Evaluation of protective effects of nano-formulated silymarin against UV radiation on guinea pig skin

As increased outdoor activities of people, they are more exposed to UV radiation, which causes harmful effects on skin. Silymarin has protective potentials against DNA damage and non-melanoma skin cancers, and also it has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune regulation characteristics. Nano formulation of plant material showed to be more effective than common ones. In present study, nano-formulated silymarin was used in a cream, and its effects were investigated against destructive effects of UV rays. Methods: Silymarin standardized extract was prepared, nano formulated in cream base, and applied to skin of the animals. Four groups of animals [n=15] were examined; Group 1; without any treatment [control], Group 2; Vaseline, Group 3; nano-formulated silymarin extract cream, and Group 4; silymarin-carnosine. UV was radiated on the shaved area of the four groups for 45 minutes with dose of 180 mJ/cm2. Dermal scaling, skin irregularity, erythema, skin hyperpigmentation, and edema were evaluated in animals. Histopathological observation was done on the skin samples of the animals. silymarin nano-formulation was effective in decreasing both physical damages and histopathological injuries significantly. from the observed results, it can be concluded that the cream containing nanoformulated silymarin can prevent UV radiation lesions better than pure silymarin