Evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Caryocar brasiliense (pequi) extract obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction as active for personal care products

Abstract

Cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries have an increasing interest in replacing synthetic antimicrobials in dermatological products due to the increased microorganism resistance to conventional antimicrobial agents. Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) is a native fruit tree of the Brazilian Cerrado, specifically used in cosmetics, food industries and for medicinal purposes. Leishmanicidal and antifungal activities have been previously reported. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Caryocar brasiliense extract obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction. MethodsThe minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the classical method of microdilution and antiseptic activity was evaluated by plate diffusion method, both against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using a method based on the ABTS substrate oxidation. The extract's chemical profile was analyzed for the presence of alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, steroids, tannins, avonoids and phenolic compounds according to standard colorimetric methods.ResultsThe results indicated that Caryocar brasiliense extract obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction presents antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria and antioxidant potential, when compared to the vitamin E standard.ConclusionsBased on the results we have found, Caryocar brasiliense extract obtained by supercritical CO2 provides perspectives for the development of personal care products, mainly for antiseptic skin products that inactivates, reduces, prevents or arrests microorganisms growth with the inherent intent to mitigate or prevent disease, furthermore products that minimize damages caused by free radicals. (AU)