The Administration of 3% Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) Leaves Extract Cream Inhibited the Increase of MMP-1 Expression and the Decrease of Dermal Collagen in Male Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Exposed to UV-B

Background: Skin aging is a complex process and influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The combination of these two factors have an impact on the dermis and wrinkle is the most common clinical symptoms. The main extrinsic factor that accelerates aging is ultraviolet exposure from sunlight and known as photoaging. Natural antioxidants are one option to inhibit aging process and tamarind (Tamarindus indica) leaves have potential because of its antioxidant content. This study was conducted to investigate the potential of 3 % tamarind leaves extract cream (Tamarindus indica) in inhibiting the increased of MMP-1 expression and the decrease of dermal collagen in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to ultraviolet B. Method: This study was conducted with a post-test only control group design. Ultraviolet B irradiation given three times a week with a total dose of 840 mJ/cm2 for four weeks. The control group received cream base without extract as placebo, while the treatment group received 3 % tamarind leaves extract cream. The cream was given twice daily, before and after UV-B irradiation. The expression of MMP-1 was examined using immunohistochemical techniques and the amount of dermal collagen was observed with Picro Sirius Red staining. The results obtained were processed using the software. Result: The significance analysis carried out by an independent sample t test showed that the mean result of MMP-1 expression in the control group was significantly higher than the treatment group (10.22 ±2.05 vs 3.71 ±0.94, p 0.001). In contrast, the mean amount of dermal collagen in the control group was significantly lower than the treatment group (61.99 ±4.98 % vs 81.16 ±4.17 %, p 0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the administration of 3 % tamarind leaves extract cream (Tamarindus indica) inhibited the increase of MMP-1 expression and the decrease of dermal collagen in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to ultraviolet B rays.