Effect of Extracted Sterols from Persian Gulf Red Algae on Human Skin Cells Collagen

Skin aging is accompanied by up regulation of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression and down regulation of collagen synthesis. Extracted sterols of marine algaes have been reported as anti-cancer agents and antioxidants, which can indicate the potential for anti-wrinkle properties in the human skin. In this study, the sterols extracted from Persian Gulf red algae Gracilaria salicornia were evaluated at concentrations 1.7, 3.5, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 μg / ml for determination of procollagen synthesis in human skin cells. To determine the acceptable dose of this precursor, the cytotoxicity test of G. salicornia sterols on the human skin fibroblast cells was tested at levels 2.3, 4.6, 9.3, 18.75, 37.5, 75, 150 and 300 μg/ml. The results indicate increased procollagen synthesis in the skin cells by increasing the concentration of sterols, and the lack of toxicity of this substance in the required dosage of the treatment. The extracts IC50 for human skin fibroblasts was 111 μg / ml. The effect of extracts on increasing of skin procollagen showed significant differences at concentrations 1.75 to 112 μg / ml (P<0.0001). Therefore, extracted sterols can play an important role on reducing the skin aging process due to the synthesis of skin cells procollagen. More research is needed for other uses of algae sterols for the use of cosmetic products.