Generation of singlet oxygen by solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes acute inflammatory responses in the skin. Accumulation of singlet-oxygen-quenching antioxidants in the skin can suppress this photo-oxidative stress. This study evaluated the effect of dietary xanthophylls from red paprika fruit extract on UV-induced skin damage. A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled parallel group comparison study involving 46 healthy volunteers was performed. The minimal erythema dose (MED) of each individual was determined prior to the study. A capsule containing paprika xanthophylls (9 mg) or a placebo was administered daily for 5 weeks. The MED, minimal tanning dose (MTD), skin physiology parameters (skin color, hydration, and barrier function), and facial skin physiology parameters were evaluated at weeks 0, 2, and 4. The MED of the verum group at 2 and 4 weeks after administration was significantly higher than that of the placebo group. At 4 weeks, the suppression of UV-induced skin darkening by the verum diet was significantly greater than that of the placebo. There were no significant differences in facial skin parameters between the verum and placebo groups. Our results indicate the efficacy of dietary paprika xanthophylls in suppression of UV-induced skin damage.
Keywords: erythema; oral administration; photodamage; red paprika; skin; xanthophyll.