Abstract:
This study aimed to evaluate in vitro sunscreen activity of methanol and
aqueous extracts of Punica granatum leaves and formulate an effective
sunscreen lotion. The phytochemical screening revealed that both extracts
were rich in phenols and flavonoids. The total phenolic contents for methanol
and aqueous extracts were 2003.925 ± 31.551 and 1244.212 ± 23.893 mg
Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 mg dry weight of the leaves, respectively.
The Total flavonoid contents were 524.264 ±12.842 and 360.168 ± 10.403 mg
Catechin equivalent (CAE)/100 g dry weight of leaves, respectively. A
concentration series of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mg/ml in methanol was prepared for
both P. granatum extracts along with a commercial product, Dermatone® (the
reference, SPF 36). The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) was determined at all
concentrations and methanolic extract gave a SPF of 30.493 ± 0.058 at 0.3
mg/ml which is significantly higher than Dermatone® at the same
concentration. However, 0.3 mg/ml aqueous extract gave the SPF of 19.662 ±
0.033 which is less than the reference. It is established that SPF 15
sunscreening products block roughly 93% UV rays when applied thoroughly.
Interestingly, both extracts have exceeded the SPF of 15 at the concentration
of 0.3 mg/ml. The UV spectra of both extracts have shown more efficient UV
absorption over 250-400 nm range than the reference. Methanol extract was
used for the preparation of herbal sunscreen lotion with 3% (F1) and 5% (F2)
of the dried extract. The SPF obtained for 0.3 mg/ml solution of F1 and F2 were
1.817 ± 0.025 and 3.172 ± 0.023, respectively. Punica granatum leaves with
efficient UV absorbing constituents could be used in sunscreen products as a
safe alternative to harmful synthetic compounds.
