Methyl jasmonate elicitation enhances photoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in Lavandula angustifolia cell suspension cultures

Oxidative stress and inflammation induced by ultraviolet (UV) exposure significantly accelerate skin aging, necessitating effective bioactive agents to prevent photodamage. This study investigates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of cell extracts from Lavandula angustifolia cell suspension cultures, assessing their potential applications in preventing skin aging and mitigating inflammation. L. angustifolia cell suspension cultures were established from callus derived from lavender stem tissues. Notably, treatment with methyl jasmonate (MJ) significantly enhanced secondary metabolite production, as confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The MJ-treated lavender cell extract (LC-MJ) improved cell viability and inhibited early apoptosis in mouse fibroblasts exposed to ultraviolet B-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, LC-MJ extract effectively downregulated inflammatory pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-6. This anti-inflammatory effect was associated with the inhibition of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways, indicating a protective role in inflammation-related conditions. These observations imply that LC-MJ extract could be utilized as a functional bioactive agent in the management of oxidative stress and inflammation, particularly in the prevention of skin aging and UV-induced photodamage.