title: Sun protection by red wine?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is increasing evidence that polyphenols, antioxidants from plants such as green tea or grapes, may impair the UV-induced erythema reaction as well as carcinogenesis and metastasis of melanoma and epithelial skin cancer. The UVB-protective potential of wine polyphenols has not been studied so far in humans.
  
  
  METHODS
  We tested the influence of local and systemic application of three red wines on the minimal erythema dose (MED) after UVB exposure in 15 healthy male physicians. Baseline MED were determined in all subjects. Irradiation was carried out prior to and immediately following 20 minutes of occlusive application of red wine as well as 12 % alcohol to the back. The systemic effect was tested by ultraviolet irradiation immediately prior to oral intake,
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no topical effects. Wine A also provided no protection systemically. Drinking wine B has led to an almost significant rise of MED, while wine C, which had the highest polyphenol content, produced a statistically significant higher MED (p = 0.031).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  "Wine baths" will not have sun protective properties. A significant rise of the MED following oral intake of the wine with the highest polyphenol content might be due to these substances. Further research is needed to clarify the role of polyphenol content, dose and duration of wine consumption.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Tuebingen. matthias.moehrle@med.unituebingen.de
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moehrle
authors.forename: Helmut
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dietrich
authors.forename: Claus Dieter
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Patz
authors.forename: Hans-Martin
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Häfner
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010636:Phenols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D059808:Polyphenols; D013471:Sunburn / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014920:Wine / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D005419:Flavonoids; D010636:Phenols; D059808:Polyphenols