Protective Effects of Standardized Peucedanum Japonicum Thunb. Extract Against UVB-Induced Corneal Epithelial...

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation is a major environmental factor causing corneal epithelial cell apoptosis, leading to ocular surface damage and vision impairment.

This study aimed to investigate whether the standardized extract of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (SBP) protects corneal cells from UVB-induced apoptosis and explore its mitochondrial regulatory mechanisms.

Corneal epithelial cells were exposed to UVB irradiation, with or without treatment with SBP extract or its fractions. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and mitochondrial morphology were assessed, and apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed using a cytokine antibody array kit. In vivo mouse models were also used to evaluate corneal damage following UVB exposure.

The SBP extract, particularly the n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction, significantly attenuated UVB-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced apoptosis. Treatment restored mitochondrial membrane potential and improved corneal morphology in UVB-exposed mice. Chlorogenic acid, a major active compound, exhibited similar protective effects. The n-BuOH fraction demonstrated protective effects comparable to those of chlorogenic acid.

SBP protects corneal cells from UVB-induced apoptosis through mitochondrial stabilization, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for ocular surface disorders.