SOD-RICH MELON POLYSACCHARIDE–PROTEIN COMPLEX SUPPORTS KERATINOCYTE REDOX DEFENSE AND A TRANSLATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR NUTRITIONAL PHOTOPROTECTION

Bougrain Mouad; Ji-hoon Park; Hye-jin Baek

doi:10.61796/jhsm.v1i4.36

Authors

Bougrain Mouad National Standards Laboratory SA, Switzerland
Ji-hoon Park National Standards Laboratory SA, Switzerland
Hye-jin Baek National Standards Laboratory SA, Switzerland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61796/jhsm.v1i4.36

Keywords:

Photoprotection, Ultraviolet radiation, Keratinocyte, Superoxide dismutase, Cucumis melo, Minimal erythema dose, Photo-oxidative stress

Abstract

Objective: Ultraviolet exposure produces reactive oxygen species in skin and contributes to erythema, inflammatory signaling, matrix damage, and photoaging. Method: We tested the BCLC® SOD-Rich Melon Endogenous Polysaccharide–Protein Complex in H₂O₂-stressed HaCaT keratinocytes and compared the cellular findings with published human photoprotection studies of melon-derived SOD systems. Results: At 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL, intracellular ROS fell to 82.5%, 73.6%, and 64.9% of the oxidative-stress model, while cell viability remained 91.6–94.0%. The optimized extract also showed high in-vitro antioxidant capacity and retained 47.8% of SOD activity after 60 min at pH 1.2. In a randomized placebo-controlled study of a specific melon concentrate, minimal erythema dose (MED) increased after oral supplementation and/or topical application; complementary skin-explant work showed higher endogenous antioxidant-enzyme activity and fewer UV-related damage markers. Randomized studies of multi-plant products containing Cucumis melo have also reported changes in photoaging-related skin measures. Novelty: The keratinocyte data identify redox control as a testable pathway for formulation-specific human evaluation of the BCLC® complex.

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