The dermatoxicological profile of Labisia pumila extract for cosmetic application

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increase in public concern on the safety and efficacy of cosmetic ingredients. Recently, the potential Labisia pumila (L. pumila) for cosmetic application was expanded as a skin moisturizer product. However, the general toxicity effect of L. pumila on skin is not well understood. Hence, the objective of this study was to carry out the safety assessment of L. pumila for cosmeceutical applications. This research encompassed cytotoxicity study, allergic dermatitis assessment, genotoxicity study, ocular irritancy and in vivo toxicological study. Based on the results, L. pumila was relatively non-cytotoxic up to 0.001 mg/mL. Penetration and absorption analyses revealed that overall recovery was in range of 100±15% and were considered acceptable with each of 500 mg/mL and 1000 mg/mL of extracts, respectively. The L. pumila extract did not cause mutagenic effects on Salmonella thyphimurium in the presence or absence of metabolic activation. Allergic contact dermatitis assessment through in vitro dermal irritation study showed the mean cell viability was found to be 91.5% with a standard deviation of ± 3.17%. However, sensitization analysis indicated that the extract is a sensitizer due to the average depletion of both peptides at 17.75%, more than 6.37% with low reactivity. The Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) examination indicated that non-ocular irritation occurred. After a single dose of dermal application in acute dermal toxicity study, estimation of lethal dose was 2000 mg/kg. The repeated dose for 28-days dermal toxicity study also indicated Non- Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) was noted up to 1000 mg/kg. From all of the analyses conducted, this pre-clinical safety assessment suggested that the L. pumila water extract is safe for present practices with the appropriate concentration for cosmetic formulation.