Nat Prod Sci.  2024 Dec;30(4):268-274. 10.20307/nps.2024.30.4.268.

Citronellic Acid Improves Skin Barrier Function by Activation of PPAR-α

• Kim B

• KMID: 2564125
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.20307/nps.2024.30.4.268

Abstract

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPAR)-α is a critical regulator of skin conditions of skin inflammatory disorders, hyper-proliferation, and abnormal differentiation. The new search for PPAR-α activator is required for epidermal differentiation and skin barrier improvement. Citronellic acid was selected for a new PPAR-α ligand through structure-based pharmacophore screening. Citronellic acid is an acyclic monoterpene carboxylic acid found in essential oils of lemongrass and citrus fruits. Citronellic acid enhanced the transactivation activity of PPAR responsive element (PPRE) and cornified envelope (CE) formation, and decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines and anti-microbial peptides. Citronellic acid also promoted the protein expression of involucrin, as a component of CE and a marker of keratinocyte differentiation, and the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA), a moisturizing component. These results indicate that citronellic acid may be a suitable skin treatment for improvement of epidermal barrier function.

Keyword

Citronellic acid; Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors; Hyaluronic acid; Pro-inflammatory cytokines; Anti-microbial peptides