Could a plant metabolite act as a natural sunscreen to help prevent skin cancer?
Research in Photochemistry and Photobiology indicates that a plant metabolite that can block the effects of ultraviolet (UV) light has promising potential as a natural sunscreen when applied to human skin.
A plant metabolite called brachycerine, derived from the Psychotria brachyceras tree, may offer a natural sunscreen solution to protect against skin cancer. According to research published in Photochemistry and Photobiology, brachycerine absorbs ultraviolet (UV) light and functions as a powerful antioxidant, shielding the plant's photosynthetic machinery from harmful radiation.
When applied to human skin samples, formulations containing brachycerine or foliar extracts safeguard nerve endings and prevent DNA damage upon exposure to UV-A and UV-B light. Importantly, brachycerine does not exhibit toxicity to mammalian cells. Dr. Arthur Germano Fett-Neto, the corresponding author from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, notes that the alkaloid possesses a dual mode of action, effectively shielding skin against UV radiation and neutralizing the destructive chemicals generated by this radiation within cells.
The researchers emphasize that the ability to vegetatively propagate the source plant makes brachycerine a promising, sustainable key component for novel, broad-spectrum natural sunscreens. However, it is important to note that the study's results do not confirm the efficacy of sunscreen or skin cancer prevention in humans.
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