Anti‑wrinkle effect of fermented black ginseng on human fibroblasts

Fermented black ginseng (FBG) is processed by the repeated steaming and drying of fresh ginseng followed by fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is known to possess anti‑oxidative effects. Skin wrinkle formation is associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. The aim of this study was to determine whether FBG possesses anti‑wrinkle activity using human fibroblasts (HS68). According to the Korea Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) guidelines for the evaluation of the efficacy of functional anti‑wrinkle cosmetics, we attempted to elucidate the effects of FBG on type I procollagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑1, MMP‑2, MMP‑9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‑2 (TIMP‑2). In addition, the eye irritation potential of FBG was examined using the EpiOcular‑EIT kit. Our results revealed that FBG was not cytotoxic at concentrations <10 µg/ml. It was considered as safe for the eyes at concentrations of up to 100 µg/ml. Treatment with FBG at concentrations from 0.3 to 10 µg/ml significantly (P<0.05) increased the type I procollagen expression levels from 117.61±1.51 to 129.95±4.47% in the human fibroblasts. By contrast, FBG significantly (P<0.05) decreased the MMP‑1 expression level from 18.41±4.95 to 27.41±3.96%. FBG at 3 µg/ml also increased the expression of TIMP‑2 up to 154.55%. However, FBG at 10 µg/ml decreased the expression levels of MMP‑2 and MMP‑9 to 45.15 and 66.65%, respectively. These results suggest that FBG has potential anti‑wrinkle effects as a potential ingredient in cosmetics.