Phytochemical Profile and Cosmeceutical Potential of Leaf Extracts of Two Species of the Anacardiaceae Family from the Mediterranean Scrubland: Pistacia lentiscus L. and Pistacia atlantica Desf.

Abstract

Skin aging involves oxidative stress, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation, prompting growing interest in plant-based treatments. Pistacia lentiscus L. and Pistacia atlantica Desf. (Anacardiaceae), North African pharmacopoeia species with recognized phytotherapeutic and cosmeceutical properties, were analyzed to elucidate these biological activities through their phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperpigmentation potentials. Leaves were successively extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. The methanolic leaf extract of P. atlantica exhibited the highest total phenolic content (430.28 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g), while P. lentiscus showed the highest flavonoid content (230.00 ± 0.01 mg QE/g). LC–MS/MS analysis identified thirteen major phenolic compounds, including methyl gallate and myricitrin. Biological assays revealed that P. lentiscus exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 5.19 ± 0.01 µg/mL) and the highest ferric-reducing power, whereas P. atlantica showed strong inhibition of protein denaturation (139.10 ± 0.55 µg/mL). Both extracts displayed potent anti-lipoxygenase activity (IC50 = 22.53 ± 0.05 and 22.67 ± 0.04 µg/mL, respectively), as well as anti-tyrosinase effects (IC50 = 39.80 ± 0.08 and 38.25 ± 0.02 µg/mL, respectively). Altogether, these findings underscore the cosmetic potential of these Pistacia species and support their use as valuable raw materials for the development of dermatological treatments.