Herbal extracts can provide significant UV protection: Study

Scientists in the US have found that a variety of herbal extracts could provide significant UV sunscreen protection when taken orally and topically.

The research, which was conducted by Seattle-based Northwest Naturopathic Urology chief medical officer Eric Yarnell and Vashon,Washington-based Botanical Medicine Academy director Kathy Abascal, was published as an article, entitled Herbal Sunscreens and Ultraviolet protectants, reported cosmeticsdesign.com.

According to the study, the findings showed that Phlebodium aureum (golden serpent fern), leucatomos, as well as Camellia sinensis (green tea), provide photoprotective functions.

The study has shown that the golden serpent fern extract undermines negative effects of UV exposure, particularly in individuals who are sensitive towards sun, and the ingredient also aids in avoiding sunburn.

"Natural sunscreens and systemic agents that reduce damage from UV light are of interest for preventing the discomfort or pain of sunburn, reducing photoaging of skin, and reducing the risk of various skin cancers or symptoms of photosensitivity conditions," the authors mentioned in the article.

When experiments were conducted on green tea, it was revealed that a combination of topical and oral extracts helped to maintain skin elasticity, while showing further that a beverage based on the substance lowered decreased skin damage and photoaging. A 2% to 3% dose of green tea was found to reduce UV-B-induced skin damage.

The researchers said besides the above mentioned ingredients, Redox modulators, such as propolis and proanthocyanidins (from Pinus maritima or Vitis vinifera), have also the ability topically to prevent sunburn and UV-related toxicities.

Study has also discovered that a 16% concentration of propolis when applied to mice as a topical application had a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 20, and in addition was proved to be an effective sun block.

The researchers came to the conclusion that more research needed to be conducted in the area of natural and herbal sunscreens, and they also confirmed that the next stage of their research will be to publish an article about the herbal photosensitisers that enhance the theraputic properties of UV light.