MORINGA OLEIFERA. APPLICATION IN THE PRODUCTION OF SUNSCREEN

Abstract

Introduction:
The sun's rays have therapeutic characteristics for the skin, but excessive exposure is harmful to health. In addition, the risks due to the deterioration of the ozone layer cause carcinogenic effects and premature aging. The use of raw materials of natural origin in the manufacture of cosmetic products has become widespread. One of the plants used is Moringa oleifera Lam.
Objective:
To determine the in vitro solar photoprotective effect of the combination of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves and the vegetable oil from seeds of Moringa oleifera ecotype Plain.
Materials and Methods:
The hydroalcoholic leaves extract was obtained by the maceration method with 70% ethanol (m/v) and the oil by the seed pressing method.
Results and Discussion:
The hydroalcoholic extract of leaves presented dark green color, sui generis odor; the oil, light yellow color, pleasant odor and oily appearance. The in vitro sun protection factor of the combination of the hydroalcoholic extract of leaves and the vegetable oil of Moringa oleifera L. was 27.40 ± 0.04.
Conclusions:
The result of using the combination of hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera ecotype Plain and the corresponding oil provides an alternative to be used in cosmetic formulations. This is due to its composition contains compounds with biological activity, such as phenolic compounds, vitamins and fatty acids, which are essential for the protection of living cells from oxidative damage associated with aging, cancer, and degenerative diseases.