Fucoxanthin for Topical Administration, a Phototoxic vs. Photoprotective Potential in a Tiered Strategy Assessed by In Vitro Methods

Abstract

Fucoxanthin possesses a well-described antioxidant activity that might be useful for human skin photoprotection. However, there is a lack of scientific information regarding its properties when applied onto human skin. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the photoprotective and phototoxicity potential of fucoxanthin based on its ultraviolet (UVB 280–320 nm; UVA 320–400 nm) and visible (VIS 400–700 nm) absorption, photostability, phototoxicity in 3T3 mouse fibroblast culture vs. full-thickness reconstructed human skin (RHS), and its ability to inhibit reactive oxygen species formation that is induced by UVA on HaCaT keratinocytes. Later, we evaluated the antioxidant properties of the sunscreen formulation plus 0.5% fucoxanthin onto RHS to confirm its bioavailability and antioxidant potential through the skin layers. The compound was isolated from the alga Desmarestia anceps. Fucoxanthin, despite presenting chemical photo-instability (dose 6 J/cm2: 35% UVA and 21% VIS absorbance reduction), showed acceptable photodegradation (dose 27.5 J/cm2: 5.8% UVB and 12.5% UVA absorbance reduction) when it was added to a sunscreen at 0.5% (w/v). In addition, it increased by 72% of the total sunscreen UV absorption spectra, presenting UV-booster properties. Fucoxanthin presented phototoxic potential in 3T3 fibroblasts (mean photo effect 0.917), but it was non-phototoxic in the RHS model due to barrier function that was provided by the stratum corneum. In addition, it showed a significant inhibition of ROS formation at 0.01% (p < 0.001), in HaCat, and in a sunscreen at 0.5% (w/v) (p < 0.001), in RHS. In conclusion, in vitro results showed fucoxanthin protective potential to the skin that might contribute to improving the photoprotective potential of sunscreens in vivo.

Fucoxanthin@Polyvinylpyrrolidone Nanoparticles Promoted Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death in Caco-2 Human Colon Cancer Cells

“…As the irradiation time increased, the FX content of the samples decreased, and less than 10% remained after 60 min of irradiation. This is consistent with a previous study reported by Tavares et al [ 27 ] stating that FX was unstable under UV irradiation. Regardless of the irradiation time, the FX content of FX@PVP NPs was always higher than that of free FX, indicating that the photo-stability of FX could be improved by encapsulation.…”

Advances in Studies on the Pharmacological Activities of Fucoxanthin

“…It has been found in relevant experiments that fucoxanthin has absorption of ultraviolet light (UVB 280–320 nm, UVA 320–400 nm) and visible light (VIS 400–700 nm). In particular, absorbs from 320 to 500 nm (UVA I to VIS, 448 nm max) and has absorbance of UVB radiation exposure (280–315 nm) [ 64 ]. It was further found that petrocyanin showed acceptable photodegradation after addition (27.5 J/cm2:5.8% UVB and 12.5% UVA absorbance), despite showing chemical photoinstability (dose 6 J/cm2:35% UVA and 21% VIS decreased absorbance).…”

Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Effects of Microalgal Carotenoids

“…Interestingly, the combination of FX and the polyphenol rosmarinic acid down-regulated inflammasome-related proteins such as NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 and up-regulated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes [279]. In the same line, a sunscreen containing FX 0.5 (w/v) revealed photoprotective properties in UVA-stimulated reconstructed human skin (RHS) via reduction in ROS production [280]. These authors also reported that this carotenoid administered topically in RHS attenuated ethanol-induced skin inflammation through an increase in filaggrin expression [281].…”