ABSTRACT
Flax and hemp fibers are known as textile raw materials with pro-health properties. This paper presents results of research aimed at investigating the antioxidant activity of the fibers in order to explain a mechanism for the favorable influence of textiles made of these fibers when in contact with human skin. The study presents a new approach in evaluation of textile fibers in terms of their inherent pro-health properties. Antioxidant properties of flax and hemp fibers were tested with the use of FRAP and DPPH methods. The content of phenolic acids: syringic, sinapinic, p-coumaric and ferulic acid was determined with the use of HPLC. The results proved that the antioxidant activity of the tested fibers depends on a type and variety of fibrous plants, a method of fiber extraction and subsequent stages of preliminary processing of the fibers. Both decorticated flax and hemp fibers showed higher antioxidant activity in comparison to the fibers obtained with other extraction methods, while decorticated flax of different varieties presented the highest value of the FRAP. Wet methods of fiber extraction and processing caused reduction of phenolic acids content and significantly lower values of the FRAP and DPPH.
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Key Findings
Clothing made of natural fibers is recommended by doctors as the safest for patients with allergic reactions, affected with skin diseases, undergoing immunosuppressive treatments and with other ailments, where therapy is linked with necessity to eliminate possible negative effects of external factors. The aim of the current study was to investigate antioxidant activity of hemp fibers and flax fibers obtained after application of different technological processes. Even though the level of the FRAP and DPPH of flax and hemp fibers is significantly lower in comparison to active food ingredients or dietary supplements, the inherent bioactive properties of the fibers, by direct contact with skin surface, can support reduction of reactive oxidant species occurring at the skin surface and act as an anti-aging agent, protect against the unfavorable effect of the environment and ultraviolet rays. New knowledge explaining antioxidant activity of bast fibers allows for designing and developing textiles with functional and protective characteristics. The FRAP and DPPH parameters reached the highest values for both types of fibers extracted with the use of decortication. The antioxidant activity is strongly correlated with lignin and phenolic acids content in the fibers. This knowledge can be used in designing functional textiles able to support protection of human skin against reactive oxygen species and UV radiation.