Oral Administration of Edible Snail Extract Powder Prevents UVB-Induced Skin Damage

Edible snail extract powder, which is known to hydrate and help heal skin, was evaluated to see if it could protect against skin damage from UVB via oral administration in an SKH-1 hairless mouse model. Over a period of 117 days, mice were exposed to UVB radiation and given edible snail extract powder to assess its impact on skin health. Toxicity tests confirmed its safety, with no significant changes in body weight, organ weights, or serum markers. Physiological analyses showed that edible snail extract powder significantly improved skin hydration, reduced trans epidermal water loss (TEWL), and inhibited wrinkle formation. Histological examination revealed increased collagen deposition and reduced stratum corneum thickness. At the molecular level, edible snail extract powder restored the expression of hyaluronic acid synthases (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3), collagen-related genes (Col1a1, Col1a2), and Sod, while suppressing the levels of Mmp-1, a matrix-degrading enzyme elevated by UVB exposure. These findings suggest that oral administration of edible snail extract powder might enhance skin barrier function and combat photoaging through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ECM-preserving mechanisms. This study highlights its potential as a functional food ingredient for skin health, warranting further investigation into its molecular pathways.