Effects of amla extract and collagen peptide on UVB-induced photoaging in hairless mice

Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) is a rich dietary source of vitamin C, minerals and amino acids, and also contains a wide variety of phenolic compounds. Amla has also been used as a principal constituent of many preparations of Ayurved, the Indian system of traditional medicine. Gelatin hydrolysate, also known as collagen peptide as a functional ingredient, is obtained from animal hide or fish scales. Ingestion of gelatin or collagen peptide affects various functions of the body, including bone, the achilles tendon, and skin. However, there are few data on the effects of amla extract and collagen peptide on photoaging in vivo. In the present study, therefore, we administered amla extract and/or collagen peptide to hairless mice that were repeatedly exposed of UVB irradiation, and examined the resulting effects on photoaging. Amla extract and collagen peptide suppressed the formation of 8-OHdG-positive cells and epidermal hyperplasia, and controlled skin hydration, thus reducing skin wrinkle formation in the mice. Collagen peptide, but not amla extract, also enhanced the production of collagen. We demonstrated that amla extract and collagen peptide exerted an additive effect in ameliorating skin dehydration and wrinkle formation, suggesting that they were able to attenuate photoaging effectively in UVB-irradiated hairless mice. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.