Study shows how turmeric protects skin from UVB radiation damage
A study from Ehime University in Japan suggests that turmeric extract protects skin health from ultraviolet B radiation damage.
The researchers examined the effects of long-term, low-dose UVB radiation on melanin-possessing hairless mice. They looked at changes such as skin thickness, elasticity, pigmentation and wrinkling.
When they began administering turmeric doses twice daily, they noticed preventative benefits showing up in the skin of the mice.
Both dosages of 300 and 1000 mg/kg of turmeric were effective at reducing skin elasticity that was induced by UVB radiation.
Both dosages also prevented an increase in skin thickness.
The high dosage prevented wrinkle formation and also decreased the diameter and length of skin blood vessels.
In the end, the researchers found out that chronic irradiation increases the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 genes. Turmeric, on the other hand, stops that gene’s expression in its tracks.