Seed Oil of Lycium barbarum L. from Qaidam Basin Prevents and Treats UV-Induced Photodamage in BABL/c Mice Skin by Modulating Skin Microbiome and Amino Acid Metabolism

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a primary environmental factor responsible for skin photodamage, and exposure to UV rays is strongly linked to a variety of skin diseases. This study examined the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Seed Oil of Lycium barbarum L. from the Qaidam basin (QLBSO) in a UV-induced skin photodamage model in BALB/c mice, exploring potential mechanisms by analyzing the skin microbiota and metabolites using 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics. The results showed that QLBSO effectively alleviated UV-induced histopathological changes in mouse skin. It also significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in UV-damaged skin tissue, while reducing levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1) and MMP-3. Omics analysis revealed that QLBSO successfully restored the balance of the skin microbiota and corrected disruptions in amino acid metabolism caused by UV exposure. Notably, Firmicutes_A and Kineothrix, along with cysteine, cystine, glycine, arginine, proline, and choline, were identified as key microbial species and metabolites responsive to QLBSO’s prophylactic and therapeutic effects. In conclusion, QLBSO likely protects against UV-induced skin photodamage by modulating the skin microbiota and amino acid metabolism, providing a scientific foundation for its potential use in skin health protection.