Green Tea and Ultraviolet Light-induced Skin Damage

The Effects of Topically Applied Constituents of Green Tea on UV Induced Increase in p53 and Apoptotic Markers in the Skin of Human Volunteers

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether topically applied constituents of green tea [caffeine or (-)-epigallocatechin gallate; EGCG] have a protective effect on skin exposed to ultraviolet light (UV).

The purpose of this study is to investigate if topically applied constituents of green tea [caffeine or (-) - epigallocatechin gallate; EGCG] have a protective effect on skin exposed to ultraviolet light (UV). In the double-blinded study all subjects will receive 311 nanometer UVB light at a dose that is 0.5-1.5X their individual minimal erythema dose (MED). One part of the experiment will involve applying a topical natural product (caffeine or EGCG) and placebo to bilateral symmetric sites. The natural product and the placebo will be applied immediately after and at 1/2 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours, 24 hours, 25 hours, and 27 hours after exposure to a 0.5-1.5 MED dose of UV light. Another part of the study involves performing skin biopsies. One will be done prior to UVB exposure, 2 will be done at 24 hours and 2 more will be done at 48 hours.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The subjects will be normal adult volunteers who are 18 to 65 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who drink more than two cups of coffee, tea, or caffeinated soda/beverages per day.
• Subjects who are unable to get an erythemic response (i.e., a sunburn).