Agastache rugosa Kuntze Attenuates UVB-Induced Photoaging in Hairless Mice through the Regulation of MAPK/AP-1 and TGF-��/ Smad Pathways

Oral administration of Agastache rugosa extract (ARE) at doses of 100 or 250 mg/kg/day for 12 weeks significantly improved UVB-induced skin damage in hairless mice.

• ARE reduced wrinkle formation, epidermal thickening, erythema, and hyperpigmentation caused by UVB exposure.
• The extract enhanced skin hydration and decreased transepidermal water loss.
• ARE increased hyaluronic acid levels by upregulating genes involved in its synthesis.
• Collagen density and hydroxypoline levels were markedly increased through two mechanisms: downregulation of collagen-degrading enzymes and stimulation of collagen-related gene expression.
• ARE elevated the expression of antioxidant enzymes and reduced inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting a specific inflammatory pathway.

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