Meadowfoam, a plant native to the Pacific Northwest, is named for the canopy of creamy-white flowers it produces when a crop is in full bloom. Its oil is used in industrial applications, as well as in personal care products such as shampoos and cosmetics.
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation which can reach the earth; however, one type of UV radiation from the sun, known as UV B radiation, is particularly harmful. This can result in DNA damage – a significant risk factor for certain cancers. In addition, prolonged exposure to the sun can result in other skin-damaging effects, such as premature aging of the skin, which is seen in the form of sagging and wrinkles.
"There's a highly complex cascade of biochemical reactions that occur as stress responses in the skin attempt to counteract UV-induced damage," said Gitali Indra, co-corresponding author of the study.
Indra emphasized the need for better strategies to block UV exposure and to reduce the damage by limiting harmful physiological processes.
In their study, the team looked at two glucosinolate derivatives – 3-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate and 3-methoxyphenyl acetonitrile – which were obtained in the seed meal leftover from meadowfoam oilseed processing. They also developed 3D replicas of human skin reconstructed in culture plates, exposed them to UV B radiation, and eventually treated them with the meadowfoam derivatives.
Results revealed that the glucosinolate derivatives found in meadowfoam improved the UV damage to the skin cells in several ways. Both of the derivatives prevented crosslinking of DNA, which in turn prevented cancer-initiating mutations. They also reduced the number of precancerous cells and warded off hyperplasia, an enlargement of an organ or tissue that is often an early stage in cancer development. Because of the reduction in DNA damage, the precursor to photocarcinogenesis, skin health improved and cancer risk was reduced.
The glucosinolate derivatives also suppressed two enzymes that contribute to the breakdown of collagen, the primary structural protein of the skin. This indicated their efficacy as anti-aging compounds.
Fred Stevens, a co-author of the study, also noted that the meadowfoam compounds protect the skin, unlike most cosmetics that just “sort of patch things up.”
The findings of the study could be used to develop natural treatments for sun damage protection, which could reduce the incidence of skin cancer – a condition that affects over 10,000 people in the U.S.
Although sunlight is the primary source of UV rays, it is not necessary to avoid the sun completely. You will also need sunlight for the production of vitamin D. However, excessive sun exposure can be detrimental. (Related: Low UV-B radiation protects against copper toxicity; high UV-B increases damage.)
Here are some things you can do to limit your exposure to UV rays:
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