ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-APOPTOTIC EFFECTS OF BUTTERFLY PEA GEL ON PHOTODAMAGED SKIN

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a major environmental factor contributing to skin damage through excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This oxidative stress activates inflammatory pathways, increases pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and triggers apoptosis via caspase-3, ultimately leading to photodamage and premature skin aging. Plant-derived antioxidants have been extensively investigated for their potential to counteract UVB-induced cellular damage. Clitoria ternatea (butterfly pea) flower extract is particularly rich in flavonoids and anthocyanins, compounds known for strong free radical scavenging activity. Recent animal studies have shown that topical gel formulations of butterfly pea flower extract significantly downregulate TNF-α and caspase-3 expression in UVB-exposed rats, thereby reducing inflammation and apoptosis. These findings suggest that butterfly pea gel may serve as a promising natural approach for protecting the skin against UVB-induced photodamage. Methods: Tests were conducted on both the experimental and control groups. There was no UVB exposure in the healthy group. After five days of daily exposure to a minimal erythema dose of 160 mJ/cm2, the negative controls and treatments 1 and 2 received treatment with a gel-based extract that contained 5% and 10% of the extract, respectively. The extraction process's maceration step involved the use of a 96% ethanol solution. On day 14, the levels of gene expression in the skin tissue were assessed using Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR. Results: Higher doses of the extract had a bigger effect, and the treatment group's TNF-α and caspase-3 expression levels dropped. Conclusion: The gel extract greatly decreased the UVB-induced TNF-α and caspase-3 production in rats.