Biological activity assessment and phenolic compounds characterization from the fruit pericarp of Litchi chinensis for cosmetic applications.
BACKGROUND
Litchi chinensis Sonn. (Spindaceae) is an important economic fruit of Thailand. Therapeutic effects of the fruits are contributed by anti-inflammatory phenolics.


OBJECTIVE
To extract the litchi fruit pericarp in order to identify biologically actives substances with potential for cosmetic application.


METHODS
The litchi pericarp was macerated by 70% ethanol (EtOH) and partitioned using n-hexane and ethyl acetate (EtOAc). In vitro antioxidant activities were assessed by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ABTS and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assays including tyrosinase inhibitory effect. Cellular radical scavenging capacity was monitored in a normal human fibroblast cell culture (NHF). Total phenolic content was determined and characterized by HPLC.


RESULTS
The EtOAc fraction was a significant antioxidant, stronger than ascorbic acid (p < 0.01), as assessed by ABTS (IC(50) = 7.137 ± 0.021 μg/mL), DPPH (IC(50) = 2.288 ± 0.063 μg/mL) and FRAP (EC(1mMFeSO4) = 8013.183 ± 58.804 μg/mL) assays. It demonstrated an antityrosinase effect (IC(50) = 197.860 ± 1.230 μg/mL) and showed no cytotoxic activity toward Vero and NHF cells, at a maximum tested concentration (50 μg/mL), with cellular antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content was highest in the most potent antioxidant fraction. Quercetin, rosmarinic and gallic acids were found. Total phenolic content is highly related to FRAP, antityrosinase, and ABTS activities.


CONCLUSIONS
Pericarp from litchi fruit can be obtained abundantly from agricultural waste, and the strong antioxidant activity demonstrated in this report may have application in topical cosmetic products. This ecological antioxidant can be prepared using a feasible method resulting in less waste and increased agro-industrial profitability.
School of Cosmetic Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, Thailand. mayuree@mfu.ac.th
Mayuree
M
Kanlayavattanakul
Dusadee
D
Ospondpant
Uracha
U
Ruktanonchai
Nattaya
N
Lourith
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D005638:Fruit; D006801:Humans; D020128:Inhibitory Concentration 50; D032125:Litchi / Q000737:chemistry*; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D010636:Phenols / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013785:Thailand; D014709:Vero Cells
D000975:Antioxidants; D003358:Cosmetics; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D010636:Phenols; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014442:Monophenol Monooxygenase; D001205:Ascorbic Acid