# Broccoli Extract (Broccoli NMN®) Improves Skin Hydration by Regulating HAS and NF-κB Pathways and Reduces Wrinkle Formation via the TGF-βR1/Smad3/Collagen Pathway

## TL;DR

Broccoli extract containing β-NMN protects skin from UVB damage by improving hydration, reducing inflammation, and preventing wrinkles through multiple biological pathways.

## Contribution

This study demonstrates the novel protective effects of broccoli extract (BRC) against UVB-induced skin damage via regulation of hydration, inflammation, and collagen pathways.

## Key findings

- BRC improved skin hydration and barrier function by upregulating hyaluronic acid synthases and sphingolipid metabolism genes.
- BRC reduced inflammation by suppressing NF-κB signaling and COX-2 expression.
- BRC inhibited wrinkle formation by activating the TGF-βR1/Smad3/Collagen pathway and reducing extracellular matrix degradation.

## Abstract

This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of broccoli extract containing more than 99.0% β-NMN (BRC) on UVB-induced skin damage, including moisture loss, oxidative stress, inflammation, wrinkle formation, and melanin production, using in vitro and in vivo models. BRC treatment significantly alleviated UVB-induced skin dehydration, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses, as well as inhibited wrinkle formation and melanin synthesis. Mechanistically, BRC enhanced skin hydration and barrier function by upregulating hyaluronic acid synthases and genes related to sphingolipid metabolism, while simultaneously suppressing NF-κB signaling and COX-2 expression, thereby re-ducing inflammation. Moreover, BRC promoted collagen synthesis by activating the TGF-βR1/Smad3/Collagen pathway and prevented extracellular matrix degradation by inhibiting JNK/c-Fos/c-Jun/MMPs signaling. In addition, BRC modulated the cAMP/PKA/CREB/MITF/TRPs pathway, leading to reduced melanin production. These findings suggest that BRC supplementation may effectively protect against UVB-induced skin damage, supporting its potential application as a functional ingredient for skin health.