Botanical antioxidants for chemoprevention of photocarcinogenesis

The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer, consisting of basal- and squamous- cell carcinoma, continues to increase in the United States and elsewhere. Solar ultraviolet (UV) B radiation has been implicated as its main cause. This adverse effect of UVB has become a major human health concern. Therefore, development of novel strategies to reduce the occurrence of skin cancer is a highly desirable goal. Because UV radiation is known to cause excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) thereby resulting in an oxidative stress condition, the approaches aimed at counteracting ROS production may be useful for the prevention of skin cancer. One approach to reduce its occurrence is through 'Photochemoprotection', which we define as 'the use of agents capable of ameliorating the adverse effects of UVB on the skin'. Among many photochemoprotective agents, botanical antioxidants are showing promise. We propose that the use of botanical antioxidants, in combination with the use of sunscreens and educational efforts to avoid excessive sun exposure, may be an effective strategy for reduction of incidence of skin cancer and other UV-mediated damage in humans.