RT journal article
T1 Valorization of Arbutus unedo L. Pomace: Exploring the Recovery of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Distillation By-Products
A1 Di Lorenzo, Ritamaria
A1 Ferraro, Maria Grazia
A1 Carrera Fernández, Ceferino Adrián
A1 Iazzetti, Federica
A1 Chinchilla Salcedo, Nuria
A1 Maisto, Maria
A1 Aliaño González, María José
A1 Piccolo, Vincenzo
A1 Romano, Anabela
A1 Ricci, Lucia
A1 Medronho, Bruno
A1 Marzocchi, Adua
A1 Piccolo, Marialuisa
A1 Tenore, Gian Carlo
A1 Irace, Carlo
A1 Laneri, Sonia
A2 Química Analítica
A2 Química Orgánica
K1 Arbutus unedo
K1 pomace
K1 by-product
K1 cosmetic
K1 polyphenols
K1 antioxidant
K1 skin cells
AB This study explores the potential of Arbutus unedo L. pomace, a by-product of thefood industry, as a natural ingredient for skincare applications. In Portugal, A. unedo L. fruitsare traditionally used to produce “Aguardente de Medronho”, a spirit with a protectedgeographical indication. The distillation process generates pomace, comprising skins,pulp remnants, seeds, and residual alcohol rich in phenolic compounds, whose levels aresignificantly increased during distillation. In addition to their documented high antioxidantcontent, these residues also display notable antimicrobial properties. However, theirpotential benefits for skin health have not yet been explored. The methodology entailed thepreparation of the pomace extract and a comprehensive analysis of its polyphenolic contentand antioxidant capacity under laboratory conditions and in preclinical cellular models.The by-products demonstrated a high polyphenol content and potent antioxidant activity,comparable to vitamin C. Bioscreening on human skin models (i.e., dermal fibroblasts andkeratinocytes) revealed their ability to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) formationunder oxidative stress in skin cells, highlighting their potential to mitigate skin aging anddamage caused by environmental pollutants. Moreover, bioscreens in vitro revealed a highsafety profile, without any interference with cell viability at concentrations up to 100 µg/mL.These findings support the use of A. unedo L. pomace extract as a sustainable ingredient forthe development of antioxidant-rich and eco-friendly cosmetic or dermatologic products.
PB MDPI
SN 2076-3921
YR 2025
FD 2025-02
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/37904
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/37904
LA eng
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 06-nov-2026