Abstract
Mesoamerica is
a region of high diversity, which complement the biological richness with a
profound value for this local biodiversity by its inhabitants, including
diverse applications such as flavors, aromas, spices and condiments, dyes and
colorants; food (grains, oilseeds, fruits, herbs), and medicinal plants,
herbals and cosmetics. This minireview paper deals with the historical usage of
plants for hair and skin care, and the recent investigations conducted in
Guatemala on antioxidant activity, colorant evaluation, solar protection and
tyrosinase inhibition potential for skin clearing of native species from the
Mesoamerican biodiversity. Several native species from the Mesoamerican
biodiversity are potentially useful for application in the phytocosmetic
industry. Based on recent studies in Guatemala the following species are suggest
for further assessment. For antioxidant activity and colorant properties, Litsea guatemalensis, Piper jacquemontianum,
Rhizophora magle, Smilax domingensis and Tagetes lucida, for solar protection activity Phlebodium pseudoaureum, and, for anti-tyrosinase activity Piper variabile. It is suggested
a joint effort from the academic and industrial sectors for a multinational
cooperation in order to develop new phytocosmetic materials and products within
an innovative and sustainable approach.
Keywords: Smilax domingensis, tyrosinase inhibition, solar protection, Antioxidants