An In-Vitro Evaluation of Photoprotective Potential of Leaf Extracts of Atalantia Ceylanica, Hibiscus Furcatus and Formulated Herbal Sunscreen Gel

Abstract

Higher exposure to solar radiation may cause skin diseases due to the harmful effects of sunburn. Sunscreen is one of best methods to prevent solar-induced skin cancers and sunburns. Sunscreens consist of natural constituents are less side effects than synthetic sunscreens. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the photoprotective activity of leaf extracts of Atalantia ceylanica (Yakinaran) and Hibiscus furcatus (Napiriththa) and formulate a sunscreen gel. Extracts were prepared by maceration with methanol. The absorbance of each leaf extract was measured using a UV-spectrophotometer. Sun protection factor (SPF) was calculated using the Mansur equation. A gel base was developed. A gel was developed incorporating freeze-dried leaf extracts into the gel base. SPF of formulated gel was determined. The stability of the gel formulation was tested over three months. As per the results, SPF of 1 mg/mL concentration of the herbal gel, reference product; Heliocare Ultra and leaf extracts of A. ceylanica and H. furcatus were 27.31, 30.79, 21.07 and 30.68, respectively. The stable gel formulation demonstrated a 27.31 SPF value and the reference product demonstrate 31.45 SPF value. A gel formulation with 1mg/mL extract was stable throughout 90 days at room temperature. It can be concluded that the gel formulation with 1mg/mL extract showed outstanding photoprotective activity, physicochemical properties and stability. These findings may create a new dimension for manufacturing sunscreens using herbal plants.