Browsing by Author "Serralheiro, M.L.M."
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- Cynara scolymus L. A promising Mediterranean extract for topical anti-aging preventionPublication . Marques, P.; Marto, J.; Gonçalves, L.M.; Pacheco, Rita; Fitas, M.; Pinto, P.; Serralheiro, M.L.M.; Ribeiro, H.Cynara scolymus L. (CS), usually known as globe artichoke, is a Mediterranean plant with antioxidant properties due to its content of polyphenols, including caffeoylquinic and dicaffeoylquinic acids. The use of bioactive ingredients or phytochemicals extracted from plant tissues in cosmetics is increasing, thus artichoke extract due to its promising constituents can be incorporated in topical formulations. The aim of this study was the chemical characterization of different CS extracts in order to investigate the antioxidant and the sun protection potential in topical formulations. Aqueous extracts were analyzed by HPLC to quantify target compounds, such as cynarin, chlorogenic acid and cynaroside. Antioxidant activity by DPPH assay and ROS scavenging activity in HaCaT cells, as well as cytotoxicity assays and sun protection factor were assessed. The results showed that CS extract and CSC fraction, one of the purified fractions, were rich in polyphenols and presented antioxidant and photoprotective activity. Then, both fractions were incorporated in two topical formulations: O/W emulsion and hydrogel. Physicochemical characterization, microbiological control, cytotoxicity assays and ROS scavenging activity in HaCaT cells were performed to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of the products developed. In vivo studies, Human Repeat Insult Patch Testing and an assay to determine their antioxidant capacity, were also performed. Besides the excellent antioxidant and photoprotective activity, the final formulations proved to be also suitable and safe for topical use.
- Study of antioxidant and antitumoral activity of cork processing wastewaters components fractionated by ultrafiltration membranesPublication . Gomes, Luís; Borges, C.; Serralheiro, M.L.M.; Pacheco, Rita; Minhalma, MiguelCork processing wastewater present a severe environmental problem due to its high content in organic matter, such as sugars and non-biodegradable compounds like polyphenols (PPs), namely tannins. In this work, the assessment of the biological activity and identification of valuable polyphenolic compounds was envisaged. These compounds were obtained using membrane technology, leading to the valorisation of the wastewater components and simultaneously leading to the decrease of its pollutant content.