[Structural changes in lipid membranes and collagen irradiated with UV light and the protective effect of plant extracts].

The results of experimental studies on the effect of UV irradiation on collagen, artificial lipid membranes, and rat skin, as well as the protective effect of plant extracts from UV radiation are presented. The irradiation of collagen and lipid membranes with solar and artificial UV light leads to structural changes in these objects. In particular, collagen molecules denature and transfer into a new conformational state. The effect of UV light on lipid membranes and liposomes leads to a disturbance of membrane structure, which is connected with a decrease in the number of lipid molecules involved in the cooperative transition from gel into a liquid crystal state. The components of plant extracts (mainly flavonoids) absorb UV radiation in the erythem-forming spectral area and block the destructive processes occurring in collagen and lipids.