Objectives: 

Photochemoprevention represents an important strategy in protecting the skin against UVB's detrimental effects (mainly non-melanoma skin cancers). Calluna vulgaris (Cv) is used in folk medicine for its antiinflammatory properties. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed antioxidant, antitumor and antiinflammatory effects of Cv extract probably due to its content in polyphenols, triterpenes, and ursolic acid and by these it represents a potential photochemopreventive agent.

Materials: 

We investigated the activity of Calluna vulgaris (Cv) delivered via a hydrogel on 3 main pathways (oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis) on skin exposed to multiple doses of UVB in SKH-1 mice. Fifty female mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: control; vehicle; UVB irradiated; Cv+UVB irradiated; Cv+vehicle+UVB irradiated. The extract was applied topically on the skin in a dose of 4 mg polyphenols/cm2 30 minutes before UVB (240 mJ/cm2) multiple exposures, for 10 consecutive days. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) levels, the sunburn cells formation and the epidermal thickness and number of epidermal cell layers were determined in skin 24 hours after the last irradiation.

Results: 

UVB increased the levels of inflammation, CPDs and sunburn cells and also the epidermal thickness and number of epidermal cell layers compared to the control group (p<0,05). The topical application of Cv protected against inflammation in the skin and also against DNA damage as shown by a decreased number of CPDs and sunburn cells (p<0,05).

Conclusions: 

The administration of Cv via hydrogel may be a viable method for chemoprevention. Also these findings may be useful for development of natural and safe photoprotective agents against UVB irradiation.