Effects of Olibanum Extracts on Collagenase Activity and Procollagen Synthesis in Hs68 Human Fibroblasts and Tyrosinase Activity

This study was designed to investigate the collagen metabolism and tyrosinase activity of Olibanum extracts (OE). The currently known effects of OE are to move blood, calm pain, solve oedema, and promote tissue regeneration. The effect of OE on type I procollagen production and collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1, henceforth referred as MMP-1) activity in human normal fibroblasts Hs68 after ultraviolet B (UVB, 312 nm) irradiation was measured by the ELISA method. The tyrosinase activity after treatment with OE was measured as well. There was no cytotoxicity at all tested concentrations. OE significantly inhibited the increased collagenase activity after UVB damage, whereas it did not recover the reduced type I procollagen production in UVB damaged Hs68 cells. It did not reduce the tyrosinase activity and the L-DOPA oxidation, either. In conclusion, OE showed the anti-wrinkle effects via the collagenase inhibitory mechanism. Although further research is needed to validate its efficacy, these results suggest that OE may have potential as an anti-aging ingredient in cosmetic herb markets.