Antiskin Inflammatory Activity of Black Ginger <i>(Kaempferia parviflora)</i> through Antioxidative Activity

Abstract

<i>Kaempferia parviflora</i> (Krachaidum (KD)) is a traditional herbal medicine and has properties that are beneficial for human health. In the current study, we sought to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of KD extract (KPE). In mouse skin tissue, UV light representing solar wavelengths (sUV) increased COX-2 expression, while treatment with KPE reduced this effect. The anti-inflammatory activity of KPE was confirmed in <i>in vitro</i> models. MAPK signaling pathways were activated by sUV irradiation, and this was also repressed in the presence of KPE treatment. It is assumed that the anti-inflammatory activity of KPE is caused by the antioxidative effect. Furthermore, we confirmed the critical role of oxidative stress in sUV-induced COX-2 expression. We analyzed the polyphenol composition of KPE. Of the polyphenols identified, gallic acid, apigenin, and tangeretin were identified as the major polyphenols (at 9.31 ± 1.27, 2.37 ± 0.14, and 2.15 ± 0.19 <i>μ</i>g/mg dry weight, resp.). Collectively, these findings show that in the presence of sUV irradiation, KD has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidative effects in the skin.