London Feb 19: Scientists have discovered a new plant-derived agent that protects the skin from the harmful effects of ultra-violet (UV) irradiation. The skin is constantly challenged by environmental stressors such as UV radiation and chemicals. To cope with UV radiation various skin cells have evolved a complex protective antioxidant defence system. We found out that the antioxidant active Licochalcone A which is the main component of the root extract of the plant Glycyrrhiza inflata (Chinese Licorice) is able to protect the skin from subsequent UV irradiation damage from within by strengthening the skin's own defence systems. Thus plant extracts
