Antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities of quercetin-loaded olive oil nanoemulsion as potential formulation for skin hyperpigmentation

Author(s)

Silva, Cristiane C. ; Benati, Rogerio B. ; Massaro, Tais N. C. ; Pereira, Karina C. ; Gaspar, Lorena R. ; Marcato, Priscyla D.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF DISPERSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; v. N/A, p. 11-pg., 2022-08-23.

Abstract

Hyperpigmentation disorders are characterized by dark spots on the skin. Treatment for hypermelanosis involves the application of tyrosinase inhibitors, chemical peels, or lasers therapy, although they may cause skin irritation and other side effects. Potential natural alternatives for skin hyperpigmentation are quercetin (QT) and olive oil (OL) due to their antioxidant activity and anti-tyrosinase property. However, QT usage drawback is its low water solubility and high chemical instability that may be overcome with nanoencapsulation. To understand if QT and OL could be used as alternative to improve hypermelanosis, we evaluated the physical-chemical and biological properties of quercetin-loaded olive oil nanoemulsion (QT-NE). QT-NE was prepared by the high-energy emulsification method and, through the Box-Behnken design, we analyzed different concentrations of OL, surfactant mixture, and the agitation speed in relation to diameter and polydispersity index (PdI). The optimized formulation was characterized in terms of size, PdI, zeta potential, pH, electrical conductivity, stability and encapsulation efficiency. Besides, we evaluated in vitro antioxidant activity, tyrosinase inhibitory activity, and in vitro toxicity. The optimized QT-NE showed a size of 183.43 +/- 9.53 nm with low PdI (similar to 0.19), zeta potential of -17.13 +/- 0.61 mV, pH around 7, conductivity of 163.96 +/- 8.92 mu S/cm, and high encapsulation efficiency (similar to 99%). The QT-NE exhibited high antioxidant activity (similar to 92%) and inhibited 56% of tyrosinase activity, indicating its potential for free radical scavenging and reducing skin hyperpigmentation. Furthermore, no irritation was observed by HET-CAM. Thus, this nanoemulsion (NE) is a promising alternative for hypermelanosis and could substitute the current treatments. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/50928-2 - INCT 2014: Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology: a transdisciplinary approach
• Grantee: Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/13465-5 - Development of polymeric nanoparticles with Brazilian red propolis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of antitumor effect in urological cancers
• Grantee: Priscyla Daniely Marcato Gaspari
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants