Potential applications of antioxidant lignins from different sources

Interest in the physiological role of bioactive compounds present in plants has increased dramatically over the last decade. Of particular interest in relation to human health are lignins and lignans that are widely distributed within the plant kingdom. Lignins have been demonstrated as antioxidants, acting as free radical scavengers. This activity allows the use of lignins for cosmetic formulations such as topical applications. In this work we have studied the potential antioxidant and action of industrial lignins obtained from different sources: bagasse, lignosulfonate, curan, and steam explosion and their potential eye and skin irritation due to their possible topical applications. The study of the eye and skin irritation demonstrated that all the lignins studied are not harmful to eye and skin. The high antioxidant capacity of the lignins studied together with their safety when applied on eyes and skin, open new perspectives in their potential use in cosmetic and topical formulations. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.