1. Science and clinical studies: Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) is the most effective internal antioxidant found in humans. Superoxide radials are reduced to hydrogen peroxides by SOD and then further reduced by catalase to water. Data from the literature indicate a protective effect of SOD in topical application against UV-induced cutaneous damage (21). When an SOD cream containing
0. 6 mg/ml of bovine SOD was applied locally onto the skin and mucosal lesions caused by progressive systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Behcet’s disease, herpes simplex, and burns, the lesions and symptoms were rapidly improved in many cases after its administration, even when the
symptoms were stabilized for several weeks before the treatment (22). SOD was concluded to be effective for these conditions. In another study, topical application of free Mn-SOD or Cu, Zn-SOD showed complete healing in a burn patient who was advised to undergo skin transplantation (23). However, the later study noted that SOD dissolved in a white petrolatum vehicle rapidly lost its activity (within three months) and commented that SOD should be dissolved in the vehicle before use (24-26).
2. Key benefits: Suppression of UV-induced cutaneous damage and possible reversal of free radical-mediated disease states.
3. Primary adverse effects: None known.
4. Practical applications in dermatology: May be effective in treating progressive systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Behcet’s disease, herpes simplex, and burns.