title: Drugs used in Africa as dyes: I. Skin absorption and tolerability of Bixa orellana L.
abstract: Bixa orellana L. (Bixaceae) seed extract, used in Africa as a dye, was employed to evaluate the onset of the possible topical localized responses of the rabbit skin in single application, after repeated application and after UV exposure. Histologic studies were also carried out to evaluate the possible damage and penetration of Bixa colouring matter into the rabbit hairless skin and into the hairs. The study showed that Bixa orellana has a good cutaneous tolerability and may encourage the use as a source of colouring matter in cosmetology.
authors.affiliation: Pharmaco-Biological Department, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Germano
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: de Pasquale
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rapisarda
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Monteleone
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keita
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sanogo