Evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacy of fermented Polygonatum sibiricum using zebrafish model

Fermentation may enhance the skincare potential of the traditional Chinese medicine Polygonatum sibiricum (PS). This study aimed to evaluate the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacy of fermented Polygonatum sibiricum (FPS) using zebrafish models. A UV-induced zebrafish skin oxidative stress model was established. Embryos were treated with FPS at concentrations of 0.05, 0.10, or 0.20 mg/mL. Evaluations included fin morphology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, skin cell apoptosis, and expression of inflammatory genes (PPAR-γ, NF-κB, iκbαa, AP-1). Additionally, a sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-induced inflammation model was used to assess neutrophil recruitment. FPS treatment dose-dependently ameliorated UV-induced fin shrinkage and significantly reduced ROS accumulation. At 0.20 mg/mL, FPS markedly elevated SOD and CAT activities while decreasing MDA levels ( p < 0.01). It also reduced UV-triggered skin cell apoptosis and modulated key inflammatory genes. In the SLS model, FPS significantly suppressed neutrophil migration ( p < 0.05). Conclusions : FPS demonstrated significant protective effects against skin damage by alleviating oxidative stress, reducing apoptosis, and suppressing inflammation in zebrafish, supporting its potential as a natural ingredient for cosmetic applications. • Fermented Polygonatum sibiricum (FPS) alleviates UV-induced fin damage in zebrafish. • FPS reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and skin cell apoptosis after UV exposure. • FPS enhances antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT) activities and decreases MDA levels. • FPS modulates PPAR-γ/NF-κB/AP-1 pathway genes to suppress inflammation. • FPS inhibits neutrophil migration in a sodium lauryl sulfate-induced inflammation model.