Science Story

08 January 2009 14:12 BST

Broccoli 'prevents skin damage'

An extract of broccoli could help to protect people from the damaging effects of the sun's rays, scientists claim.

In tests on humans and mice, researchers from John Hopkins University found that sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts reduces redness resulting from sun exposure, known as erythema.

Unlike sunscreens, the extract does not absorb cancer-linked UV light and prevent its entry into the skin but instead works inside cells by boosting the production of protective enzymes that defend cells against UV damage.

Writing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the researchers argue that the way the broccoli extract works means its effects are long-lasting.

They estimate that it could protect the skin after several days and even after the extract is no longer present on or in the skin.

Dr Paul Talalay commented: "Treatment with this broccoli sprout extract might be another protective measure that alleviates the skin damage caused by UV radiation and thereby decreases our long-term risk of developing cancer."

In tests on six volunteers, at the highest doses UV-induced redness and inflammation were reduced by an average of 37 per cent.