Brown Algae Polyphenols (BAPs): Potential Anti-Skin Cancer Agent

Chemicals from a type of marine seaweed, called brown algae polyphenols (BAPs) might protect against skin cancers caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.

Such were the findings of a new animal study led by researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Researchers applied the BAPs to the skin of hairless mice and fed it to the animals in their diet. In both cases, the substances reduced the number of skin tumors by up to 60 percent and their size by up to 43 percent. They also reduced inflammation.

According to principal investigator Gary D. Stoner, professor emeritus of internal medicine and a cancer chemoprevention researcher:

“These compounds seemed to be dramatically effective at fairly low doses both orally and topically. These findings suggest that, even when eaten, these compounds get to skin cells and neutralize the cancer-causing oxygen radicals that are produced by UV exposure.”

The said animal study was published in the Dec. 15, 2006 issue of the International Journal of Cancer.

Find more details from the full report at Ohio State University.

Article abstract here.