. Evaluating the Effect of Algal Extracts against Ultraviolet B-Induced Skin Damage in BALB/c Mice

Ethanol extract of mixed algae?spirogyra and ulothrix was investigated to assess the effect on some biochemical parameters in UVB irradiated mice. The dorsal-thoracic region of mice were shaved and exposed to UVB radiation for 24 h for two consecutive weeks. Five groups of ten mice each were conducted: non-irradiated control and irradiated control. Mice treated with commercial cream (S.M.) at a dose of 0.1 mg/cm2 and mice treated with ethanol extract of mixed spirogyra and ulothrix at a dose of 0.1 mg/cm2 or 0.2 mg/cm2 . Topical application was performed to all treated mice groups once a day for four consecutive weeks. Results showed significant differences between treated and control groups during the whole period of experiment. The clear potentiality of the ethanol extract was detected through body and skin weight, level of total protein, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) activities in skin. However, UVB irradiated mice treated with 0.2 mg/cm2 exhibited the most significant effect when compared to control groups. That may be attributed to anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of algal extract.