Abstract:
Medicinal plants are rich natural sources of bioactive phytochemicals and are
widely used in the cosmetic industry due to their compatibility in types, with fewer
side effects. Therefore, it is essential to assess their phytochemical composition to
determine the potential of these indigenous plants as valuable sources of medicinal
and cosmetic applications. This study aims to evaluate the Sun Protection Factor
(SPF) and the antioxidant activity of Aegle mamelos (Beli/Bael) and
Cardiospermum halicacabum (Welpenela) through their leaf extract, as both plants
are traditionally used in cosmetics and in the treatment of various human infections.
Leaves from both plant species were subjected to hot water extraction, and a dilution
series was prepared using ethanol as solvent to assess SPF. A UV
spectrophotometer was used to determine the absorbance values across the 290–320
nm wavelength range, and SPF values were calculated based on the Mansur
equation. The experimental data were analysed using the paired sample t-test to
compare the mean values between Aegle marmelos and Cardiospermum
halicacabum extracts. Antioxidant activity was measured using the hydrogen
peroxide scavenging assay. According to the Mansur equation, Cardiospermum
halicacabum exhibited SPF values ranging from 0.315 to 1.296, while Aegle
marmelos ranged from 0.324 to 1.194. Both extracts had a maximum SPF value at
the
highest concentrations and then steadily decreased with dilution.
Cardiospermum halicacabum had a slightly higher average SPF (mean = 0.707)
than Aegle marmelos (mean=0.698), but the difference was not statistically
significant (p>0.05),indicating comparable UV protection capacity. The hydrogen
peroxide scavenging assay revealed that both leaf extracts possessed antioxidant
properties. Comparatively, A. marmelos extract demonstrated stronger antioxidant
activity, with up to 54.2% scavenging activity than 28.9% in C. halicacabum. Both
leaf extracts showed UV-absorbing and antioxidant properties, with Aegle
marmelos showing slightly higher activity in hydrogen peroxide scavenging and
comparable sun protection potential, indicating its potential as a natural bioactive
ingredient for skin-protective formulations. Despite phytochemical analyses, proper
clinical cosmeceutical trials are needed to evaluate the appropriate efficacy of these
natural products in addressing dermal needs.
