INVESTIGATION OF THE ANTIOXIDATIVE AND SUN-PROTECTIVE PROPERTIES OF Aegle marmelos AND Cardiospermum halicacabum HERBAL EXTRACTS

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.