Preliminary Data on the Safety of Phytoene- and Phytofluene-Rich Products for Human Use including Topical Application.

Fabien Havas,Liki Von Oppen-Bezalel,Shlomo Krispin,Antonio J Meléndez-Martínez

doi:10.1155/2018/5475784

Fabien Havas, Liki Von Oppen-Bezalel + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/5475784

Copy DOI

Abstract

The colorless carotenoids phytoene and phytofluene are comparatively understudied compounds found in common foods (e.g., tomatoes) and in human plasma, internal tissues, and skin. Being naturally present in common foods, their intake at dietary levels is not expected to present a safety concern. However, since the interest in these compounds in the context of many applications is expanding, it is important to conduct studies aimed at assessing their safety. We present here results of in vitro cytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies, revealing no significant cytotoxic or genotoxic potential and of short- and long-term human in vivo skin compatibility studies with phytoene- and phytofluene-rich tomato and Dunaliella salina alga extracts, showing a lack of irritancy or sensitization reactions. These results support the safe use of phytoene- and phytofluene-rich products in human topical applications.

Highlights

Dietary carotenoids are important compounds in the context of food science, nutrition, and health as they account for the color of many foods, some can be converted into compounds exhibiting vitamin A activity, and there is a large body of evidence indicating that they may exert health-promoting actions and contribute to reducing the risk of developing several diseases [1, 2]
In the Neutral Red Release (NRR) protocol, both the tomato extract and the Dunaliella salina extract were classified as having negligible cytotoxicity, upon exhibiting an LD50 of over 50%, and less than 20% cell death at the 20% dilution
Apart from this, there are other pieces of evidence indicating that these compounds are part of the common diets of many ethnicities, that they are present in human fluids and tissues, and that they may even provide health and cosmetic benefits, as summarized in the introduction

Summary

Introduction

Dietary carotenoids are important compounds in the context of food science, nutrition, and health as they account for the color of many foods, some can be converted into compounds exhibiting vitamin A activity, and there is a large body of evidence indicating that they may exert health-promoting actions and contribute to reducing the risk of developing several diseases [1, 2]. Their value as food colorants, components of functional foods, and related products such as dietary supplements and other over-the-counter healthcare products is undeniable. A relatively wide array of safety data is available regarding each of these compounds, as will be discussed later

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion