Selected Extracts from High Mountain Plants as Potential Sunscreens with Antioxidant Capacity

Abstract

The photoprotective and antioxidant activities of extracts of six species of plants collected in a high mountain ecosystem at 3150 m.a.s.l. were evaluated. In vitro photoprotection according to UVA‐UVB absorption spectrum, Sun Protection Factor (SPF), UVA Protection Factor (UVAPF), (critical wavelength) λc and UVA/UVB Ratio were assessed. Also, the antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH radical assay and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in methyl linoleate (MeLo). Total anthocyanins content (TAC) and total polyphenolic content (TPC) were evaluated. Among the extracts evaluated, the extract of B. antioquensis, an endemic plant of Colombia, showed a significant photoprotection against UVA‐UVB range, with SPF values of 15 ± 2 and UVAPF of 7 ± 1, λc: 378, UVA/UVB Ratio: 0.78. Furthermore, this extract presented an excellent antioxidant activity, with EC50 of 0.17 ± 0.04 g of dry extract/mmol DPPH, a value of TPC of 464 ± 9 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract and significant inhibition of MeLo peroxidation. The results suggest that the extract of B. antioquensis has the best quality to be a source of new UV filters, with a broad spectrum of protection and antioxidant properties.

Sustainable Use of Chrysanthemum indicum var. aromaticum as Value-Added Green Materials in Microemulsion Hydrogels

“…The SPF values of CO and CE when added alone or in combination were determined and then compared with the blank sample and a hybrid commercial sunscreen. The SPF values of the commercial sunscreen were consistent with those reported by Meji ́a-Giraldo et al 61 Meanwhile, the SPF values of the formulations with the added active ingredient were higher than those of the blank control; the values ranged from 20.22 (F2; Table S7) to 59.35 (F4; Table S7). The assays suggested that CO and CE in combination had higher SPF than CO or CE alone.…”

Shedding a New Light on Skin Aging, Iron- and Redox-Homeostasis and Emerging Natural Antioxidants

“…These include propolis cinnamic acids, tea polyphenols, grape seed proanthocyanidins, milk thistle silymarins, algae MAAs, algae terpenes, lichen polyphenols, lignin, and melanin (reviewed in [255][256][257]). A recent study has also demonstrated a positive correlation between the altitude at which the sun-protective plants grow up and the bio-production of metabolites with both AO and photoprotective properties [258]. Therefore, boosting the AO capacity of skin cells by using exogenous AOs appears to be a valuable strategy for preventing UV-induced skin photodamage and photoaging.…”

“…Chromanols and chromenols are collective terms for about 230 structures derived from photosynthetic organisms such as plants, algae, cyanobacteria, fungi, corals, sponges, and tunicates [258]. Vitamin E (vit E) represents the most widely distributed and abundant chromanol in nature.…”

“…Since vit E is essential for mammals, including humans, they all rely on these organisms for a supply of this lipid-soluble factor. The structural diversity of chromanols appears to be related to their side chain modifications and biological activity [258]. Photosynthetic organisms are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage because oxygenic photosynthesis causes an increased oxygen concentration in chloroplasts.…”

“…Sargachromenol also received attention in drug research since it exhibited inhibitory activity against enzymes related to Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, it demonstrated both strong anti-inflammatory activity and antiproliferative properties in skin cells [258]. Sargachromenols (mostly δ-SCE) have been identified as potent anti-inflammatory compounds based on their inhibitory effect on NO • production in lipopolysaccharide-treated immortalised murine microglial BV-2 cells.…”