Pothomorphe umbellata Extract Prevents α-Tocopherol Depletion After UV-irradiation

In this work we evaluated the influence of topical application of P. umbellata root extract gel, containing 0.1% of 4-nerolidyl-cathecol, on the antioxidant network in UV-induced oxidative damage in hairless mouse skin. The UV-irradiation had no influence on ascorbic acid levels or on the antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase) activities, but topical P. umbellata treatment protected alpha-tocopherol from being depleted after UV-irradiation. alpha-Tocopherol concentration decreased signirficantly (approximate to40%, P < 0.01) in the irradiated control groups, whereas in the P. umbellata-treated group, alpha-tocopherol was totally preserved (400%, P > 0.05). These data demonstrate that P. umbellata may be successfully used as a topical photoprotective agent.