Evaluation of Hipphophae rhamnoide herbal oil for its safety and efficacy in animal models for protection against ultraviolet radiation

ABSTRACT

The safety and efficacy of sea-buckthorn herbal oil was determined against UV radiation exposure by skin irritation tests on rabbit skin. The efficacy of the herbal oil against UV irradiation (UVA and UVB) was evaluated and compared with a commercially available sunscreen formulation with SPF-15. The herbal oil was safe, as the very low-grade erythema and edema reactions that were observed at 24h disappeared by 72h. The herbal oil showed its efficacy for UV protection in terms of physicochemical parameters (erythema, edema, eschar formation) and histopathological evaluation of exposed skin tissues. The formulation used was 40% more efficacious in terms of UV protection and prevention of skin damage compared to the standard commercial preparation.

KEYWORDS:

• Sea-buckthorn
• acute and subacute toxicity
• photoaging
• histopathology

Declaration of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of Interest.

Additional information

Funding

This task project was sponsored by Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DRDO), Leh, India. (Sanction No.: DIHAR/ASSIGN/09/2009).