Abstract:
Background: Phoenix dactylifera, a fruit-harvesting nutrient and therapeutic plant, has been
used in drug development and traditional medicine due to its rich nutritional content.
Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antioxidant, antibacterial, sun screening, and phytochemical
properties of Phoenix dactylifera seeds of fruits purchased from the local market in Sri Lanka
and formulate an herbal cream incorporating this extract, assessing its physical, sun protection
factor (SPF), and antibacterial properties and stability
Methods: The extract was obtained using ultrasonic-assisted methanolic extraction method and
analyzed for presence of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity (DPPH assay), antibacterial
activity against S. aureus and SPF. The required concentration of extract was determined to give
an SPF of over 30. Formulations F1 (5%) and F2 (1%) with different proportions of crude were
prepared and analyzed for physical stability and SPF over 7 days at room temperature (30±2 ºC).
The antibacterial activities of formulations were determined.
Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of several compounds and the extract
had low antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 24.70±0.08 µg/mL, while ascorbic acid (the positive
control) had an IC50 of 6.34±0.02 µg/mL. The extract's antibacterial activity produced zones of
inhibition (ZOIs) larger than 11 mm at the concentrations of 50, 75, and 150 mg/mL, compared
to ciprofloxacin 3 mg/mL (positive control) with a ZOI of 29.43±0.46 mm. The extract showed
SPF greater than 30 at 6.0 mg/mL. Over 7 days, both creams remained stable in pH, odor, color,
and homogeneity with tolerable changes in SPF. The SPF values of freshly prepared solutions
(10 mg/mL) of F1 and F2 were 36.22±0.02 and 33.91±0.03, respectively and on the 7th day, they
were 36.96±0.03, 34.57±0.03, respectively. F1 showed moderate antibacterial activity at 50
mg/mL concentration (ZOI = 11.74±0.05 mm).
Conclusions: Phoenix dactylifera seed extract demonstrates antioxidant, antibacterial and sun
screening properties. The cream formulations showed promising stability and efficacy, highlighting
their potential as natural sun protection products.
