Ultraviolet‑B Protective Effect of Flavonoids from Eugenia caryophylata on Human Dermal Fibroblast Cells

Background: The exposure of skin to ultraviolet‑B (UV‑B) radiations leads to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and can induce production of free radicals which imbalance the redox status of the cell and lead to increased oxidative stress. Clove has been traditionally used for its analgesic, anti‑inflammatory, anti‑microbial, anti‑viral, and antiseptic effects. Objective: To evaluate the UV‑B protective activity of flavonoids from Eugenia caryophylata (clove) buds on human dermal fibroblast cells. Materials and Methods: Protective ability of flavonoid‑enriched (FE) fraction of clove was studied against UV‑B induced cytotoxicity, anti‑oxidant regulation, oxidative DNA damage, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptotic morphological changes, and regulation of heme oxygenase‑1 (HO‑1) gene through nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 antioxidant response element (Nrf2 ARE) pathway. Results: FE fraction showed a significant antioxidant potential. Pretreatment of cells with FE fraction (10–40 µg/ml) reversed the effects of UV‑B induced cytotoxicity, depletion of endogenous enzymatic antioxidants, oxidative DNA damage, intracellular ROS production, apoptotic changes, and overexpression of Nrf2 and HO‑1. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated for the first time that the FE fraction from clove could confer UV‑B protection probably through the Nrf2‑ARE pathway, which included the down‑regulation of Nrf2 and HO‑1. These findings suggested that the flavonoids from clove could potentially be considered as UV‑B protectants and can be explored further for its topical application to the area of the skin requiring protection.