Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
is a potent natural antioxidant because of active compounds such as
quercetin (QU) and luteolin (LU). These components prevent damage
to the skin caused by free radicals from UV rays. However, due to
the poor solubility and transdermal permeation, the effectiveness
of the compounds in showing their activity was limited. In this study,
we develop solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-based hydrogel formulations
to enhance the solubility and penetration of two bioactive compounds
found in safflower petals extract (SPE). The hot emulsification-ultrasonication
method was used to produce SLNs, and to obtain high antioxidant activity,
100% v/v ethanol was used in the extraction procedure. The results
showed that this approach could encapsulate >80% of both QU and
LU.
Moreover, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) spectra indicated
that most of the QU and LU were trapped in a lipid matrix and dispersed
homogeneously at the molecular level, increasing the solubility. Additionally,
SLN-hydrogel composites are able to release two lipophilic bioactive
compounds for 24 h, which also demonstrated increased skin retention
and penetrability of the QU and LU up to 19-fold. In vitro blood biocompatibility
showed that no hemolytic toxicity was observed below 500 μg/mL.
Accordingly, the formulation was considered safe for use. Sun protective
factor (SPF) test shows a value above 15, showing an excellent promising
application as the photoprotective agent to prevent symptoms associated
with photoinduced skin aging.