Abstract
Background: The increasing awareness regarding the adverse effects of synthetic sunscreen agents has created a growing demand for herbal photoprotective formulations. Medicinal plants containing flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants can provide protection against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation while offering additional skin benefits.
Objective: The present study was aimed at formulating and evaluating a herbal sunscreen cream containing ethanolic extracts of Murraya koenigii, Moringa oleifera, and Erythrina variegata for effective UV protection and skin compatibility.
Materials and Methods: The selected plant materials were collected, authenticated, dried, powdered, and extracted using ethanol. Three cream formulations (F1, F2, and F3) were prepared using varying concentrations of herbal extracts. The prepared creams were evaluated for physicochemical properties including pH, viscosity, spreadability, irritancy, phase separation, and stability. UV spectrophotometric analysis and phytochemical screening were performed to assess photoprotective potential and the presence of bioactive constituents. In vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values were determined using the Mansur method.
Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, and steroids in the extracts. UV spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated significant absorption in the UV region with λmax around 270 nm, indicating the presence of UV-absorbing phytoconstituents. The formulated creams showed good homogeneity, acceptable viscosity, satisfactory spreadability, and no significant irritation. SPF values of formulations F1, F2, and F3 were 14.5, 13.4, and 11.2, respectively, demonstrating moderate photoprotective activity.
Conclusion: The herbal sunscreen cream formulated using Murraya koenigii, Moringa oleifera, and Erythrina variegata exhibited promising photoprotective potential, good physicochemical characteristics, and satisfactory safety profiles. The study supports the use of herbal ingredients as natural alternatives in sunscreen formulations.