The present invention provides uses of a Mimosa pudica extract for manufacture of composition for inhibiting MMP2 gene expression and collagen degradation. The Mimosa pudica extract is prepared by extraction of Mimosa pudica using water, alcohols, or mixtures of water and alcohols as solvents. The Mimosa pudica extract can reduce collagen degradation via inhibiting MMP2 gene expression in skin fibroblasts, and thus contributes to improving skin elasticity and firmness, reducing fine lines wrinkles, and retarding skin aging.本發明提供一種夫妻草萃取物用於製備抑制基質金屬蛋白酶2(MMP2)基因表現之組合物之用途，及一種夫妻草萃取物用於製備抑制膠原蛋白分解之組合物之用途。本發明之夫妻草萃取物係以水、醇類、或醇水混合物為溶劑對夫妻草進行萃取而製得。該夫妻草萃取物透過抑制皮膚纖維母細胞中MMP2的基因表現而降低皮膚中膠原蛋白的分解，因此有助於提升皮膚彈性與緊緻度、減少皮膚細紋與皺紋、及延緩皮膚老化。
