Strawberry extract could protect skin against UVA rays: Study

Italian and Spanish scientists have determined that strawberry extract has the ability to protect the skin against UVA rays, and could lead to the creation of a photo-protective cream made from strawberries.

The Italian Università Politecnica delle Marche scientists conducted an experiment using skin cell cultures and added with strawberry extract in different concentrations (0.05, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/ml), with the only exception being the control extract.

The samples were then exposed to ultraviolet light to a dose equivalent to 90 minutes of midday summer sun in the French Riviera, reported cosmeticsdesign-europe.com.

According to the researchers, the study had shown that the extract acted as a protector against ultraviolet radiation, besides increasing its viability and reducing damage to DNA.

The results established that the strawberry extract, especially at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml, displayed photo-protective properties in those fibroblasts exposed to UVA radiation, prolongs cell survival and reduces damage in the DNA when compared with control cells.

Università Politecnica delle Marche lead researcher Maurizio Battino was quoted by the website as telling Scientific Information and News Service (SINC) that the study had endorsed strawberry extract’s protecting effect against damage to skins cells caused by UVA rays.

"These aspects are of great importance as they provide protection for cell lines subject to conditions that can provoke cancer and other skin-related inflammatory and degenerative illnesses," added Battino.

The researchers said strawberries contain anthocyanidins and anthocyanins, which are water soluble flavonoids that give colour and protection to plants, and possess good antioxidant properties to counter free radicals that lead to rancidity and spoilage.