PROTECTION FROM UV-B-INDUCED DNA-DAMAGE BY FLAVONOIDS

In this study an in vitro run-off transcription assay was used to dete rmine if flavonoids can prevent the accumulation of UV-B-induced DNA d amage. Template plasmid DNA was irradiated with UV-B light, which resu lted in a decreased capacity to support transcription. Purified flavon oids naringenin and rutin as well as flavonoid extracts from apple ski n prevented the accumulation of DNA damage. The results support the hy pothesis that flavonoids protect DNA from UV-induced DNA damage.