You might already be familiar with the facts that berries are powerful antioxidants, high in fibre, and are deliciously sweet, but new research shows they may be responsible for keeping wrinkles at bay, too.

Korean researchers at Hallym University have discovered that antioxidant ellagic acid harbours the power to prevent collagen destruction and inflammation. Testing was done with both human skin cells and hairless mice, which were given continued exposure to UVB rays.

This ellagic acid is an antioxidant, primarily concentrated in raspberries, strawberries and pomegranates. Students in the Kang laboratory found that ellagic acid works to protect human skin cells against UV damage by blocking production of specific enzymes (MMP) that break down collagen. They also reduce ICAM, which is the inflammatory response.

After this discovery with human skin cells the team did further research on hairless mice, increasing the radation to equal amounts that would cause sunburns and skin damage in humans. The researchers soon found that the unprotected mice developed wrinkles and skin thickening, while wrinkle formation was reduced for  mice that were protected with topical ellagic acid.

These findings were presented as a part of the part of the scientific program of the American Society for Nutrition at the Experimental Biology 2009 meeting in New Orleans on Tuesday, by graduate student Ji-Young Bae. Bae is studying under Dr. Young-Hee Kang, along with students Jung-Suk Choi, Sang-Wook Kang, Dong Shoo Kim, and Jung Lye Kim.

Further reading and information:

Hallym University

Experimental Biology 2009

American Society for Nutrition

Image courtesy of berryscotland.com

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