In their search for plant extracts that protect the skin’s natural proteins - collagen and elastin - British researchers found that white tea trumped 20 other plant and herb extracts tested. In addition to its potential benefits to skin, white tea has high levels of anti-oxidants that can protect against heart disease and cancer. Elastin is a structural protein in skin that also underlies the function of the lungs, arteries and ligaments.

Beyond that, it helps body tissues to repair after injury and prevents skin from sagging. Collagen promotes skin strength as well as elasticity. The new research showed that white tea blocks the action of enzymes that break down elastin and collagen leading to skin wrinkling. The same enzymes and oxidants are associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Other plants and herbs found to have some protective effects include bladderwrack and extracts of cleavers, rose, green tea, angelica, anise and pomegranate. The findings were published in the August 4, 2009 issue of BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.