Kuntze Attenuates UVB-Induced Photoaging in Hairless Mice through the Regulation of MAPK/AP-1 and TGF-β/ Smad Pathways.

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, regarded as a major cause of extrinsic aging or photoaging characterized by wrinkle formation and skin dehydration, exerts adverse effects on skin by causing the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Kuntze, known as Korean mint, possesses a wide spectrum of biological properties including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-atherosclerosis. Previous studies have reported that protected human keratinocytes against UVB irradiation by restoring the anti-oxidant defense system.