Screening of UVA/UVB Absorption and in vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Bejaria aestuans, Cavendishia pubescens and Cavendishia bracteata Leaf Extracts

The UV solar radiation accelerates skin aging, leading to loss of skin elasticity and decreasing the capacity of the skin to hold water, which are implicated in the formation of the most obvious sign of aging, skin wrinkling and related health problems in humans. Usually, synthetic sunscreens have been used to minimize these effects. However, some phenolic compounds present in plants play an important role as photoprotectors. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of three plants from Ericaceae family as UVA-UVB filters and its antioxidant capacity. Leaf extracts of B. aestuans, C. bracteata and C. pubescence showed an interesting broad-spectrum UVB/UVA absorption that was correlated with the antioxidant capacity (from 1.96E-04-3.75E-04 mg μmol–1 DPPH), the TPC value (from 15.29-27.35 mg GAE g–1 DS) and TAC value (0.36-3.31 mg C3GE g–1 DS). According to these results, the three plants evaluated in this research could be considered as a potential source of natural compounds with UV absorption and antioxidant capacity.
Source: Research Journal of Medicinal Plant - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research