Study of the Cosmetic Potential Uses of Plants from Mayotte as Skin Care Agents through the Screening of Their Biological Activities

Abstract

(1) The island of Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean, possesses remarkable biodiversity. In a previous ethnobotanical study, we already highlighted 69 different plant species used in traditional medicine. Among those, 21 were traditionally employed for skin care by the local populations. The present study aimed to better understand the traditional use of those plants by investigating their in vitro biological activities and, more specifically, their anti-lipoxygenase, antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties. (2) These three activities were, respectively, determined by lipoxygenase inhibition, DPPH-reducing potency, and anti-tyrosinase activity assays. (3) Results revealed high biological activities for several plant species, with some of them displaying one strong single activity, while others had at the same time anti-lipoxygenase, antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase effects. (4) Those in vitro biological activities agreed with the traditional use of those plants by the local population. It also highlights the high potential of those species from Mayotte in the development of new cosmetic ingredients for the treatment of many skin affections, such as eczema.