UVA-UVB photoprotective activity of topical formulations containing Morinda citrifolia extract

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:587819. doi: 10.1155/2014/587819. Epub 2014 Jul 15.

Abstract

Exposure to solar radiation, particularly its ultraviolet (UV) component, has a variety of harmful effects on human health. Some of these effects include sunburn cell formations, basal and squamous cell cancers, melanoma, cataracts, photoaging of the skin, and immune suppression. The beneficial photoprotective effects of topical formulations with the extract, Morinda citrifolia, have not been investigated. This present study aims to investigate the potential benefits of M. citrifolia topical application on the dorsal skin of mice, exposed to UVA-UVB light. Using 7 days of treatment, [before (baseline values) and 20 h after UV exposure], the thickness, skin barrier damage (TEWL), erythema, and histological alterations were evaluated. The results showed that the formulations containing the extract protected the skin against UV-induced damage.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Animals
  • Biophysical Phenomena
  • Cell Death / drug effects
  • Cell Death / radiation effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Morinda / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / pathology
  • Skin / radiation effects*
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts