Effect of Nepeta cataria extract on the skin barrier function

Abstract

Nepeta cataria commonly known as catnip, catswort, catwort, and catmint, is native to Europe, Asia, and America, and has a history of use in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. Although N. cataria exhibits desirable biological effects, such as anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities, the effect of N. cataria extract on the skin barrier function remains unknown. Thus, we herein examined the application of functional materials by testing a variety of physiological activities of N. cataria extract. N. cataria extract was found to possess a low cytotoxicity and a high DPPH radical scavenging activity, which resulted in a significant increase in the transactivation activity of PPAR response elements (PPREs) such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α. Finally, it was found that N. cataria extract promotes the expression of filaggrin and involucrin, which is related to skin barrier protection. These results indicate that N. cataria extract may be an effective comfound for improving the skin barrier function.