Atividade antioxidante do extrato seco de Curcuma longa L. e aplicação em uma base cosmética

Abstract

Curcuma longa L., also known as turmeric, is a plant recognized for its therapeutic properties, being widely used in gastronomy, traditional medicine, and the cosmetics industry. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant activity of turmeric and apply it in a cosmetic base. For this purpose, analyses of turmeric extract were performed using the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, total phenolics, and flavonoids methods. Subsequently, a 5% extract was prepared using glycerin as a solvent, which was incorporated into a commercial cosmetic base, resulting in a concentration of extract in the cosmetic base of 0.25%. The control sample was prepared without the addition of the extract. Physical-chemical analyses were conducted in the cosmetic with and without turmeric, including pH, color, odor, and centrifugation, as well as the accelerated stability test, subjecting the samples to temperatures of 5 °C, 16 °C, and 40 °C, for 15 days. Additionally, assessments of antioxidant activity were performed using the DPPH, total phenolics, and flavonoids methodologies. The results obtained for the extract were: 86.74 ± 3.05 μmol ET g⁻¹ (DPPH), 219.68 ± 0.83 μmol ET g⁻¹ (ABTS), 236.24 ± 1.80 μmol of Fe²⁺ g⁻¹ (FRAP), 28.51 ± 0.69 mg of EAG g⁻¹ (total phenolics) and 36.98 ± 0.55 mg of EQ g⁻¹ (flavonoids). The formulated cream showed antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds content and flavonoids proportional to the quantity of extract added. Furthermore, the formulation demonstrated good physical-chemical stability, with no phase separation or significant changes in color and odor during the analysis period.