Cinnamon extract promotes type I collagen biosynthesis via activation of IGF-I signaling in human dermal fibroblasts

J Agric Food Chem. 2012 Feb 8;60(5):1193-200. doi: 10.1021/jf2043357. Epub 2012 Jan 27.

Abstract

The breakdown of collagenous networks with aging results in hypoactive changes in the skin. Accordingly, reviving stagnant collagen synthesis can help protect dermal homeostasis against aging. We searched for type I collagen biosynthesis-inducing substances in various foods using human dermal fibroblasts and found that cinnamon extract facilitates collagen biosynthesis. Cinnamon extract potently up-regulated both mRNA and protein expression levels of type I collagen without cytotoxicity. We identified cinnamaldehyde as a major active component promoting the expression of collagen by HPLC and NMR analysis. Since insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is the most potent stimulator of collagen biosynthesis in fibroblasts, we examined the effect of cinnamaldehyde on IGF-I signaling. Treatment with cinnamaldehyde significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of the IGF-I receptor and its downstream signaling molecules such as insulin receptor substrate-1 and Erk1/2 in an IGF-I-independent manner. These results suggested that cinnamon extract is useful in antiaging treatment of skin.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Cinnamomum zeylanicum / chemistry*
  • Collagen Type I / biosynthesis*
  • Collagen Type I / genetics
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism*
  • Plant Extracts / isolation & purification
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Skin / cytology*
  • Skin / metabolism

Substances

  • Collagen Type I
  • Plant Extracts
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I