Valorization of shea butter from local production in Benin: a phytochemical and pharmacological study

The shea butter tree or Vitellaria paradoxa (C.F. Gaertn.) is an endemic species belonging to Sapotaceae family, largely distributed in the sub-Saharan Africa [1]. plays a crucial role in both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of local populations, particularly through its kernels, which are processed to produce shea butter, also known as butyrospermum parkii, shea oleine or karite nut butter. It represents a multipurpose resource, being harnessed as a cooking oil, soap, and medicinal remedy. In traditional medicine, shea butter has been especially used to relieve dermatological disorders, such as burns, wounds, lesions and scars, and to counteract skin infections [1]. The extensive traditional use of sea butter has sparked growing scientific interest in its bioactive components and their potential therapeutic applications. Studies increasingly focus on its antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and wound-healing properties [2,3], aiming to provide a scientific basis for traditional practices and to elucidate its mechanisms of action. In this context, and to promote the value of local production, the present study was aimed at characterizing the phytochemical profile and bioactivities of a shea butter sample produced by the TIKKONA Cooperative in the Republic of Benin (namely KAR- T), in comparison with a commercial product (namely KAR-K). To this end, the samples underwent gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis to determine the phytochemical composition. Moreover, a screening of bioactivities, including cytotoxicity in human malignant melanoma A375 cells and HFF-1 noncancerous fibroblasts, wound healing and cytoprotection towards oxidative damage, in terms of cell viability restoring and oxidative stress inhibition, was performed according to previously reported methods [4]. The GC/MS analysis highlighted the samples were characterized by unique compositions in both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, with palmitic and oleic acids the most abundant in KAR-T and palmitic and stearic acids in KAR-K. In addition, the presence of the triterpene lupeol was also detected in both samples but with a more significant quantity in KAR-T rather than in KAR-K. Both samples also resulted able to impair the cell viability of A375 cancer cells, although with a higher potency of KAR-K, which was cytotoxic starting from the concentration of 100 µg/ml, despite 250 µg/ml of KAR-T. Similarly, they reduced cell viability in HFF- 1 fibroblasts, although at higher concentrations than those affecting A375 cells. When assessed for the wound healing, KAR-T and KAR-K progressively increased the migration of HFF-1 cells with respect to control over the time, inducing almost a complete disappearing of the wound area already after 24 h treatment. In the cytoprotective studies a modulation of the cell redox status was found too. The present findings support the traditional use of shea butter in skin disorders and highlight the need for additional studies to clarify the underlying mechanisms, investigate the role of specific phytochemicals for product standardization, and assess its bioactivity in other experimental models. [1] Dermatologic Therapy. 2022;35:e14786. [2] Abdel-Razek et al. Foods. 2023;12(8):1626. [3] Treesh et al. Open Vet J. 2021;10(4):431-437. [4] Di Sotto et al. Biomedicines. 2022;10(9):2257.