Broccoli sprout extract may protect skin

BALTIMORE, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers find applying an extract of broccoli sprouts may help protect skin against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation.

The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, says the extract works inside cells by boosting the production of a network of protective enzymes that defend against ultraviolet radiation damage. The effect lasts for several days, even after the extract is no longer present on or in the skin.

The results in human volunteers, backed by parallel evidence obtained in mice, show that the degree of skin redness -- erythema -- caused by ultraviolet radiation rays and an accurate index of the inflammation and cell damage is markedly reduced 37 percent in extract-treated skin.

Study investigator Dr. Paul Talalay of The John Hopkins University says that treatment with this broccoli sprout extract might be another protective measure that alleviates the skin damage caused by ultraviolet radiation and thereby decreases our long-term risk of developing cancer.

The protective chemical agent in the broccoli sprout extracts -- sulforaphane -- was identified by Talalay and his colleagues more than 15 years ago.