Rice bran, the outer layer of rice grains, has long been used in cosmetic formulations due to its rich content of bioactive compounds. However, the mechanisms underlying its anti-aging effects on the skin have not been fully elucidated. Recently, a research team from the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School published a study in Frontiers in Pharmacology entitled “Fermented rice bran extract delays skin aging by increasing the synthesis of collagen and elastin”.
This study demonstrated that rice bran extract (RBE) significantly promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin, reduces transepidermal water loss, and increases collagen deposition, ultimately improving skin elasticity and overall skin quality. Through chemical characterization, in vitro cellular experiments, three-dimensional culture models, and in vivo animal studies, the researchers systematically revealed the anti-aging potential of RBE and its beneficial effects on skin structure and mechanical properties. These findings highlight the promising application of fermented rice bran extract in anti-aging skincare and skin health maintenance.
Introduction
Rice bran is the outer layer of rice grains. Due to its abundance of bioactive compounds, it has long been used in cosmetic products. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which rice bran delays skin aging remain unclear.
Recently, a research team from the Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School published an article in Frontiers in Pharmacology entitled “Fermented rice bran extract delays skin aging by increasing the synthesis of collagen and elastin”. The study revealed that rice bran extract (RBE) can significantly promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin, reduce skin water loss, increase collagen deposition, and ultimately improve skin elasticity and overall skin quality.
Chemical Characterization and Cellular Effects of Rice Bran Extract
The researchers first performed a qualitative analysis of RBE using UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS technology. A total of eight chemical components were identified, including lipids and polyphenols. Among the lipid components were γ-tocotrienol, δ-tocotrienol, and squalene.
Subsequently, the effects of RBE at different concentrations on the proliferation of mouse skin fibroblasts (MSF) were investigated. The results showed that RBE at various concentrations promoted MSF cell proliferation. After treatment with 1 μg/mL RBE for 24 hours, the mRNA expression levels of type I and type III collagen were significantly upregulated, suggesting that RBE has the potential to promote extracellular matrix synthesis. In addition, scratch assays demonstrated that RBE could also enhance cell migration.
Effects of RBE on Collagen Expression and Skin Properties In Vivo
The researchers then employed a three-dimensional (3D) spheroid model of MSF to further investigate the effects of RBE on the mRNA expression of type I and type III collagen (COL I and COL III). The results showed that, in both two-dimensional (2D)-cultured MSF and 3D-cultured MSF spheroids, RBE treatment significantly increased the mRNA levels of COL I, the most abundant type of collagen in the skin. Interestingly, the expression of type III collagen was also significantly increased, with a more pronounced effect observed in the 3D-cultured MSF spheroids, where its expression level was 12.28 times higher than that in the 2D-cultured spheroids.
Next, RBE was applied to the skin of mice for 14 days and 28 days, respectively, to evaluate its effects on skin characteristics. The results showed that the percentages of collagen and elastin fibers were significantly increased in the RBE-treated groups. These data indicate that RBE can induce the regeneration of collagen and elastin in the skin and exhibits potential anti-aging skincare effects.
Finally, the researchers used a mechanical testing instrument to further evaluate the mechanical properties of mouse skin after 14 days and 28 days of RBE treatment. The results demonstrated that the skin tissues of RBE-treated mice exhibited significantly enhanced strength and elasticity compared with those of untreated mice.
Conclusion
In summary, this study demonstrates that rice bran extract can significantly promote the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin, increase skin hydration, and enhance the migratory ability of skin fibroblasts. These effects provide substantial benefits for maintaining and improving skin health, highlighting the promising role of RBE in anti-aging skincare applications.