Evaluation of photochemoprotective potencial of Protium heptaphyllum Amazon plant extract added in gel formulation for topical application

Author(s)

Ana Luíza Scarano Aguillera Forte

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Ribeirão Preto.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (PCARP/BC)
• Defense date: 2012-02-28

Examining board members

Maria Jose Vieira Fonseca; Lusania Maria Greggi Antunes

• Advisor: Maria Jose Vieira Fonseca

Abstract

The human skin acts as barrier between the environment and the organism. It presents a large number of antioxidant defense mechanisms, however, in some situations, such as in prolonged exposure under ultraviolet radiation (UVR), it is possible to break the pro-oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium in organism, causing an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Topic administration of antioxidants is an efficient way to enhance cutaneous defense system, and a strategy to reduce oxidative damages caused by UVR in the skin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant properties and the citotoxicity of Eugenia biflora, Eugenia protenta, Protium heptaphyllum and Miconia minutiflora plant extracts, and to test the in vivo photochemoprotective efficiency of Protium heptaphyllum plant extract. The antioxidant activity of plant extracts was evaluated by several in vitro methods that simulated ROS generation and the results were expressed such as the extract concentration necessary to promote 50% of the antioxidant action (IC50). All the studied plant extracts presented low IC50 values, showing a great antioxidant potential. Moreover, Protium heptaphyllum extract presented reduced citotoxicity in antioxidant concentrations and the exposure under UVR seems to decrease its citotoxicity. So, the photochemoprotective effectiveness of this extract into a topical formulation was evaluated by in vivo tests using hairless mice exposed under UVR. Gel formulation with Protium heptaphyllum extract proved to be able to provide antioxidant compounds to skin and to recover GSH levels and SOD activity reduced by UVR. On the other hand, there was no inhibition of myeloperoxidases activity. These results indicate that this extract presents potential as photochemoprotective agent. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/13539-0 - In vivo studies of the photochemoprotection mechanisms of Amazon plant extracts incorporated into topical formulations.
• Grantee: Ana Luiza Scarano Aguillera Forte
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master