Red seaweed carrageenans may protect against UVB damage in skin, study suggests

14 Nov 2022 --- Malaysia-based researchers have found that carrageenans may have a potential photoprotective effect against ultraviolet B (UVB) in keratinocytes – a cell type found in the epidermis. This effect may be due to carrageenans’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory cytokines and prevent the activation of additional photoaging mediators.

The study’s findings demonstrate the potential benefits of carrageenans in increasing or promoting photoprotection and photocarcinogenesis against UVB. The researchers note that further research is required to find the ideal formulation.

The polysaccharide derived from red seaweeds, known as carrageenans, is used extensively in food and medicine. They can also be used as an excipient in cosmetic and skincare products.

When immortalized normal human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells were exposed to UVB radiation, carrageenans demonstrated a potential reduction of ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced skin damage.

Accessing photoprotective effects
The study received financial support from the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme, implemented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia.

In addition to causing skin cancer, ultraviolet radiation also accelerates photoaging.Using HaCaT cells as a model, this study examined the photoprotective effects of iota, kappa and vitamin E against UVB-induced extracellular matrix (ECM) damage. The antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also evaluated in UVB-exposed pre-treated and non-pre-treated cells.

The characteristics evaluated included biological mediators released by UVB-exposed cells, such as the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), activating protein (AP-1) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

The release of these mediators was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. As a defense against oxidative stress, carrageenans increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT.

Carrageenans may preserve skin structure by lessening the damage that UVB radiation causes to the ECM. This is evidenced by the fact that levels of the biological mediators were likewise decreased in cells that had previously received the polysaccharide.

The findings suggest that carrageenans promote antioxidant enzymes and have photoprotective effects against UVB-induced ECM degradation.

UVB skin damage and carrageenan use
In related news, PersonalCareInsights previously noted that Antidesma thwaitesianum fruit extracts have the potential to be used as a skincare ingredient to prevent UVB-induced skin damage, according to a study by researchers in Thailand. The fruit extracts contain antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties.

Cargill Beauty previously stated that carrageenans are an “eco-friendly” alternative for gelling and solid beauty products. These insights followed the company’s launch of kappa carrageenan, branded Satiagel VPC614, specifically suited for high-gelling applications.

Edited by Nicole Kerr