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Biochemistry

Fermentation of Leonurus japonicus with Saccharomyces cerevisiae Enhances Skin Defense Against UVB Damage

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at Hebei University have discovered that fermentation of Leonurus japonicus with Saccharomyces cerevisiae results in elevated levels of bioactive compounds, including total alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoid content. This process, known as probiotic fermentation, enhances the antioxidant activity of the resulting fermentation supernatant (LF), which is beneficial for improving skin barrier damage and reducing inflammation. The study findings suggest that LF can play a significant role in shielding dermal fibroblasts from UVB-induced aging and may be used as an anti-aging supplement in skincare formulations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fermentation of Leonurus japonicus with Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in a significant increase in bioactive compounds, including total alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoid content.
  • The increase in bioactive compounds enhanced the antioxidant activity of the resulting fermentation supernatant (LF).
  • Treatment with LF improved skin barrier damage through the WNT-11 signal pathway and the TRPV1 signal pathway.
  • LF can increase skin permeability by promoting Ca concentration regulation and collagen degradation was mediated by MMPs and IL-1b.
  • LF significantly alleviated the levels of inflammatory factors and MMPs, leading to up-regulation of the expression of collagen.
  • The study suggests that LF may be used as an anti-aging supplement in skincare formulations.

Statistics:

  • The levels of total alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and flavonoid content in fermented Leonurus japonicus were 2.5, 3.1, and 4.2 times higher than in non-fermented samples, respectively.
  • The antioxidant activity of LF was increased by 2.2 times compared to the non-fermented Leonurus japonicus water extracts (LW).
  • The expression of collagen was up-regulated by 1.5 times in HaCaT cells treated with LF compared to those treated with LW.
  • The levels of inflammatory factors and MMPs were decreased by 1.8 and 2.1 times, respectively, in HaCaT cells treated with LF compared to those treated with LW.

Sources:

  • Enhancement of skin defense against UVB damage by fermentation of Leonurus japonicus with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Phytomedicine, 2025;147:157206.
  • Zi-Ye Tian et al. (2025). Hebei University. School of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development.

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