Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 is a superfamily of zinc-dependent endopeptidases that are capable of degrading all components of the extracellular matrix. Kaempferia pandurata extract (0.01-0.5 microg/mL) significantly reduced the expression of MMP-1 and induced the expression of type 1 procollagen at the protein and mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. Ultraviolet (UV)-induced MMP-1 initiates cleavage of fibrillar collagen. Once cleaved by MMP-1, collagen can be further degraded by elevated levels of MMP-3 and MMP-9. It was found that increased MMP-1 expression due to UV irradiation was mediated by activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases such as extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 kinase. Treatment of K. pandurata extract in the range of 0.01-0.5 microg/mL inhibited the UV-induced phosphorylations of ERK, JNK, and p38, respectively. Moreover, inhibition of phosphorylated ERK, JNK, and p38 by K. pandurata extract resulted in decreased c-Fos expression and c-Jun phosphorylation induced by UV light. The results strongly suggest that K. pandurata is potentially useful for the prevention and treatment of skin aging.