Harringtonine Attenuates Extracellular Matrix Degradation, Skin Barrier Dysfunction, and Inflammation in an In Vitro...

With the growing interest in natural strategies for preventing skin aging, plant-derived compounds are being actively investigated for their potential protective effects against skin inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. In this study, we explored the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects of harringtonine, an alkaloid isolated from Cephalotaxus harringtonia, in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) under inflammatory stress induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Harringtonine significantly suppressed the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-1, MMP-2, and MMP-9 and restored the expression of collagen synthesis-related genes [collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1), collagen type I alpha 2 chain (COL1A2), and collagen type IV alpha 1 chain COL4A1)], indicating its protective role in ECM degradation. Additionally, harringtonine improved the expression of skin barrier-related genes, such as serine peptidase inhibitor kazal type 5 (SPINK5), loricrin (LOR), quaporin-3 (AQP3), filaggrin (FLG), and keratin 1 (KRT1) although it had no significant effect on involucrin (IVL). Harringtonine also markedly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8] and inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nitric oxide (NO). Our findings suggest that harringtonine may serve as a promising natural compound for mitigating skin aging and inflammation through multi-targeted modulation of ECM remodeling, skin barrier function, and inflammatory response.