A recent study shows that hesperidin, a flavonoid commonly found in citrus fruits, can protect against skin degradation after exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The paper, which appeared in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, also indicated that the flavonoid also prevented UVB-induced skin thickening, wrinkle formation, and inflammation.
- Hesperidin is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulatory activities. Researchers looked at whether the flavonoid was effective in preventing photoaging using hairless mice models.
- The mice were divided into three groups: control, UVB-treated vehicle, and UVB-treated hesperidin. In particular, mice in the hesperidin group were given treated with water containing 100 milligrams per kilogram body weight (mg/kg) of hesperidin daily.
- Results showed that mice that were treated with hesperidin had improved length and depth of wrinkles, as well as inhibited the development of skin thickness and epidermal hypertrophy.
- Mice that were treated with hesperidin also exhibited decreased MMP-9 (matrix metallopeptidase 9) and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.
The findings suggest that hesperidin contained potent anti-photoaging activity, through MMP-9 regulation.