Photoprotective, biological activities and chemical composition of the non-toxic hydroalcoholic extract of Clarisia racemosa with cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications

Clarisia racemosa (guariúba), Moraceae, is a native tree of the Amazon region, with timber value in the local market and for export. Aiming to contribute to the biological study of the crude extract, we carried out its hydroalcoholic extraction and physicochemical characterization. The results showed that the wood had the following chemical composition: cellulose (40.1%), hemicellulose (18.34%), lignin (29.40%), extractives (10.7%), and ash (0.79%). The extract obtained showed a high content of phenolics and through liquid chromatography tests, it was possible to determine 17 compounds. Therefore, we evaluated its biological properties (antioxidant, antiglycant, in vitro and in vivo toxicity, antitumor, antimicrobial and photoprotective) to use it as a raw material in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. The extract showed moderate antioxidant activity, it was also able to inhibit antiglycant reactions. And it showed no toxic effects in vitro and in vivo assays. Highlighting antiproliferative activity against MCF-7, T47D, DU-145, and Jurkat tumor cells. As reported in the literature, these models are still being used as a predictor of cytotoxicity. Regarding the in vitro antimicrobial assays, the extract showed activity against Staphylococcus aureus with a minimal inhibitory concentration similar to the oxacillin pattern. Finally, it was able to promote photoprotective activity in vitro at non-toxic concentrations. This study shows the potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Clarisia racemosa to be used as a component in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.