Exploring the potential use of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) peels as sources of cosmaceutical sunscreen agent for their antioxidant and photoprotective properties

Abstract

Nowadays, consumer's demand for natural sources-derived sunscreen products, to get photoprotection from harmful ultraviolet radiations is forcing cosmetic industry to develop such breakthrough formulations by incorporating antioxidants as active phytochemical ingredients. Plant extracts are currently being focused for the purpose, but bio-wastes including fruit peels remain yet unexplored and consequently, underutilized. The present study is aimed to evaluate the photoprotective and antioxidant potential of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) and prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) fruit peels extracts and to valorize their potential use as sources in cosmeceutical sunscreen agents. The selected extracts were estimated for antioxidant activity by DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and GOR methods and their antioxidant properties were correlated to reference standards (BHT and BHA). The sun protection factor (SPF) was used to assess their photoprotective effect (SPF) in vitro. It was found that hydroalcoholic peel fruit pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract possessed highest antioxidant activities significantly (p˂0.0001) in all the methods compared to peel fruit prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) extract, possessing rich source of antioxidants. Hydroalcoholic peel fruit pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract, also presented the highest phenolic content. It was found that antioxidant activity was due to phenolic compounds containing flavonoids and confer photoprotection. The highest SPF was also related to hydroalcoholic peel fruit pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) extract with highest levels of protection against ultraviolet light with sun protection values ranging at 44.402±0.438. It is rational to apply these active compounds from waste to sunscreens, in order to increase UV protection.

Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) Extracts and Their Effects on Healthy and Diseased Skin

“…According to the reported SPF values of the PG peel extract, a sunscreen formulation with this primary ingredient can be classified as a product with high sun protection (SPF values ≥ 30). With the high phenol compound content, which act by absorbing UVA and UVB photons and possess antioxidant and antiaging activity, the PG peel extract represents a promising primary active ingredient in cosmeceutical sunscreen formulations ( Table 6 ) [ 40 ].…”