title: Photoprotective effect of botanicals and vitamins: A systematic review of clinical trials.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Overexposure to solar radiation is a major contributor to skin cancer development and premature skin aging. Botanical extracts and vitamins may represent novel photoprotective agents.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to systemically review clinical evidence for the use of botanically derived agents and vitamins as photoprotective agents.
  
  
  METHODS
  We systematically searched Embase and PubMed databases. Two independent reviewers reviewed abstracts for inclusion. Additional relevant studies were identified by a manual review of reference lists. Data from eligible studies were extracted independently and discrepancies were resolved by consensus.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 51 studies met inclusion criteria. Limited available evidence indicates that several botanical agents and vitamins in topical or oral forms may have promising photoprotective effects. However, generalizability of results is limited by small sample sizes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Botanical extracts and vitamins may add to the armamentarium of sun-protective agents. Additional high-quality trials are needed to strengthen support for their use.
authors: a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis , Sacramento , CA , USA.
authors: William
authors: W
authors: Tuong
authors: a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis , Sacramento , CA , USA.
authors: Sandy
authors: S
authors: Kuo
authors: a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis , Sacramento , CA , USA.
authors: Raja K
authors: RK
authors: Sivamani
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D015595:Skin Aging; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D014815:Vitamins
keywords: Antioxidants; botanical; phytochemical; phytomedicine; sun protection; sunscreen; vitamins