Antioxidant activity and potential photoprotective from amazon native flora extracts

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Dermatology

Background:

• Reactive oxygen species contribute to premature aging from solar radiation.
• Plant species are valuable sources of natural compounds with antioxidant and photoprotective potential.
• The Brazilian Amazon biome harbors diverse plant species with potential therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antioxidant and photoprotective activities of six plant extracts from the Brazilian Amazon.
• To identify plant species with compounds capable of preventing sun-induced skin damage.
• To assess the suitability of these natural extracts for use in photoprotective formulations.

Main Methods:

• Plant extracts were prepared using ethanol and dynamic maceration.
• Phytochemical screening was conducted on all extracts.
• Antioxidant activity was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay.
• Photoprotective activity was assessed via the diffuse transmittance technique.
• Statistical analysis included Student's t-test.

Main Results:

• Flavonoids were identified as common metabolites in all analyzed extracts.
• Antioxidant activity varied significantly, with Aniba canelilla and Brosimum acutifolium showing the strongest effects.
• Dalbergia monetaria exhibited a notable sun protection factor (SPF) of 6.0±0.3, meeting labeling requirements.
• Aspidosperma nitidum displayed the lowest antioxidant activity.

Conclusions:

• Dalbergia monetaria extract demonstrates promising antioxidant and photoprotective properties against solar radiation.
• The identified plant extracts, particularly D. monetaria, can be incorporated into photoprotective formulations.
• These natural ingredients offer potential for developing value-added products appealing to consumers seeking natural skincare solutions.