Fish-generated sunscreen pill to protect humans: Study

Fish can produce their own sunscreen and copying the method they use could lead to a sunscreen pill for humans, says a new study.

The scientists from Oregon State University in the US found that zebrafish are able to produce a chemical called gadusol that protects against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. They successfully reproduced the method that zebrafish use by expressing the relevant genes in yeast.

"The fact that the compound is produced by fish, as well as by other animals including birds, makes it a safe prospect to ingest in pill form," said lead author of the study professor Taifo Mahmud.

The findings open the door to large-scale production of gadusol for sunscreen and as an antioxidant in pharmaceuticals.

However, further studies will be needed to test if and how gadusol is absorbed, distributed, and metabolised in the body to check its efficacy and safety, the researchers noted.

It was previously thought that fish can only acquire the chemical through their diet or through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria.

Marine organisms in the upper ocean and on reefs are subject to intense and often unrelenting sunlight. Gadusol and related compounds are of great scientific interest for their ability to protect against DNA damage from UV rays.

"In the future it may be possible to use yeast to produce large quantities of this natural compound for sunscreen pills and lotions, as well as for other cosmetics sold at your local supermarket or pharmacy," Mahmud pointed out.

The study was published in the journal eLife.