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Can herbal products provide sun protection?

July 31st, 2012

Recent research supports the ability of some herbal agents, taken orally or applied topically, to prevent sunburn and limit the damage caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Natural products with proven and promising photoprotective properties are highlighted in an article in Alternative and Complementary Therapies.

The article "Herbal Sunscreens and Ultraviolet Protectants" specifically identifies golden serpent fern (Phlebodium aureum or Polypodium leucatomos) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) as herbal products that, when taken orally, may reduce the local and systemic negative effects of UV light exposure, including photoaging, increased risk of skin cancer, and harm done to immune system function. Sufficiently high oral doses or topical application of green tea (Camellia sinensis) may also offer photoprotection.

More information:
The article is available free on the Alternative and Complementary Therapies website at http://www.liebertpub.com/act.

Provided by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc

Citation: Can herbal products provide sun protection? (2012, July 31) retrieved 5 August 2026 from https://sciencex.com/wire-news/105194976/can-herbal-products-provide-sun-protection.html

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