Protective effects of compounds from Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen) against UVB damage in HaCaT cells and hairless mice

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes alterations in the skin, such as epidermal thickening, wrinkle formation and inflammation. Therefore, preventing UVB-induced skin damage can promote general health among the human population. Garcinia mangostana L. (mangosteen) is a fruit that has become a popular botanical dietary supplement because of its perceived role in promoting overall health. The present study investigated the photoprotective effects of alpha-, beta-, gamma-mangostins and gartanin against UVB radiation using the HaCaT immortalized human keratinocyte cell line as an in vitro model and hairless mice as an in vivo model. UVB radiation increased the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and -9 and decreased the mRNA expression levels of involucrin, filaggrin and loricrin in HaCaT cells; however, these changes were attenuated by pretreating the cells with alpha-, beta-, gamma-mangostins and gartanin. Among these compounds, alpha-mangostin exhibited the greatest effects in reducing UVB-induced skin wrinkles, inhibited epidermal thickening in hairless mice in vivo. Exposure to UVB radiation increased the expression of MMPs and pro-inflammatory cytokines and activated mitogen-activated protein kinases in hairless mice, but these changes were attenuated by alpha-mangostin. The authors suggested that alpha-mangostin exerts anti-wrinkle and anti-aging properties.