UV-absorbing mycosporin-like compounds in some macroalgae of the Persian Gulf and its potential application in the formulation of sunscreens

Abstract

Despite major advances in chemical synthesis, the use of natural species, especially algae, is still of interest in pharmaceutical research due to its wide range of biologically active compounds. In this study, six species of seaweeds from the Persian Gulf including one green and five red algae species were screened for the presence of UV-absorbing compounds. Moreover, the possibility of using these compounds as UV filters in sunscreens was investigated. The specimens were collected from coastlines of Qeshm Island, Hormozgan province, and shade dried. The partially purified MAAs extracts of seaweeds were investigated by spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to detect the presence of mycosporin-like compounds. The results confirmed the presence of ultraviolet adsorbents in three species of red algae, but the green alga Caulerpa sertularioides forma farlowii showed a lack of these compounds. Additionally, cream samples containing partially purified MAAs extract of Hypnea musciformis showed sun protection factor (SPF) of 2.9 and UVA protection index of 0.78 that confirmed the capacity of this extract and its compounds for application in sunscreens.

Keywords

• mycosporine
• seaweeds
• spf
• uv radiation