Stimulation of dermal fibroblast collagen synthesis in vitro by saponin enriched extract from soybeans

Soybean (Glycine max L.) is a species of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its edible bean which has numerous uses. It has been used as a source of human food of high quality protein and other nutrients for hundreds of years. Recently, soyasaponin, one of the significant bioactive constituents from soybeans, has received more attention to be used in skin care cosmetic products due to its relevant beneficial properties including antioxidation, anti-inflammation and water retention. Previous works have also reported anti-wrinkle property of certain saponins of which effect on collagen synthesis is of interest. In this study, saponin enriched extract from soybeans prepared by use of Diaion HP-20 macroporous resin was investigated for in vitro stimulating effect on type 1 collagen synthesis. The human dermal fibroblasts cell line (ATCC CRL-1744) was treated with three different concentrations (50, 100, 200 μg/ml) of the extract for 24 h and then the amount of type 1 collagen was measured using ELISA test kit. The results revealed that the percentage of stimulating effect on collagen synthesis after saponin enriched extract treatment were 8.08 ± 1.23 and 21.12 ± 1.54 at concentrations 100 and 200 μg/ml, respectively while that of a positive control ascorbic acid at 50 μg/ml was 31.08 ± 0.28. The present study demonstrates the collagen synthesis stimulating potential of soysaponins and provides a possibility to develop as anti skin aging agent in cosmetic products.