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A compound found in a Brazilian tree may be the next big thing in sun protection. Brachycerine, a leaf alkaloid from Psychotria brachyceras, was shown to shield human skin from both UV-A and UV-B damage, protect nerve endings, and prevent DNA damage — all without being toxic to mammalian cells. Researchers say it could be a sustainable, broad-spectrum ingredient for natural sunscreens.
Nature may have already solved one of skincare's biggest challenges. Researchers publishing in Photochemistry and Photobiology have identified brachycerine — a plant metabolite from the Brazilian tree Psychotria brachyceras — as a highly promising natural sunscreen ingredient. When applied to human skin samples, formulations containing brachycerine or foliar extract from the plant protected against both UV-A and UV-B radiation, preserving the integrity of nerve endings and preventing DNA damage.
What makes this discovery particularly exciting is brachycerine's dual mechanism: it both physically absorbs UV light and acts as a powerful antioxidant, neutralizing the harmful free radicals that UV radiation generates inside cells. Crucially, it showed no toxicity to mammalian cells — a key hurdle for any ingredient eyeing cosmetic or pharmaceutical use.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: With growing consumer demand for clean, plant-based skincare and concerns about synthetic UV filters, brachycerine offers a compelling, science-backed natural alternative that could reshape the sunscreen market.
