02094nas a2200229 4500008004100000245011100041210006900152260001900221300001200240490000700252520140900259653002101668653000801689653002301697653001501720653001801735100001801753700002001771700001901791700001801810856003601828 2025 eng d00aThe Photoprotective Effect of Cucurbita moschata Seed Extract on Rat Skin Exposed to Ultraviolet Radiation0 aPhotoprotective Effect of Cucurbita moschata Seed Extract on Rat cSeptember 2025 a588-5960 v173 a

Photoaging induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is characterized by DNA damage, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, and collagen loss. This study evaluated the photoprotective effects of topical pumpkin seed (Cucurbita moschata) extract cream against UVB-induced skin damage in Wistar rats. CPD (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer), MDA (malondialdehyde), MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1) levels, and collagen density were assessed. UVB exposure significantly increased CPD, MDA, and MMP- 1 levels while reducing collagen density. Treatment with pumpkin seed extract cream, particularly at 10% concentration, markedly reduced CPD and MDA levels (P ≤ 0.05), indicating potent DNA repair support and antioxidant activity likely attributable to phenolic and flavonoid compounds. MMP-1 levels were significantly decreased, approaching normal values, suggesting inhibition of collagen degradation through anti-inflammatory and anti-matrix degradation mechanisms. Histological examination revealed higher collagen density and more organized collagen fibers in treated groups compared with negative control and placebo. These findings indicate that Cucurbita moschata seed extract cream exerts strong photoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-preserving effects, with the 10% formulation showing the greatest efficacy.

10acollagen density10aCPD10aCucurbita moschata10aphotoaging10aUVB radiation1 aSartika, Dewi1 aRusip, Gusbakti1 aChiuman, Linda1 aGirsang, Ermy uhttps://phcogj.com/article/2542