E'jiao and Cubilose Formula Induced Antioxidant Activity and Improved Collagen Expression of Human Skin Fibroblasts During Oxidation Damage.

Background: As traditional Chinese medicinal materials, E'jiao and cubilose are rich in various bioactive substances with good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulating effects.

Aim: To obtain the optimal ratio of synergistic effect between E'jiao and cubilose.

Methods: The antioxidant capacity of E'jiao and cubilose digestive fluid was evaluated in vitro, as well as the intracellular oxidation balance between HSF cells and 3D whole-skin model induced by HO.

Results: E'jiao, cubilose, and their different ratios of composites had better scavenging ability against free radicals such as DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). Using HSF cells induced by HO as an oxidative damage model, it was found that the combination of E'jiao and cubilose in a ratio of 2:3 significantly enhanced the activities of SOD, GSH-PX, and CAT enzymes compared to the separate treatments of E'jiao and cubilose, as well as other combination ratios. It effectively reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species caused by HO in HSF (Human Skin Fibroblast) cells and protected the integrity of the cells. Further analysis using flow cytometry and a 3D full-thickness skin model revealed that the combination ratio of 2:3 increased the proportion of HO-treated cells in the S%+G2% phase from 19.1% + 7.4%-22.1% + 28.8%, helping oxidatively damaged cells partially recover their proliferative capacity. It also promoted the expression of collagen I and collagen IV in the 3D full-thickness skin model, with improvement rates reaching 168.00% and 123.68%, respectively.

Conclusions: These findings indicate that the combination of E'jiao and cubilose in a ratio of 2:3 exhibits good synergistic effects, enhancing the ability of cells to resist oxidative damage, promoting cellular renewal and metabolism, and improving skin antiwrinkle capacity.