Honey and Chamomile Activate Keratinocyte Antioxidative Responses via the KEAP1/NRF2 System

Abstract

Introduction

The stratum corneum protects against the entry of pathogens, allergens, and irritants while preventing dehydration. The Kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with cap-n-collar homology-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)/NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) system maintains skin barrier homeostasis. Aggregated evidence suggests that NRF2-mediated antioxidative response is hardwired into the stratified squamous epithelia. Honey and chamomile have long been regarded as natural antioxidants. Nonetheless, it is still unclear whether they activate the KEAP1/NRF2 system in the epidermis and could promote epidermal barrier recovery.

Methods

To address the abovementioned issue, we explored the antioxidative property of honey/chamomile extract by using non-cell-based KEAP1-inhibition assay and cultured human epidermal keratinocytes.

Results

Herein we report that the extract inhibited KEAP1-NRF2 interaction and induced keratinocyte production of antioxidant small proline-rich protein.

Conclusion

Our results may offer an opportunity to develop cosmetic products that boost NRF2-mediated antioxidative/antiaging, epidermis-intrinsic bio-responses.

Keywords:

• NRF2
• honey
• chamomile
• keratinocyte

Acknowledgment

We appreciate Yamada Bee Company, Inc. for providing us the honey/chamomile extract.

Disclosure

This research was supported in part by the following JSPS KAKENHI Grant, Grant-in-Aid for Research Activity Start-up (16H06663 to YI), and Early-Career Scientists (18K16018 to YI). The authors state they have no conflicts of interest for this work.