Evaluation of the skin moisturizing effects and underlying mechanisms of pomegranate concentrate solution and dried pomegranate concentrate powder

Objectives: The aim of this study was to confirm the dose-dependent skin moisturizing effects of dried pomegranate concentrate powder (PCP) and pomegranate concentrate solution (PCS) in ICR mice. Materials and methods: To observe the in vivo skin moisturizing effects and possible underlying mechanisms of PCP and PCS, oral PCP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) and PCS (1, 2, and 4 mL/kg) were administered to normal ICR mice. Changes in body weight, skin water content, and skin type I collagen and hyaluronan contents were measured. Additionally, the mRNA expression levels of hyaluronan synthase (Has) 1, 2, and 3, and collagen type I alpha (COL1A) 1 and 2 were determined in the dorsal skin of mice by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: Significant and dose-dependent increases in dorsal skin water content and type I collagen and hyaluronan contents were seen in PCP and PCS-treated mice. Moreover, the mRNA levels of Has 1, 2, and 3, involved in hyaluronan synthesis, and of COL1A1 and COL1A2, involved in collagen synthesis, were significantly and dose-dependently upregulated in PCS- and PCP-treated mice. Conclusions: In this study, PCP and PCS led to favorable skin moisturizing effects as indicated by increased skin water content and the upregulation of hyaluronan and collagen synthesis enzymes in mice treated with PCS (4 mL/kg) and PCP (200 mg/kg).