Upcycling Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) mattos plant by-products for cosmetic formulations

<p style="text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family:"Times",serif">Summary</span></b></span></span></p><p style="text-align:justify"><b><span lang="FR" style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times",serif">Introduction:<i> </i></span></span></b><i><span lang="FR" style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times",serif">Handroanthus impetiginosus </span></span></i><span lang="FR" style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times",serif">(Mart. ex DC.) </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:"Times",serif">Mattos, known as purple ipê (<i>Bignoniaceae</i>), is a tree native to the Americas. Its phenolic-rich profile, with high antioxidant activity, presents the potential to protect the skin against UV-induced reactive oxygen species. The aim of this study is to examine the antioxidant and cosmetic properties of extracts from <i>H. impetiginosus<b>.</b></i><b> Methods:</b> Antioxidant compounds from different parts of the plant were extracted using a hydroalcoholic solvent under ultrasound, and characterized by the DPPH assay and by total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Emulsions were prepared using different combinations of the bioactive extract and UV filters: avobenzone and octyl <i>p</i>-methoxycinnamate. Formulations were characterized by physicochemical assays, stability testing, and antioxidant activity. <b>Results: </b>Mature inner bark showed the highest antioxidant performance. Extract-containing formulations displayed higher antioxidant activity than those without extract, and formulations combining the extract with UV filters remained stable for 90 days. <b>Conclusions</b>: The study emphasizes the potential use of <i>H. impetiginosus</i> in cosmetic formulations.</span></span></p>