Comparative Evaluation of Undaria pinnatifida Anatomical Parts for Skin-Related Functional Properties in UVB-Irradiated L929 Fibroblasts Under Normal and High-Glucose Culture Conditions.

Summary

This in vitro study evaluated extracts from various anatomical parts of sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida), including underutilised root, sporophyll and stem, for their capacity to inhibit skin-related enzymes and provide antioxidant protection in fibroblasts exposed to UVB stress. The root extract demonstrated the strongest inhibitory activities against tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, elastase and collagenase, alongside superior performance in reducing intracellular reactive oxygen species and promoting cell migration. These findings suggest potential for underutilised sea mustard anatomical parts as functional ingredients in skincare or nutraceutical applications.

Regional applicability

This study was conducted in South Korea and utilised sea mustard cultivated primarily in East Asian regions. Whilst Undaria pinnatifida is cultivated commercially in other countries including parts of Europe and the United Kingdom, the applicability of these findings to UK food production or consumer markets depends on establishing commercial supply chains and regulatory approval for seaweed-derived functional ingredients in the UK.

Key measures

Tyrosinase inhibition (%), hyaluronidase inhibition (%), elastase inhibition (%), collagenase inhibition (%), α-glucosidase IC50 (mg/mL), xanthine oxidase IC50 (μg/mL), MTS metabolic activity (relative %), dead cell percentage (%), intracellular ROS levels, scratch closure distance (in vitro wound healing)

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated enzyme inhibitory activities (tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, elastase, collagenase) and antioxidant properties of extracts from different anatomical parts of Undaria pinnatifida in UVB-irradiated L929 fibroblasts under normal and high-glucose conditions. Cell viability, intracellular ROS reduction, and in vitro wound closure were also assessed.

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