Protective Effects of a Collagenic Nutraceutical Complex on Human Dermal Fibroblast Activity and UV-Induced Photoaging

Citation: Yu-Syuan Jhang, "Protective Effects of a Collagenic Nutraceutical Complex on Human Dermal Fibroblast Activity and UV-Induced Photoaging", Universal Library of Medical and Health Sciences, Volume 04, Issue 02.

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Skin aging is characterized by progressive deterioration of dermal structure and increased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity induced by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Nutraceutical formulations combining collagen peptides and bioactive phytochemicals have attracted increasing attention for their potential roles in maintaining skin health. In the present study, we evaluated the skin-protective effects of a proprietary collagen-based nutraceutical complex (CNC) containing fish collagen peptide, acerola extract, sakura-derived lactic acid bacteria, salmon nasal cartilage extract, and other bioactive ingredients. The antioxidant capacity of CNC was assessed using an ABTS radical scavenging assay, showing that 10 µg/mL of CNC exhibited an antioxidant activity equivalent to 8.7 µg/mL of Trolox. Hs68 human dermal fibroblasts were used to evaluate cell viability, fibroblast migration, and protection against UV-induced photoaging. Cell viability was determined using a colorimetric assay, while fibroblast migration was assessed using a scratch wound healing assay. For the photoaging model, fibroblasts were exposed to UVB irradiation (312 nm, 30 mJ/cm²), and the level of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CNC treatment enhanced fibroblast viability and accelerated wound closure compared with untreated controls. In addition, CNC markedly suppressed UV-induced MMP-9 production, indicating an inhibitory effect on extracellular matrix degradation. The observed antioxidant capacity further suggests that CNC may protect skin cells from oxidative stress-associated damage. Collectively, these findings indicate that CNC promotes skin-related cellular functions and attenuates UV-induced matrix degradation, highlighting its potential as a nutraceutical strategy for supporting skin health and mitigating photoaging.

Keywords: Collagen Peptide/ Photoaging/ Dermal Fibroblasts/ Antioxidant Activity / Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9).

https://doi.org/10.70315/uloap.ulmhs.2026.0402008