Caryocar brasiliense supercritical CO2 extract possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties useful for personal care products

Abstract

BackgroundThe cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries have an increasing interest in replacing synthetic antimicrobials in dermatological products due to increased microbial resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents. Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) is a native fruit tree of the Brazilian Cerrado, specifically used in cosmetics, in the food industry, and for medicinal purposes. Leishmanicidal and antifungal activities have been reported previously. This study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of a C. brasiliense extract obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction.MethodsThe minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were determined by the classical microdilution method. Antiseptic activity against these organisms was evaluated by the plate diffusion method. The antioxidant potential of the extract was evaluated using a method based on the oxidation of 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). The extract’s chemical profile was analyzed for the presence of alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, steroids, tannins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds according to standard colorimetric methods.ResultsThe C. brasiliense supercritical CO2 extract exhibits antimicrobial activity against all bacteria tested. It also possesses antioxidant activity, when compared to a vitamin E standard.ConclusionsThe C. brasiliense supercritical CO2 extract may be useful for the development of personal care products, primarily for antiseptic skin products that inactivate, reduce, prevent, or arrest the growth of microorganisms with the inherent intent to mitigate or prevent disease as well as products that minimize damage caused by free radicals.

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Crude Extracts and Fractions of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.), Cajui (Anacardium microcarpum), and Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense C.): A Systematic Review

“…In addition to its low toxicity and environmental impact, supercritical CO 2 extraction replaces conventional extraction methods using organic solvents that require numerous purification processes to remove chemical contaminants [10]. Assays such as β -carotene, FRAP, and xanthine have been poorly used probably because they result in difficult numbers to compare, since there is no universal method capable of accurately measuring the antioxidant capacity of all samples.…”

“…Apart from antimicrobial agents, the pursuit for safe natural antioxidants that can be beneficial to the human health and can replace those of the synthetic origin is of interest to the scientific community [10]. The plant kingdom is a valuable source of bioactive and phytochemical compounds.…”

Main Benefits and Applicability of Plant Extracts in Skin Care Products

“…This is the case of pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb), a typical Brazilian fruit tree. The hydroethanolic extract of their leaves showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus [39].…”

Effect of chitosan coating enriched with pequi (Caryocar brasilienseCamb.) peel extract on quality and safety of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentumMill.) during storage

“…The pequi tree is a native plant of the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) biome, whose fruits are widely appreciated by the local population for fresh consumption or homemade preparations of sweets, liqueurs, and jellies (Roesler, Catharino, Malta, Eberlin, & Pastore, 2008). Oil extraction from the pulp and kernel of pequi fruits is another potential application for use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry (Amaral, Moriel, Foglio, & Mazzola, 2014;Roesler et al, 2008). The pequi peel, approximately 80% of the total weight of the fruit, is generally regarded as waste and is usually discarded after fruit processing (Siqueira, Alves, Vasconcelos, Damiani, & Soares J unior, 2012).…”