Grape extract may protect against skin damage by UV radiation

Some phytochemicals in grapes may be used in cosmetics to protect against skin cell damages induced by solar radiation or UV rays, a new study suggests.

The study led by Cecilia Matito and colleagues from the University of Barcelona found some polyphenols found in grapes are able to prevent the formation of reactive oxygen species or ROS in human epidermis cells when exposed to UV-A and UV-B rays.

ROS can oxidise molecules like lipids and DNA, leading to cell death or injury. Such an oxidation may lead to skin cancer, sunburn and solar erythema of the dermis and epidermis, the authors say in the May 2011 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. (FC)