Scutellarein Protects Against UVB-Induced Skin Injury in a Mouse Model

UVB radiation penetrates the epidermis and upper dermis, compromising skin barrier function. This activates pro-inflammatory cells, releasing mediators (e.g., histamine, interleukins) that induce edema. UVB also generates excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), causing oxidative stress in skin cells. Although the mechanisms of UV-induced skin damage have been extensively studied, the development of effective UV-protective drugs remains a significant challenge. Scutellarin, a flavonoid glycoside predominantly isolated from Erigeron breviscapus, has demonstrated diverse bioactivities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects. However, its role in UVB-induced skin damage has not been fully explored. Therefore, we established a UVB-induced skin damage model in mice by irradiating the dorsal skin with a dose of 300 mJ/cm² UVB. Through measurements of transepidermal water loss, detection of barrier-related proteins, assessment of inflammatory factors, and evaluation of oxidative stress indicators, we found that scutellarin can maintain barrier integrity, reduce skin edema, suppress inflammatory responses, and decrease oxidative stress. Moreover, RNA sequencing of mice skin revealed that scutellarin can modulate inflammatory responses and maintain extracellular matrix homeostasis to alleviate skin damage. These findings suggest that scutellarin is a natural compound with potential for UV-protective effects on the skin.