Brazilian essential oil of Cymbopogon martinii: positive effects on inflammation-induced human fibroblasts and skin aging.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of essential oil from Cymbopogon martinii (CMEO) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated human fibroblast cells. The fibroblasts were cultured using Iscove's medium and stimulated by LPS (1μg/mL). The cytotoxicity of CMEO was evaluated by MTT and collagen concentration by Sirius red. Collagenase activity, hyaluronic acid, and the concentrations of IL-1β; IL-6; MCP-1, and MIP-1-α were evaluated by ELISA. The effect of CMEO on the mRNA levels and the secretion of MMP-1; MMP-2; and MMP-9 enzymes in fibroblasts were evaluated by RT-qPCR and ELISA, respectively. CMEO was cytotoxic against fibroblasts, in which 10μg/mL inhibited 50% of cell viability. When treated with CMEO, the fibroblasts produced more collagen and hyaluronic acid compared to control cells. When stimulated by LPS, fibroblasts exhibited higher production of IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, and MIP-1α compared to control cells. However, the treatment of fibroblasts with CMEO reduces cytokines secretion and enzyme expression. In summary, CMEO reduced the secretion of cytokines and metalloproteinases, in addition to increasing the synthesis of extracellular matrix elements. The study demonstrated the effects of CMEO on the modulation of inflammatory mediators and decreasing the mRNA and secretion levels of metalloproteinases.