Chemical characterization and toxicological analyses of hydroalcoholic extracts from the stem and leaves of mangabeira (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) as a guide for the development of green cosmetics

Abstract

The increasing interest in green cosmetics has a major influence on the cosmetics market, whether due to the incorporation of the functionalities of the extracts, or the substitution of synthetic ingredients with natural ones. Yet, the natural substances found in those products must be evaluated for their chemical characterization and toxicity. This study determined the chemical profile and assessed the toxicity of stem (S) and leaf (L) extracts of Hancornia speciosa Gomes obtained by Soxhlet apparatus (SOX) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (US). Hydroethanolic (70%) extracts were prepared from the stem and leaves of H. speciosa resulting in Soxhlet stem extract, ultrasound stem extract, Soxhlet leaf extract, ultrasound leaf extract. The chemical characterization of the extracts was performed by phytochemical screening and the compounds were identified by GC-MS analyses. The toxicity test was analyzed at concentrations of 50, 250 and 500 µg/ml, using the Allium cepa and Artemia salina tests. The phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids, tannins and saponins while the GC-MS analysis found lupeol, hentriacontane, undecanoic acid, Friedelan-3-one and a potentially toxic substance known as oxalic acid. The toxicity test showed low genotoxic and antimutagenic indexes in the extracts of H. speciosa. The findings suggest that the safest extracts in cosmetic preparations were Soxhlet stem extract and Soxhlet leaf extract, while the most toxic extract was ultrasound leaf extract.