The Effect of Tartary Buckwheat Extract on Caenorhabditis elegans Exposed to UVB Light and Its Sunscreen Protection Factor in Sunscreen Formulation

Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn., Polygonaceae) exhibits potential bioactivities and pharmacological activities. Tartary buckwheat extract shows photoprotective properties by absorbing ultraviolet radiation and preventing light damage to human skin. In this study, a multicellular model of Caenorhabditis elegans was used to evaluate the UVB photoprotective effect of tartary buckwheat flavone, and the sun protection factor values of the lotions containing 0.5% tartary buckwheat flavone were evaluated using the in vitro sun protection factor 290AS instrument method via comparison to7.5% octyl methoxycinnamate. The lifespan, swallowing rate, cuticle morphology, the reactive oxygen species, and malondial-dehyde values of C. elegans treated with tartary buckwheat flavone were characterized using a fluorescence microscope, a scanning electron microscope, a fluorescence spectrophotometer, and a UV-vis spectrophotometer. The results indicate that tartary buckwheat extract can ameliorate the vital indicators of C. elegans and improve the sun protection factor value of a sunscreen lotion under UVB exposure. Tartary buckwheat extract can be used as an effective compound to prevent UVB light from damaging the skin, making it a potential natural sunscreen ingredient.