Evaluation of the Biological Activity of Manna Exudate, from Fraxinus ornus L., and Its Potential Use as Hydrogel Formulation in Dermatology and Cosmetology

Manna, a well-known herbal drug has multiple traditional and pharmaceutical uses and the entire composition, sugar derivatives and polyphenols, gives rise to a very interesting bioactive complex with versatile therapeutic and benefic properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of this research was to investigate a F. ornus manna extract loaded in a pectin hydrogel as a synergic vehicle to evaluate the potential use of the complex for cosmetic and dermatological applications. In particular, the study set out to disclose manna properties as a wound healing agent with antimicrobial and reparative activity on infected tissues. Moreover, considering the correlation between antioxidant activity and antiaging potential, the extract was investigated in regard to the anti-elastase activity and skin whitening potential. The total phenolic content of each extract was also determined and a safe profile by in vitro cytotoxicity studies was verified. The hydrogel complex, containing the manna extract and pectin as the gelling agent, exhibited suitable properties in terms of pH (from 5.50 to 6.80), rheological behavior and ability of preserving the antioxidant activity of the manna exudate (around 10%). All the peculiarities that make the pectin hydrogels ideal systems for skin disease, as wound dressings and for antiaging cosmetic formulations.