Induction of extracellular matrix synthesis in normal human fibroblasts by anthraquinone isolated from Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit.

In previous studies we found that Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit extract up-regulated biosynthesis of type I collagen and glycosaminoglycans in primary cultures of normal human fibroblasts. The objective of this study was to identify the active ingredients in Noni fruit extract. An active single compound having a type I collagen-stimulating effect was isolated and identified as 1,4-dihydroxy-2-methoxy-7-methylanthraquinone by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared, and mass analysis. It was revealed that anthraquinone showed significantly increased elaboration of procollagen type I C-terminal peptide and glycosaminoglycans and reduced expression of the collagenase matrix metalloproteinase-1 dose-dependently in human dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, in a clinical trial, a nano-emulsion containing anthraquinone predominantly increased the dermal type I procollagen in nude mouse skin. These results suggest that anthraquinone derived from Noni extract is a good candidate for use as a new anti-wrinkle agent due to its strong induction of biosynthetic activity of extracellular matrix components.