@article {761, title = {Broad-spectrum Sun-protective action of Porphyra-334 Derived from Porphyra vietnamensis}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {March 2010}, pages = {45-49}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {45}, abstract = {

There are enormous UV-protective compounds present in the current world market, out of which 98\% give protection against UV-B range and the remaining 2\% are potent against far UV-A range only. Furthermore, these synthetic compounds have various problems related to photo-stability and cross-stability. There is a vital need of sunscreen agents that will remain stable for prolonged periods and provide broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV range. The Indian Ocean contains large amounts of macro-algae which synthesize varied amount of mycosporine amino acids, {\textquotedblleft}sun-protective compounds{\textquotedblright} by shikmic acid pathway. In the present study, we have evaluated the sunscreen protection provided by Porphyra-334, a mycosporine amino acid isolated from Indian sp. of Porphyra. Furthermore, the isolated compound was detected by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) fingerprinting, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet (UV), whereas nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and infrared spectrometry were used for its structural characterization. Stability studies were performed under different storage and pH conditions. Ultimately a sunscreen formulation was developed and its potential against marketed Aloe vera gel was evaluated by in vitro sunscreen protection method. It was observed that sunscreen potential of Porphyra-334 was 5.11-fold greater than that of the marketed Aloe vera gel preparation.

}, keywords = {Porphyra, Porphyra-334, Sun protection factor, Ultraviolet}, doi = {10.4103/0974-8490.60578}, author = {Saurabh Bhatia and K Sharma and Ajay G. Namdeo and B B Chaugule and M Kavale1 and S Nanda} } @article {742, title = {In vitro Sun Protection Factor Determination of Herbal Oils used in Cosmetics}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Research}, volume = {2}, year = {2010}, month = {March 2010}, pages = {22-25}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {221}, abstract = {

The aim of this study was to evaluate ultraviolet (UV) absorption ability of volatile and nonvolatile herbal oils used in sunscreens or cosmetics and express the same in terms of sun protection factor (SPF) values. Sun protection factor is a laboratory measure of the effectiveness of sunscreen; the higher the SPF, the more protection a sunscreen offers against the ultraviolet radiations causing sunburn. The in vitro SPF is determined according to the spectrophotometric method of Mansur et al. Hydroalcoholic dilutions of oils were prepared, and in vitro photoprotective activity was studied by UV spectrophotometric method in the range of 290-320 nm. It can be observed that the SPF values found for nonvolatile oils were in between 2 and 8; and for volatile oils, in between 1 and 7. Among the fixed oils taken, SPF value of olive oil was found to be the highest. Similarly among essential oils, SPF value of peppermint oil was found to be the highest. The study will be helpful in the selection of oils and fragrances to develop sunscreens with better safety and high SPF. Oily vehicles are more effective for producing a uniform and long-lasting film of sunscreen on the skin, and their emollient properties protect the skin against the drying effects of exposure to wind and sun. Volatile oils are used as perfumes in cosmetics.

}, keywords = {Erythema, Herbal oils, Spectrophotometric method, Sun protection factor, Sunscreens}, doi = {10.4103/0974-8490.60586}, author = {Chanchal Deep Kaur and Swarnlata Saraf} }