Ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory processes in human epidermis, resulting in
inflammation, photoaging, and photocarcinogenesis. Adequate protection of skin against the harmful effect of UV irradiation is essential. In recent years naturally occurring herbal compounds such as phenolic
acids,
flavonoids, and high molecular weight
polyphenols have gained considerable attention as beneficial
protective agents. The simple phenolic
veratric acid (VA, 3,4-dimethoxybenzoic
acid) is one of the major
benzoic acid derivatives from vegetables and fruits and it also occurs naturally in medicinal mushrooms which have been reported to have anti-inflammatory and
anti-oxidant activities. However, it has rarely been applied in
skin care. This study, therefore, aimed to explore the possible roles of
veratric acid in protection against UVB-induced damage in HaCaT cells. Results showed that
veratric acid can attenuate
cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) formation,
glutathione (GSH) depletion and apoptosis induced by UVB. Furthermore,
veratric acid had inhibitory effects on the UVB-induced release of the inflammatory mediators such as
IL-6 and prostaglandin-E2. We also confirmed the safety and clinical efficacy of
veratric acid on human skin. Overall, results demonstrated significant benefits of
veratric acid on the protection of keratinocyte against UVB-induced
injuries and suggested its potential use in skin photoprotection.