Plant Polyphenols: Natural and Potent UV-Protective Agents for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Disorders

Mini Rev Med Chem. 2021;21(5):576-585. doi: 10.2174/1389557520666201109121246.

Abstract

Nowadays, destructive and immunosuppressive effects from long-term exposure to UV radiation have been fully investigated and documented in the literature. UV radiation is known as the main cause of skin aging and carcinogenesis. Hence, skin protection against anti-oxidative and immunosuppressive processes is highly in demand. Now, plant polyphenols have been found as a versatile and natural tool for the prevention and treatment of various skin diseases. The presence of a large number of hydroxyl groups in the cyclic structure of polyphenols has induced valuable biological activities. Among them, their UV protective activity has attracted lots of attention due to promising efficacy and simple instruction to use.

Keywords: Phenolic compounds; UV protection; polyhydroxy phenols; polyphenols; skin cancer; skin protection; sunscreen.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / methods
  • Coffee
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Mice
  • Phenols / pharmacology
  • Phytotherapy / methods
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Polyphenols / chemistry*
  • Protective Agents / pharmacology
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin Aging / drug effects
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Tea
  • Ultraviolet Rays / adverse effects
  • Vaccinium macrocarpon
  • Vitis

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Coffee
  • Phenols
  • Plant Extracts
  • Polyphenols
  • Protective Agents
  • Tea