Abstract

Background:
Exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light plays a key role in photoaging through increased oxidative stress, activation of inflammatory pathways, and increased expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), which causes dermal collagen degradation. Young coconut water contains various bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity that have the potential to protect the skin from UVB-induced damage.

Aim:
This study aimed to analyze the effect of oral administration of young coconut water on MMP-1 levels and collagen fiber thickness in male Wistar rats exposed to UVB light.

Methods:
A purely experimental study with a post-test only control group design was conducted on 24 male Wistar rats divided into four groups: healthy controls (K1), UVB exposure (K2), UVB + young coconut water 4 mL/200 g BW/day (K3), and UVB + young coconut water 8 mL/200 g BW/day (K4). UVB exposure was given for 15 days at a cumulative dose of 800 mJ/cm². MMP-1 levels were measured using an ELISA method, while collagen fiber thickness was analyzed using Masson's Trichrome staining.

Results:
UVB exposure significantly increased MMP-1 levels and decreased collagen fiber thickness (p = 0.001). Oral administration of young coconut water significantly reduced MMP-1 levels and increased collagen fiber thickness compared to the untreated UVB group, with the most optimal effect at a dose of 4 mL/200 g body weight/day.

Conclusion:
Young coconut water has potential as a natural antioxidant agent that can inhibit the increase in MMP-1 and maintain collagen fiber thickness in the skin caused by UVB exposure, thus potentially being used in the prevention of photoaging.

Key words: Young coconut water; UVB; MMP-1; Collagen; Photoaging.