# From Reshaped Metabolome to Repaired Skin: Fermented Gastrodia elata Alleviates UVB-Induced Damage Through Controlled Immune Activation

## TL;DR

Fermented Gastrodia elata protects skin from UVB damage by boosting antioxidants and balancing inflammation in mice.

## Contribution

GL shows superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects compared to vitamin E through unique metabolic and immune pathways.

## Key findings

- GL treatment improved skin morphology and antioxidant activity in UVB-exposed mice.
- GL activated NOD-like receptor pathways and induced Tnfaip3 for immune regulation.
- Fermentation enriched collagen-related metabolites and anti-inflammatory compounds.

## Abstract

UVB radiation induces cutaneous damage through oxidative stress and immune dysregulation. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Gastrodia elata fermented by Lactobacillus salivarius AACE1 (GL) in a mouse model of UVB-induced skin injury. Results demonstrated that GL treatment significantly improved skin morphology, enhanced antioxidant activities (SOD and GSH), reduced oxidative damage (MDA), and balanced inflammatory mediators by upregulating TGF-β and IL-10 while downregulating TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that GL specifically activated NOD-like receptor signaling pathway components (Nlrp3, Casp4, and Gbp2/5) while inducing Tnfaip3 to establish negative feedback control. Metabolomic profiling confirmed that fermentation transformed the metabolite landscape, enriching collagen-related dipeptides, antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory metabolites, and antioxidant cofactors. Importantly, comparative analysis showed that GL is more effective than vitamin E in coordinating multiple signaling pathways and maintaining inflammatory homeostasis. These findings establish GL as an effective natural product that alleviates UVB-induced skin damage through synchronized metabolic remodeling and controlled immune activation.