-
Fitoterapia Oct 2016Besides the unquestionable positive effects of solar exposure for human health, UV rays have been widely investigated for toxicology aspects related to excessive UVB and... (Review)
Review
Besides the unquestionable positive effects of solar exposure for human health, UV rays have been widely investigated for toxicology aspects related to excessive UVB and UVA doses, which involve sunburns, skin aging, DNA skin damage and tumorigenesis. At present, synthetic and mineral sunscreens are used to protect against these damages but several natural molecules can provide UV protection, including also synergic effect or enhanced photo stability. Although a large number of herbal extracts and plant origin molecules can deserve potential applications, most of the study reported utilizes different method and different strategies of investigation, making thus difficult to understand the real versus claimed potential. This is possibly one of the reasons why, beside the large body of literature there are no officially approved natural commercial sun-filter but a consistent number of commercially available solar products (sunscreen) on the market that contain herbal derivatives. In this review we have evaluated the papers appeared in the last 15years and we have critically collected the most significant data. Several databases, namely Scifinder, Pubmed, Google Scholar, ISI-Web of Science and Scopus, were used as literature sources; excluding patents and symposium or congress papers. Only articles in the English language have been selected. New formulation, new skin delivery systems, skin penetration enhancers and boosters are most likely the next frontier of investigation in order to better understand the role of whole herbal extracts in exerting their photo protective activity.
Topics: Antioxidants; Biological Products; DNA Damage; Humans; Lichens; Photochemical Processes; Plant Extracts; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Sunburn; Sunscreening Agents; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 27642040
DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2016.09.003 -
Preventive Medicine Jul 2016To examine the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for melanoma prevention targeted to individuals at elevated risk due to personal and/or family history. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
To examine the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for melanoma prevention targeted to individuals at elevated risk due to personal and/or family history.
METHODS
Through literature searches in 5 search databases (through July 2014), 20 articles describing 14 unique interventions focused on melanoma prevention among individuals at elevated risk for the disease were identified. Interventions targeting only patients undergoing active treatment for melanoma were excluded.
RESULTS
The average study quality was moderate. The majority of interventions (6 out of 9, 66% of studies) led to improvements in one or more photoprotective behaviors, particularly for improvements in use of protective clothing (3 out of 5, 60% of studies), and frequency and/or thoroughness of skin self-examinations (9 out of 12, 75%). Fewer interventions (5 out of 14, 36%) targeted uptake of total body skin examinations (60% led to improvements). Also, fewer interventions targeted all three preventive behaviors (5 out of 14, 36%).
CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest that future interventions should aim to improve adherence across multiple preventive behaviors, over a longer time period (past 8months post-intervention), and target high-risk children. Studies should include adequate sample sizes to investigate moderators and mediators of intervention effectiveness. Interventions may be strengthened by new techniques, such as incorporating family members (e.g., to improve thoroughness of skin self-examinations) and eHealth technology.
Topics: Health Behavior; Humans; Melanoma; Protective Clothing; Risk Factors; Self-Examination
PubMed: 27090434
DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2016.04.010 -
Photochemical & Photobiological... Jan 2016Most information on the harmful health effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been obtained in populations in which the majority has fair skin. Here a... (Review)
Review
Most information on the harmful health effects of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been obtained in populations in which the majority has fair skin. Here a systematic review of evidence on diseases related to solar UVR in Africa was undertaken, and the appropriateness of effective photoprotection for these people considered. There are few population-based studies on UV-induced skin cancers (melanoma, squamous and basal cell carcinomas) in Africa, although limited reports indicated that they occur, even in people with deeply pigmented skin. The incidence of melanoma is particularly high in the white population living in the Western Cape of South Africa and has increased significantly in recent years. Cataract is extremely common in people of all skin colours and is a frequent cause of blindness, particularly in the elderly. For both skin cancer and cataract, the proportion of the disease risk that is attributable to exposure to solar UVR in African populations, and therefore the health burden caused by UV irradiation is unclear. There was little published information on the use of sun protection in Africa. The potential disease burden attributable to solar UVR exposure of Africans is high, although accurate data to quantify this are sparse. Information is required on the incidence, prevalence and mortality for the range of UV-related diseases in different populations living throughout Africa. Photoprotection is clearly required, at least for those subpopulations at particularly high risk, but may be limited by cost and cultural acceptability.
Topics: Africa; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Humans; Radiation Protection; Risk Assessment; Skin Neoplasms; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 26626701
DOI: 10.1039/c5pp00419e -
The Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2015Overexposure to solar radiation is a major contributor to skin cancer development and premature skin aging. Botanical extracts and vitamins may represent novel... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Overexposure to solar radiation is a major contributor to skin cancer development and premature skin aging. Botanical extracts and vitamins may represent novel photoprotective agents.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to systemically review clinical evidence for the use of botanically derived agents and vitamins as photoprotective agents.
METHODS
We systematically searched Embase and PubMed databases. Two independent reviewers reviewed abstracts for inclusion. Additional relevant studies were identified by a manual review of reference lists. Data from eligible studies were extracted independently and discrepancies were resolved by consensus.
RESULTS
A total of 51 studies met inclusion criteria. Limited available evidence indicates that several botanical agents and vitamins in topical or oral forms may have promising photoprotective effects. However, generalizability of results is limited by small sample sizes.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
Botanical extracts and vitamins may add to the armamentarium of sun-protective agents. Additional high-quality trials are needed to strengthen support for their use.
Topics: Humans; Radiation-Protective Agents; Skin; Skin Aging; Vitamins
PubMed: 25865615
DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2015.1027647 -
Photodermatology, Photoimmunology &... Mar 2015Photoaging is frequently encountered in a dermatologic practice. This systematic literature review aims to explore the etiology of photoaging and address the evidence... (Review)
Review
Photoaging is frequently encountered in a dermatologic practice. This systematic literature review aims to explore the etiology of photoaging and address the evidence behind its current management. A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, UpToDate, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. Articles were limited to those relating to photoaging. There are two major approaches in the current management of photoaging. This includes strategies to prevent against ultraviolet damage (e.g. sunscreen) and medications that attempt to reverse existing skin damage (topical retinoids and 5-fluorouracil). There has been a large growth in the variety of treatment options in recent years. While it is important for such growth to continue, prevention via sensible photoprotection methods still remains the best current management option.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Fluorouracil; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Retinoids; Skin Aging; Ultraviolet Rays
PubMed: 25351668
DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12145