Photoprotective efficacy of seed oils from fruits of Brazilian flora: a scoping review
摘要
This scoping review investigates the photoprotective efficacy of seed oils from fruits of the Brazilian flora, highlighting their potential as natural sun protection agents. Fourteen experimental studies (2014–2024) were analyzed, covering oils from native or naturalized species in Brazilian biomes (such as Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, Amazon), whose identification and distribution were confirmed through technical records from institutions, such as the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation and the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Some international studies were included, since they investigate species naturalized in Brazil, widely cultivated in the country's biomes. In addition, these studies validate comparative analytical methodologies and highlight the synergistic potential of seed oils with UV filters, making them applicable to the Brazilian context. The formulations tested contained oil concentrations ranging from 1 to 15%, with sun protection factor (SPF) values between 0.22 and 22 for isolated oils and up to 107.67 when combined with organic or inorganic sunscreens. Oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols and polyphenols, such as pomegranate, grape and prickly pear, have shown remarkable absorption of UVB radiation and antioxidant potential. However, methodological limitations such as variations in the extraction process, lack of standardization of formulations, divergences in SPF quantification methods and insufficient safety assessment were identified. Future studies should prioritize the standardization of methods, explore synergistic combinations and validate safety and phototoxicity. It is concluded that seed oils from the Brazilian flora have promising potential as environmentally friendly and effective alternatives for photoprotective formulations.