Hypocotyls of Lepidium meyenii (maca), a plant of the Peruvian highlands, prevent ultraviolet A-, B-, and C-induced skin damage in rats.
BACKGROUND
Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a plant that grows exclusively in the Peruvian Central Andes, where ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is predominant.


OBJECTIVE
Determine if two extracts of maca can provide dermal protection against UVR.


METHODS
We have administered two maca extracts (0.13 mg/ml), one obtained after boiling and the other without boiling, on the dorsal surface of male Holtzman rats exposed to UVC radiation once a week during 3 consecutive weeks. A dose-response effect of an aqueous extract of maca after a boiling process under exposure of rats to UVA, UVB, or UVC was also studied. A commercial sunscreen was used as a positive control.


RESULTS
UVR caused significant increase in skin epidermal thickness. The epidermal height in animals treated with maca was similar to those who did not receive UVR. The aqueous extract of maca after a boiling process had better effect than maca extract without a boiling process. A dose-response effect was observed with increasing doses of aqueous extract of maca after a boiling process. Maca extract had benzyl glucosinolates and polyphenols.


CONCLUSIONS
Maca extracts protect the skin of rats against UV irradiations and can be suggested as an alternative means of solar protection.
Gonzales-Castañeda
Cynthia
C
Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.
Gonzales
Gustavo F
GF
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D018546:Hypocotyl; D029686:Lepidium; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D010568:Peru; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D013471:Sunburn / Q000517:prevention & control; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D010936:Plant Extracts; D013473:Sunscreening Agents