Effects of polydeoxyribonucleotide derived from Gynostemma pentaphyllum callus on skin barrier function

Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) is mainly derived from salmon sperm and is widely used in the biomedical and cosmetic fields. It consists of small DNA fragments that bind to the adenosine A_2A receptor, promoting tissue regeneration. However, since Salmon PDRN (SP) is animal-derived, concerns about sustainability, ethical sourcing, and production processes make it necessary to explore plant-based alternatives. In this context, PDRN, which is fragmented from genomic DNA from plants, could be a promising option. This study investigated whether plant-derived PDRN (GP) extracted from Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GyPen), a plant known for its bioactive compounds, could serve as a vegan alternative to SP. GP was extracted using a plant-based method and tested on skin cells. The study aimed to determine whether GP enhances the skin barrier similarly to SP. In vitro assays showed that GP significantly improved keratinocyte viability and exhibited antioxidant and wound healing effects comparable to SP. Additionally, GP treatment significantly upregulated key skin barrier proteins, including FLG and IVL, while modulating CLDN1 expression. These results suggest that GP not only supports skin regeneration but may also help strengthen the skin against external stressors. Transcriptomic and qRT-PCR analyses further confirmed significant regulation of skin barrier-related genes. These findings indicate that GP could be a promising plant-based alternative to SP for improving skin health.