Collagen Thickness and Density in BALB/c Mice Exposed to UVB Light after using Siam Weeds Cream (Chromolaena odorata L.)

Introduction: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation can cause damage to the skin's dermis layer, which can lead to collagen fragmentation. Damage to collagen generates wrinkles, which are a sign of aging. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine how Siam Weeds cream (Chromolaena odorata L.) altered the thickness and density of collagen in the skin of BALB/c mice after UVB exposure. Methods: There were four groups of 24 BALB/c mice altogether: normal control, negative control (Cream Base with UVB), positive control (UVB), and treatment (C. odorata cream and UVB). Just before and after the mice were exposed to UVB at 500 mJ/cm2, the Siam Weeds cream formulation was applied at a concentration of 1%. Mice were slaughtered, and a back skin excisional biopsy was conducted to analyze collagen. Results: the treatment group differed significantly both in thickness and density of collagen against the positive control group and the negative control group (p<0.05) and There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment and normal control groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: A 1% dosage of C. odorata cream can improve the thickness and density of collagen in UVB-exposed mice's skin.