Quantitative Assessment of Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Properties of Sulphurous Spring Water

Sulphur-containing spring water, which is generally rich in minerals and metallic elements, is tradition- ally considered beneficial for diseases of dermal origin. We investigated sulphur-containing spring water from the Ildong Jeil springs in Korea for antibacterial properties as well as antioxidant and cytoprotective effects on primary human dermal fibroblasts. Sulphurous spring water from Ildong Jeil springs significantly restricted bacterial growth compared to that of spring water with no sulphur content. We also recorded significant increases in total cellular anti-oxidant activity in primary hu- man dermal fibroblasts cultured in media reconstituted in sulphurous spring water. Although, procollagen gene expression was not enhanced significantly, culture medium prepared using sulphurous spring water protected dermal fibroblasts from tBOOH (tertiary butyl hydroperoxide)-induced cytotoxicity. Our data provides evidence that sulphur-containing spring water has beneficial effects on primary human dermal fibroblasts substantiating its medicinal properties on human skin.