The ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposition may lead to the skin oxidant/antioxidant imbalance injuring its integrity and leading to several disorders, such as ageing and skin cancer. In order to improve the biological effects caused by free radicals generated by UVR in skin, it has been suggested the photochemoprotection by using topical antioxidants. Among the available compounds to be employed in photochemoprotection, propolis, due to its important antioxidant activity, among its innumerous biological activities, is a promising topical raw-material. Next, ethanolic and glycolic propolis extracts (EPE, GPE) were characterized in relation to their polyphenolic composition, and in relation to their antioxidant activity against several free-radicals. Formulations added with these extracts were developed and undergone to physical and functional stability studies, in vitro release and skin permeation and retention studies, as well as in vivo preliminary efficacy studies. The results showed that the propolis extracts are able to scavenge several free radicals efficiently, mainly superoxide radicals. When these extracts were added to formulations of topical products, their antioxidant activity were maintained. In the physical stability studies, it was observed that the most stable formulations were developed with Hostacerin ® SAF (lower fat content) and Polawax ® (higher fat content). However, only the formulation developed with Polawax ® showed satisfactory stability for 1 year stored at room temperature and at 40º.C ± 2º.C/70%UR ± 5%UR. In the release, permeation and retention studies, it was observed the fat content influence in the formulation performance. The release profile of p-coumaric acid (used as marker compound) and the compounds equivalent to propolis extract (EPE) followed the Higuchi model. The formulation developed with Polawax ® showed the best skin retention, retaining 0,013 and 0,030 µL EPE.cm -2 in hairless mouse skin and in pig skin, respectively. In addition, this formulation presented low permeation, which is desired for photochemoprotective topical employment. In the in vivo studies, this formulation added with EPE was able to diminish erithema, inhibit oedema and increase cicatrisation in hairless mice exposed to UVB radiation. In addition, it was also observed the protection of the endogenous glutathione (GSH) depletion. The in vivo preliminary efficacy results suggest that formulations added with propolis extract present good perspectives to be employed to prevent and treat the injuries caused in skin by UV radiation.Keywords: Propolis, Antioxidant Activity, Photochemoprotection, Topical Formulations, Percutaneous absorption. Figura 7 -Compartimento de madeira contendo a fonte de luz UVB utilizado nos experimentos de indução de estresse oxidativo na pele de camundongos sem pêlo. 1: tampa superior; 2: lâmpada UVB; 3: tampa frontal; 4: local para ventilação; 5: acionamento da lâmpada UVB.
61Figura 8 -Representação da avaliação da formação do eritema nos animais expostos à radiação UVB por 2, 4...