Selected Extracts from High Mountain Plants as Potential Sunscreens with Antioxidant Capacity

The photoprotective and antioxidant activities of extracts of six species of plants collected in a high mountain ecosystem at 3150 m.a.s.l. were evaluated. In vitro photoprotection according to UVA-UVB absorption spectrum, Sun Protection Factor (SPF), UVA Protection Factor (UVAPF), (critical wavelength) lambda(c) and UVA/UVB Ratio were assessed. Also, the antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH radical assay and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation in methyl linoleate (MeLo). Total anthocyanins content (TAC) and total polyphenolic content (TPC) were evaluated. Among the extracts evaluated, the extract of B. antioquensis, an endemic plant of Colombia, showed a significant photoprotection against UVA-UVB range, with SPF values of 15 +/- 2 and UVAPF of 7 +/- 1, lambda(c): 378, UVA/UVB Ratio: 0.78. Furthermore, this extract presented an excellent antioxidant activity, with EC50 of 0.17 +/- 0.04 g of dry extract/mmol DPPH, a value of TPC of 464 +/- 9 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry extract and significant inhibition of MeLo peroxidation. The results suggest that the extract of B. antioquensis has the best quality to be a source of new UV filters, with a broad spectrum of protection and antioxidant properties.

Automated summary

The photoprotective and antioxidant activities of extracts from six plant species collected in a high mountain ecosystem at 3150 m.a.s.l. were evaluated. Among these extracts, the extract of B. antioquensis showed significant photoprotection against UVA-UVB and excellent antioxidant activity. This suggests that B. antioquensis extract could be a valuable source for new UV filters with broad spectrum protection and antioxidant properties.