Biochemical properties, UV-protecting and fibroblast growth-stimulating activity of Plantago lanceolata L. extracts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological properties, i.e. qualitative and quantitative characteristics of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, DPPH center dot and ABTS(center dot+) scavenging and Fe2+ chelating activity, and the UV-protecting and cytotoxicity properties of Plantago lanceolata extracts. The assays included different extracts: aqueous (A), ethanolic 96% (E), aqueous-glycerine (GLC), and aqueous-glycol (GLY) extracts at the ratio of 1:4. The most powerful antioxidant properties were shown by the GLY and GLC extracts. The use of glycol and glycerine allowed isolation of caffeic, synaptic, and salicylic acid derivates. The cytotoxicity assay showed that the A and GLC extracts could potentially be used in cosmetic products even at high concentrations without impairing the viability of cells. The study showed that Plantago lanceolata extracts are potential new multifunctional ingredients of cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. Moreover, the extracts have the ability to absorb UV radiation, which makes them potential components of natural sunscreen cosmetics.