMPs, collagen is broken down more slowly. On the other hand, the extract supports the signaling pathway of TGF-β1 – a molecule that stimulates skin cells to produce new collagen.
In simple terms, rose damascena acts as a double protector: it reduces the breakdown of old collagen and at the same time promotes the synthesis of new collagen. Thus, it counteracts the damage caused by UVB rays and slows down the processes of photoaging.
Of course, it is important to clarify that this is a study on animals and the effects in humans have yet to be verified. However, the results suggest that rose damascena may find a place not only in cosmetics, but also in dietary supplements or functional foods that support the beauty and health of the skin from the inside.
Source: Park J-H, Lee S-Y, et al. 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. Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 36, September 2017, Pages 480-489
