Photo Protective Role of Wild Edible Plants on Skin of Mice from Harmful Effects of Ultraviolet Type-B Irradiation

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the protective antioxidant capacity of edible wild plants in the decreasing effect of ultraviolet B (UVB) on the skin of albino mice.

Study Design: Thirty skin biopsies were taken from the mice to detect and compare the hyperplastic effects between the groups.

Place and Duration of Study: Animal House of College of Veterinary Medicine, Sulaimani University, Histopathology Lab of Consultative Hospital/Sulaimani Governorate, Anatomy and Histopathology Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sulaimani University.

Methodology: Thirty mice (Mus musculus species, BALB/c strain) underwent this study and were divided into six groups from A-F, according to the UVB exposure, species of plant, and routes of administration. Mice from all groups (Exposure and plant administration except control group) were subjected to UVB irradiation four days/week (20 minutes/day, four weeks), and treated with edible wild plants (Gundelia tournefortii and Malva sylvestris) by different routes.

Results: According to the Student’s t-test (Paired) and Pearson’s correlation coefficients we found that the effect of Gundelia tournefortii and Malva sylvestris were highly significant in reducing the hyperplastic effect of UVB irradiation.

Conclusion: This study gives an overview of traditional uses of Gundelia tournefortii and Malva sylvestris against the adverse effects of UVB radiation.