A Pioneering Non-Sunscreen Photoprotective Active for South Asian Skin

Objective: South Asian skin, prevalent in India, is particularly susceptible to tanning due to its darker tone and high UV exposure in the equatorial regions. Such skin types may require effective photoprotection beyond traditional SPF cream. CamiSooth™, a polyphenol-rich green tea extract, showed promise in protecting against UVA-induced tanning and UVB-induced inflammation.

Methods: Polyphenol-enriched green tea extract (CamiSooth™) was prepared by solvent extraction process. The total polyphenol content was quantified using UV spectroscopic methods and catechin & epigallactocatechin gallate (EGCG) content was quantified by RP-HPLC. CamiSooth™ was evaluated for antioxidant potential using 2,2-diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Anti-tan activity of CamiSooth™ was evaluated in UVA-exposed B16F10 mice melanoma cells and anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated in UVB- induced human dermal fibroblasts cells by monitoring tumour necrosis factor-á (TNF-á) levels.

Results: CamiSooth™ is a standardized extract of green tea with 50% polyphenols, 15% of Catechin & 25% EGCG. CamiSooth™ showed a high DPPH radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 1.56 μg/ml. It also showed a dose-dependent decrease in TNF-á levels induced by UVB rays with an IC50 value of 0.025mg/ml. UVA rays caused a 45% increase in melanin content in melanoma cells which was completely prevented by CamiSooth™ at 0.05 mg/ml. CamiSooth™ exhibited superior efficacy compared to ascorbic acid, indicating its potential as an excellent anti-tan agent.

Conclusion: CamiSooth™ is a promising phytoextract that can counteract inflammatory response of UVB and tanning effects of UVA, thus making it a promising skin health active especially for South Asian skin which is more susceptible to pigmentary disorders.