Investigation of the sun-protective effects of saffron

Despite its benefits, sun exposure can have detrimental short-term or long-term effects. Excessive exposure to sunlight causes redness and sunburn in a short time, as well as pigmentation, aging, damages to the immune system, and even skin cancer in a longer period of time.
Generally, physical or chemical sunscreen are used to prevent the harmful effects of sunlight on the skin. The former reflects the sun rays and the latter releases them from the body through the conversion of absorbed rays into heat. Irritations and allergies are the most important undesired side effects of chemical sunscreen products. Another disadvantage of such products include the systemic absorption of the ingredients used in the sunscreen.
Saffron can absorb Ultraviolet (UV) rays. In a study, saffron was examined as a natural sunscreen in terms of liposomal formulation and absorption spectrum of safranal. The findings suggested that the nanoliposomes of saffron extract can be used as a natural UV and sunscreen absorbent. Moreover, low concentrations of saffron nanoliposomes containing safranal can result in SPF with high concentrations.


References:
Characterization and evaluation of the sunscreen effects of saffron and safranal nanoliposomes, Skin and Beauty Journal