Hot water extract of Punica granatum L. attenuates UVB-induced skin damage and enhances skin barrier function by regulating MKK-MAPK-AP-1 signaling.

Punica granatum L. (pomegranate), abundant in Central Asian, especially Uzbekistan, is valued for its polyphenols and other bioactive compounds. While pomegranate-derived products are popular for health benefits, standardized extracts from arils alone have been underexplored. This study investigated the skin-protective, antioxidant, anti-photoaging, and barrier-enhancing effects of a hot water aril extract (Pg-hWE). LC-MS/MS profiling identified dihydrokaempferol, norkurainol, 2"-O-feruloylaloesin, zivulgarin, baohuoside I, and sanggenon A as key components. Pg-hWE showed strong radical scavenging activity and low cytotoxicity in skin cell lines. It significantly suppressed UVB-induced MMP expression, restored COL1A1 and PIP, reduced α-MSH-induced melanin production, inhibited AGEs accumulation, and alleviated oxidative stress-induced senescence. Pg-hWE also upregulated epidermal barrier and hydration-associated factors under basal and UVB-stimulated conditions. Oral administration in mice improved hydration, reduced skin damage, and preserved skin structure. Overall, Pg-hWE demonstrates potent antioxidant and anti-photoaging properties, supporting its potential use as a functional food ingredient for skin health. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-025-02051-2.