There is concern among many consumers that artificial sunscreen agents may be harmful to your skin which has led to a search of natural approaches to block UV damage.
Scutellaria radix is the root of Scutellaria Baiacalensis Georgi has been used in traditional medicine in Asia for reducing inflammation and allergies.
Antioxidants found in Scutellaria radix include baicalin and balcalein.
Baicalin is an antioxidant flavanone glycoside that has been studied for health promoting properties.
A recent study published in Phytotherapy Research evaluated Scutellaria radix extract for absorbing UV light.
Here are the results of the study:
- The extract contained 25.8% Baicalein
- 1% Zinc Oxide increased SPF of the cream by 0.74
- 1% of Scutellaria radix extract increased the SPF value by 0.96
- SPF increased 17.8 to 22.7 by including 5% Scutellaria radix in a zinc oxide sunscreen
- No skin reactions were reported in human volunteers
Take away message: These results suggest that Scutellaria radix can protect the sun from UV radiation. Interestingly, this plant extract was found to have a higher SPF value than Zinc Oxide, a very popular ingredient in sunscreens. In human volunteers the cream with Scutellaria radix did not cause any skin response. This study suggests promising agents from plants may in the future provide an alternative to synthetic sunscreens.
Phytotherapy Research. 2016 March; Volume 30 (Issue 3): Pages 374-9.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Antioxidant, Skin
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