Evaluation of photoprotective effectiveness of Ilex paraguariensis A. St. -Hil extract on in vitro models of cell culture

• Grant number: 12/18124-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): October 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmacognosy
• Principal Investigator: Silvia Berlanga de Moraes Barros
• Grantee: Natalia Tamachiro
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

When ultraviolet radiation (UV) reaches the skin, it can lead to molecular and biological alterations as erythema, sunburning and tanning after acute exposure, or even skin cancer and photoaging, in cases of chronic exposure. Different mechanisms are involved in the development of these conditions, highlighting the direct damage to DNA or the formation of reactive oxygen species that can also interact with the genetic code. Both mechanisms can lead to mutations that not repaired, can lead to skin cancer. To prevent these damages, it is necessary to search for new compounds that allow protecting the skin and minimizing these consequences. The use of plants for this purpose is an interesting approach, once our country offers a huge flora. In this project we propose the use of Ilex paraguariensis extract, popularly known as yerba mate, despite its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and DNA protective activity. The use of in vitro methodologies has been increasingly studied considering the ethical discussion resulting from the use of animals as experimental models. The objective of this study is to analyze the photoprotection of in vitro extract of Ilex paraguariensis in HaCaT cells culture, evaluating the DNA damage and reactive oxygen species production after UV radiation.(AU)