The examination of polysaccharides as potential antioxidative compounds for topical administration using a lipid model system.

Aim of this study was the detection of polysaccharides with antioxidative properties as potential lipid protectors for topical administration. The effects of eight different polysaccharides on UV irradiation induced lipid peroxidation were investigated in a concentration dependent manner. An aqueous linolenic acid dispersion was used as an in vitro test system to examine the influences of acacia gum, agar agar, alginic acid, guar gum, novelose 330 and xanthan gum on the lipid peroxidation level after UV exposure. Four different samples of pectin and locust bean gum resulting from a swing mill grinding series were tested as well. Iron ions were added as transition metal catalysts. A UV irradiation device was used to create high level radiation. The amount of lipid peroxidation secondary products was quantified by the thiobarbituric acid assay detecting malondialdehyde. All of the tested polysaccharides showed antioxidative effects at least at one concentration. For acacia and xanthan gum, a concentration dependency of the protective effects was measured. The samples of agar agar, guar gum and novelose 330 acted antioxidatively without showing any concentration dependency. For alginic acid, prooxidative effects were determined. A correlation between grinding time and the effects of pectin and locust bean gum on the model lipid was not observed. The administration of lipid protective polysaccharides in cosmetic formulations or sunscreens could be helpful for the protection of the human skin against UV induced damage. In vivo experiments with the lipid protective polysaccharides found in this study should follow.