Artocarpin attenuates ultraviolet B-induced skin damage in hairless mice by antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Artocarpin, a prenylated flavonoid isolated from Artocarpus altilis, possesses anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Because both oxidative stress and inflammation promote the development of ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-induced photodamage, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the photoprotective effect of artocarpin on UVB-induced skin damage in hairless mice. Artocarpin at topical doses of either 0.05% or 0.1% showed significant photoprotective effects by decreasing histopathological changes (such as desquamation), epidermal thickening and sunburned cell formation, but the dosage of 0.1% of artocarpin administration was not better than the 0.05% dose. Artocarpin exhibited significant antioxidant activity (P < 0.05) by decreasing the levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. In addition, artocarpin significantly decreased the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β to down regulate inflammatory proteins, including the synthesis of cytosolic phospholipase A₂ and cyclooxygenase-2 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, these data suggest that artocarpin can prevent skin damage from UVB irradiation-induced photodamage in hairless mice, as possibly mediated through antioxidant and anti-inflammation mechanisms. Artocarpin may be useful as a photoprotective agent in medicine and/or cosmetics.