Photoprotective activity of an indigenous herbal formulation
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Photoprotective activity of an indigenous herbal formulation
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The necessity of sunscreen agents has increased due to the harmful effects of sun exposure, such as sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer. Natural compounds, especially from plants, are gaining attention as they potentially offer safer alternatives to synthetic agents. This study investigates the photoprotective abilities of three medicinal plants—Cyclea peltata, Tabebuia heterophylla, and Kedrostis foetidissima—by formulating their extracts into sunscreen lotions and testing their effectiveness using the Transpore tape method and a UV light meter.
Photoprotective Potential of Plant Extracts
Natural antioxidants present in these plants are responsible for inhibiting oxidative stress caused by UV rays. The extract of Tabebuia heterophylla and the leaf extract of Kedrostis foetidissima were found to have strong UV-blocking abilities. This highlights the significance of choosing plants with high antioxidant capacities for the formulation of effective sunscreens.
Preparation and Testing of Sunscreen Lotions
The roots, flowers, leaves, and stems of the study plants were shade-dried, ground, and extracted using petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. The extracts were formulated into sunscreen lotions by mixing them with an aqueous phase (water and glycerol) and oil phase (emulsifying wax). The lotions were then tested for their UV protection efficiency by coating varying concentrations onto Transpore tape, which was analyzed using a UV light meter.
Evaluation of Results
The study found that the UV protecting ability of all lotions increased with higher concentrations of active ingredients. Among the lotions tested, those prepared with the petroleum ether extract of Tabebuia heterophylla and the ethyl acetate extract of Kedrostis foetidissima demonstrated the highest UV protection. This is attributed to the presence of metabolites like flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic compounds in these extracts, which are known for their UV-absorbing properties.
Conclusion
The research concludes that the petroleum ether extract of Tabebuia heterophylla and the ethyl acetate extract of Kedrostis foetidissima are highly effective in blocking UV rays, making them promising candidates for natural and skin-friendly sunscreen agents. Further testing is recommended to confirm these findings and ensure their efficacy in practical applications.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
P. Jayanthi and P. Lalitha
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Photoprotective activity of an indigenous herbal formulation
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
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FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What plants were studied for photoprotective activity?
The plants studied were Cyclea peltata, Tabebuia heterophylla, and Kedrostis foetidissima, known for their medicinal properties.
How were the plant extracts tested for UV protection?
The extracts were formulated into sunscreen lotions and tested using the Transpore tape method with a UV light meter (Lutron UV-340A).
What was the outcome for the most effective extracts?
The petroleum ether extract of Tabebuia heterophylla and the ethyl acetate extract of Kedrostis foetidissima showed the highest UV blocking ability.
What compounds contribute to the UV protecting ability of plants?
Compounds like flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, terpenoids, and antioxidants in the plants contribute to their UV protecting ability.
Were any specific absorption characteristics noted in the study?
Yes, absorption of UV radiation is key for identifying flavonoids in natural sources. All formulations showed effective UV absorption due to the presence of flavonoids.
What further tests are suggested by the study?
Further tests are recommended to confirm the UV protective ability of the formulated sunscreen lotions.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Photoprotective activity of an indigenous herbal formulation”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Flavonoid:
Flavonoid compounds are highlighted in the study as they possess effective antioxidant properties, which contribute to the UV blocking ability of plants. These naturally occurring compounds can neutralize free radicals, thus providing photoprotection and reducing skin damage from harmful UV radiation.
2) Activity:
Activity, in this context, refers to the UV protective ability or efficacy of the herbal sunscreen formulations tested. The study measures the photoprotective activity of various plant extracts to determine their effectiveness in blocking UV rays and protecting the skin.
3) Science (Scientific):
The term ‘Science’ reflects the disciplined and systematic study set in the Department of Chemistry, Avinashilingam Institute, focusing on the development and testing of herbal formulations as photoprotective agents. The research methodologies and scientific approach underscore the credibility and rigor of the findings.
4) Reason:
Reason pertains to the underlying causes or explanations for the observed UV protective abilities of the plant extracts. For instance, the presence of specific antioxidants like flavonoids and tannins account for the effectiveness of certain extracts in providing photoprotection.
5) Emblica officinalis:
Emblica officinalis, mentioned among plants tested elsewhere for UV protection, illustrates the trend of utilizing antioxidant-rich plants in sunscreen formulations. Its inclusion underscores the broader research context and the potential efficacy of different botanical sources.
6) Crocus sativus:
Crocus sativus is another example of a plant known for its antioxidant properties, tested for UV protection in other studies. Including such plants signifies the comparative nature of research that positions the tested plants within a wider framework of botanical photoprotection agents.
7) Piper longum:
Piper longum, listed among other tested plants, serves to indicate the range of botanical species explored for their photoprotective properties. Its antioxidant capacity makes it relevant in studies looking to identify natural sunblock alternatives.
8) Inflammation:
Inflammation is a skin response that UV rays can exacerbate. Protecting against UV-induced inflammation is a key goal of using antioxidant-rich herbal formulations, which can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause such inflammatory reactions.
9) Pomegranate:
Pomegranate peel is acknowledged for its high antioxidant content, making it effective in UV protection. Its mention contextualizes the study by relating it to other fruits recognized for similar protective properties, underscoring the significance of antioxidant-rich botanicals.
10) Discussion:
Discussion is the section of the study where results are interpreted and analyzed. This part of the text elucidates the findings on UV protection efficacy of the plant extracts and provides insights into why certain formulations performed better, based on their chemical constituents.
11) Substance:
Substance refers to the active ingredients in the plant extracts contributing to their UV blocking potential. The study identifies specific compounds, like flavonoids and tannins, as substances that enhance the photoprotective properties of the sunscreen formulations.
12) Jayanti (Jayantī, Jayamti):
Jayanthi, likely a co-author or contributor to the study, signifies the collaborative nature of the research. Her involvement underscores the multi-faceted efforts of the research team at Avinashilingam Institute to develop and validate herbal sunscreen formulations.
13) Cancer:
Cancer, particularly skin cancer, is one of the severe risks posed by prolonged UV exposure. The study aims to mitigate such risks by developing effective sunscreen agents from herbal extracts, providing a natural method to protect against UV-induced skin pathologies.
14) Water:
Water forms part of the aqueous phase used in the preparation of the sunscreen lotion. It's essential for achieving the correct consistency and homogenizing the formula with the oil phase, thus ensuring the proper application and efficacy of the sunscreen on the skin.