Study on the Protective Effect of Flavonoids in Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd on Oxidative Stress Damage of HaCaT Cells

Background: Vitiligo, a prevalent hypopigmented skin disorder, profoundly impacts patients’ psychological well-being and quality of life. Therefore, the development of more efficacious antivitiligo drugs is imperative. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of four flavonoids found in Vernonia anthelmintica (L.) Willd such as Butin, Butein, Eriodictyol, and Liquiritigenin—against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress damage in human immortalized epidermal cells (HaCaT cells). Materials & Methods: Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT kit. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was measured via the WST-1 method, while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was determined using the thiobarbituric acid method. Transcription and protein expression of nuclear transcription-related factors (Nrf2), heme oxidase-1 (HO-1), and Quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) were analyzed through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western Blotting. Results: Upon treatment with the four flavonoids, SOD activity exhibited a significant increase compared to the H₂O₂ induction model ( P < .01), and MDA content was significantly lower ( P < .01). This effect showed a dose-dependent relationship, with an increment in SOD activity and a reduction in MDA content. All four flavonoids upregulated the expression levels of nuclear transcription-related factor, HO-1, and NQO1 genes, as well as their corresponding proteins. Conclusion: The identified flavonoids in V anthelmintica (L.) Willd demonstrate a protective effect against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress damage in HaCaT cells.