Exploring the Potential Use of Hylocereus polyrhizus Peels as a Source of Cosmeceutical Sunscreen Agent for Its Antioxidant and Photoprotective Properties

Abstract

Currently, consumers’ demand for sunscreens derived from natural sources that provide photoprotection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is pushing the cosmetic industry to develop breakthrough formulations of sun protection products by incorporating plant antioxidants as their active ingredients. In this context, the present study was initiated to evaluate the antioxidant and photoprotective properties of the underutilized Hylocereus polyrhizus peel extract (HPPE) using in vitro spectrophotometric techniques. The phytochemical screenings of HPPE conducted via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF/MS) revealed the presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids as the major secondary metabolites in HPPE. The antioxidant potentials evaluated based on 2, 2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical and total antioxidant capacity assays were in the range of 22.16 ± 0.24%–84.67 ± 0.03% with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 36.39 ± 0.04 μg/mL and 23.76 ± 0.14%–31.87 ± 0.26% (IC50 = 21.93 ± 0.07 μg/mL), respectively. For the photoprotective evaluation, the results showed that HPPE had significantly high absorbance values (3.1–3.6) at 290–320 nm with an exceptional sun protection factor (SPF) value of 35.02 ± 0.39 at 1.00 mg/mL. HPPE also possessed a broad-spectrum shielding power against both UVA and UVB radiations. Hence, in terms of practical implications, our findings would offer an exciting avenue to develop a photoprotective formulation incorporating the ethanolic extract of Hylocereus polyrhizus peels as a synergistic active ingredient for its excellent UV absorption properties and the strong antioxidant activities.

Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Other Health Effects of Dragon Fruit and Potential Delivery Systems for Its Bioactive Compounds

“…The results of a study performed by Vijayakumar et al [ 114 ] demonstrated that H. polyrhizus bark extract is a potent antioxidant with photoprotective properties. In addition, the phenolic compounds and flavonoids helped the overall antioxidant properties, the high sun protection factor value, and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB photoprotection.…”

The Modulatory Influence of Plant-Derived Compounds on Human Keratinocyte Function

“…All of them exhibit SPF values above 6 when used alone in O/W emulsion at 10% (wt.%), and above 16.5 and PF-UVA above 7.5 when used in combination [129]. Hylocereus polyrhizus at 1 mg/mL demonstrated an SPF of about 35 [130]. Pterodon emarginatus extract at 10% (w/w) in three different formulations (Lanette ® , Polawax ® and Focus Gel ® ) exhibited an SPF value of about 8 [131].…”

Chilling Injury, Physicochemical Properties, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Red Pitahaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Fruits under Cold Storage Stress

“…To get rid of oxidative stress, fruits have applied ROS scavenging strategy. SOD and CAT play essential roles in this defense [4,71]. Besides, LOX regulates fruit development at different stages, which is tightly associated with the generation and identification of stress signals [51].…”

“…Red pitahayas (Hylocereus polyrhizus), originating from Latin America and the West Indies [1], have attracted much attention worldwide due to attractive appearance, high nutritional value, and various biological activities [2][3][4]. However, the fruits are highly perishable, mainly caused by fungal diseases, degreening, and physiological disorders [5,6], which shortens its postharvest shelf life during distribution and marketing.…”