Skin aging is associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by human cells, and use of antioxidants is an effective approach to prevent symptoms that are associated with ROS-induced skin aging. This study aimed to investigate antioxidant activities of leaves of Chamaecrista nomame (Siebold) H. Ohashi extract (LCE) and also to determine the total phenolics, flavonoids and proantocyanidins contents. In addition, the anti-aging activity of LCE was estimated in oxidative stress-induced human dermal fibroblasts by using hydrogen peroxide. The total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents of LCE were 919.92±3.30 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, 5.31±0.21 mg quercetin equivalent/g and 67.16±2.47 μg catechin equivalent/g, respectively. The antioxidative activities of LCE were significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. Also, LCE inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death, and LCE suppressed the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species in human dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, LCE inhibited the expression of β-galactosidase, which is an indicator of aging. Therefore, these results suggested that LCE is potential natural candidate as an ingredients in antioxidant and anti-aging for functional food.

Keywords: Chamaecrista nomame (Siebold) H. Ohashi extract, reactive oxygen species, human dermal fibroblast, antioxidant, anti-aging