Desenvolvimento de um dentifrício sólido natural com óleo essencial de Baccharis dracunculifolia

Abstract

Growing awareness about health, sustainability, and transparency drives the natural cosmetics industry. With the most incredible biodiversity in the world, Brazil has immense potential for research and innovation in this sector. The Brazilian essential oil of Baccharis dracunculifolia, a plant popularly known as “alecrim do campo” or “vassourinha,” stands out for its therapeutic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to develop a natural solid toothpaste containing Baccharis dracunculifolia essential oil. The essential oil was obtained by steam distillation of fresh plants, and its compounds were identified qualitatively and quantitatively by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The main compounds identified were spathulenol (17.91%), β-pinene (15.15%), α-pinene (10.97%), caryophyllene oxide (9.46%), limonene (6.67%), and β-caryophyllene (5.52%). The formulation of the solid toothpaste was created, incorporating Baccharis dracunculifolia essential oil with natural carriers and abrasives (dolomite and calcium carbonate). The characterization involved antimicrobial tests against the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, pH assessment, shelf stability for nine months, and microabrasion tests with a rotating sphere. The abrasives and wear caps were evaluated by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The same tests were carried out on nine other toothpastes sold as natural products for comparative purposes. The results showed that the developed dentifrice presented antimicrobial activity with an inhibition halo similar to the positive control even after the storage period, adequate pH, and the wear coefficient showed the ability to remove dirt without aggression. The wear mode observed in all cases was sliding abrasion. In comparison with commercial toothpaste, it can be concluded that the toothpaste developed in this study resulted in a balanced formulation between antimicrobial activity and dirt removal, proving to be a product with innovative potential.