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Multifunctional Profiling of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts for Topical Application: A Comparative Study of Different Collection Time

Summary

This research explored how extracts from Moringa oleifera leaves could be used in sunscreens and skin care products. The study found that these natural extracts can help protect skin from sun damage in multiple ways – they act as antioxidants and help stabilize sunscreen ingredients. This has important implications for everyday life: • Could lead to more effective and natural sunscreen products • Provides a sustainable alternative to synthetic sunscreen ingredients • May help reduce skin aging from sun exposure • Offers potential for safer, less irritating sun protection products • Could contribute to more environmentally-friendly sunscreen options

Background

Natural plant extracts are increasingly important sources of active compounds for nutritional, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. Moringa oleifera is known for its nutritional properties and potential medicinal uses. The plant’s composition and bioactivity can vary based on harvest location and timing.

Objective

To investigate and compare the antioxidant, antifungal, photoprotective and cytotoxicity profiles of different Moringa oleifera leaf extracts collected from Paraguay across four harvest times (February-May 2017). The study aimed to evaluate these extracts’ potential as natural additives in sunscreens and topical applications.

Results

The extracts showed superior antioxidant capacity compared to samples from Senegal, with February extracts performing best. Ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid were the predominant active compounds. The extracts demonstrated minimal antifungal activity but showed promising photoprotective properties, with SPF values around 2. When combined with avobenzone, the extracts improved its photostability better than commercial stabilizers. Cytotoxicity testing showed no significant antiproliferative effects on tested cell lines.

Conclusion

Moringa oleifera leaf extracts from Paraguay demonstrate potential as natural additives in sunscreen formulations due to their antioxidant and photostabilizing properties. The infusion from February emerged as the most promising candidate, showing strong antioxidant activity and photostabilizing effects while maintaining low cytotoxicity. These extracts could serve as natural alternatives to improve skin photoprotection and reduce UV-related damage.
  • Published in:Antioxidants,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/antiox12020411
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