Zingiber officinale protects HaCaT cells and C57BL/6 mice from ultraviolet B-induced inflammation.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a physical carcinogen, and UV irradiation from sunlight has negative effects on human skin. UVB-induced inflammation is linked to excessive induction of various inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in many types of cells, including keratinocytes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of water extract of Zingiber officinale, gingerol, and shogaol on UVB-induced skin damage in the human keratinocyte cell line HaCaT and C57BL/6 mice. To test for an effective compound to protect against inflammation in UV-damaged skin, we prepared a water extract of ginger rhizomes and examined the effects of Z. officinale, gingerol, and shogaol on cell viability and cytokine/chemokine production in UV-irradiated HaCaT cells. We also investigated the in vivo relevance of these findings in C57BL/6 mice using hematoxylin and eosin staining and cytokine measurements. A water extract of Z. officinale, gingerol, and shogaol inhibited production of cytokines in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells effectively. Treatment with Z. officinale attenuated UVB-induced hyperplasia, infiltration of leukocytes, and dilation of blood vessels in the dermis of mice. Z. officinale, gingerol, and shogaol show potential as anti-inflammatory agents to protect skin against UVB irradiation damage.