eMedicineLive

Sunscreens containing grape extracts are available in the markets. But the exact mechanism of action of these products in protecting against the sunrays was not known. However, according to a study by researchers from the University of Barcelona and the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) has found that there are certain compounds in grapes which help to protect skin cells from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The study has been published in the “Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.”

 

The harmful ultraviolet radiations from sun activate 'reactive oxygen species' (ROS) present in the skin. These compounds oxidize macromolecules such as lipids and DNA, stimulating certain reactions and enzymes (JNK and p38MAPK) which cause death of the skin cells. The damage to the skin cells manifests as skin cancer, sunburn and solar erythema, as well as premature ageing of the dermis and epidermis. The scientists from the University of Barcelona and the CSIC, while carrying out the study in vitro in a laboratory, have shown that flavonoids present in grapes can reduce the formation of ROSs in human epidermis cells that have been exposed to long-wave (UVA) and medium-wave (UVB) ultraviolet radiation.

 

The researchers also found that the photo protective capacity of products can be increased by increasing the degree of the flavonoids' polymerization and formation of compounds containing Gallic acid.  According to Marta Cascante, a biochemist at the University of Barcelona (Spain) and director of the research project, these flavonoids block the activation of the ROSs and prevent damage to skin cells by inhibiting subsequent activation of the JNK and p38 enzymes. Thus, grapes exert a protective effect against ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun. The results of the study should encourage the use of plant-based polyphenolic extracts to develop new photo protection skin products. Meanwhile, the use of grape extracts in sunscreen products stands vindicated.

 

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