Enhanced antioxidant activity of carvacrol via nanoformulation: A promising strategy for cosmetic industry

Abstract

Carvacrol (Car) is a monoterpenic compound found in Oregano species and has numerous biologicalactivites such as antioxidant effect. However, direct use of the Car molecule is difficult due to itspungent odor, easy oxidation and irritating structure. Nowadays, loading into polymeric structures inthe nanoparticles is becoming widespread to reduce such as side effects [1].Our previous study evaluated collagenase inhibitory activity by encapsulating Car into polycaprolactone(PCL) nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, the antioxidant activity of Car-PCL-NPs obtainedusing the same encapsulation system was examined and its effectiveness was evaluated in comparisonwith free Car [2]. It was predicted that the antioxidant activity of Car, whose irritating effect andstrong odor were already eliminated by encapsulation, would also increase in this form.In the study, ABTS, DPPH, CUPRAC and metal chelating antioxidant tests were performed on freeCar and Car-PCL-NPs. As a result, free Car showed antioxidant effect in all of them, but it was observedthat Car-PCL-NPs were active only in ABTS and CUPRAC tests. This activity is approximately10 times higher in the ABTS test and 8 times higher in the CUPRAC test compared to free Car.According to the results, it was determined that the activity of the Car loaded into NPs increasedsignificantly. Also, volatility and irritating properties were eliminated, making Car easier to use. Thus,it was predicted that Car-PCL-NPs could be suitable candidates for use in the cosmetic industry asmore stable and bioavailable active structures for anti-aging, skin brightening topical formulations.