Biological Activities of MAAs and their Applications 5: Inhibition of Collagenase Activity

Enzymes involved in the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are deeply involved in skin aging. Compounds that suppress the degradation of collagen and elastin, constituents of the ECM, are of significant value to the cosmetics field. So far, more than 10 types of MAAs have been reported to inhibit the activity of collagenase, which belong to the family of matrix metalloproteinases. It has been suggested that the metal-chelating activity of MAAs is involved in these mechanisms of action. However, MAAs have not been reported to have an inhibitory activity on elastase. This chapter briefly summarizes these observations.