Abstract:
Background: Intermittent exposure to solar UltraViolet (UV) radiation is considered to
increase the risk of photo-dermal pathogenesis. Herbal extracts and herbal cosmeceuticals rich
with flavonoids have proven their effectiveness as UV filters in terms of absorption, scattering,
reflection of UV photons and due their free radical scavenging activity. Clitoria ternatea (C.
ternatea) (Katarolu) is a plant known for its versatility in therapeutic and cosmeceutical
applications.
Objective: To formulate and evaluate herbal sunscreen lotion employing floral extract of C.
ternatea as UV filter
Methods: In-vitro photo protective property of freeze-dried floral extract of C. ternatea and
lotion were determined according to the Mansur equation and expressed in terms of Sun
Protection Factor (SPF). Antioxidant capacity of crude extract was determined using Nitric
Oxide (NO) Radical Scavenging Assay with minor modifications. Total antioxidant capacity of
the plant extracts and optimized formulation were determined using DPPH assay with minor
modification.
Results: Solution containing 0.2 mg/mL of freeze-dried floral extract showed SPF value of
20.49 ±1.04. Percentage of NO radical scavenging capacity of floral extract (1 mg/mL) was
40.37 ±5.47 with respect to 92.24 ±6.54 obtained for positive control. DPPH radical
scavenging capacity of floral extract was 1418.25 ±125.89 mg ascorbic acid equivalents/100 g
dry weight. SPF of optimized formulation was 21.38 ±0.77 and total antioxidant capacity of
optimized formulation was 571.82 ±116.29 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g of optimized
formulation.
Conclusions: Floral extract of C.ternatea and optimized sunscreen lotion containing the floral
extract have demonstrated significant photo protective and antioxidant capacity. Hence
chemical UV filters with inherent toxicities can be successfully replaced with the C. ternatea
floral extract.