Photoprotective and antiphotomutagenic effect of Baccharis dracunculifolia optimized extract in the alternative Saccharomyces cerevisiae model

Abstract

The recent discovery of hazardous side effects associated with sunscreen ingredients has prompted the search for natural alternatives that can effectively absorb UV rays. This study focuses on evaluating the chemical profile and potential photoprotective and antiphotomutagenic effects of an ethanolic extract from Baccharis dracunculifolia using the Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. An analysis conducted using ESI-QToF-LC-MS confirmed the presence of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids in the B. dracunculifolia extract, including compounds such as apigenin, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, caffeoylquinic acids, and chlorogenic acid. In the yeast model, the extract demonstrated the ability to protect S. cerevisiae yno1 strain cells against cytotoxic lesions induced by high Solar Simulated Light (SSL) irradiation exposure. Furthermore, the extract exhibited antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its protection against SSL-induced oxidative damage in the yno1 strain, which is an indicator of oxidative damage. Additionally, the extract showed potential as an antiphotomutagenic agent, as the yno1-treated strain displayed a lower frequency of photomutagenicity in terms of CanR/107 mutant cells, thereby reducing both lethal cytotoxic lesions induced by SSL and protecting the cells against SSL-induced oxidative mutagenic lesions. These findings suggest that the B. dracunculifolia extract holds promise as a natural and effective photoprotective ingredient, offering a green alternative to traditional sunscreens by reducing the need for harmful chemical filters.