Green Solvent-Based Extraction of Muntingia calabura L. Flower and Its Sunscreen Activity Assessed by UV–Vis Spectrophotometry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33096/2ndw5171Abstract
Sunscreen agents can be derived from natural sources, one of which is Jamaica cherry (Muntingia calabura L.), a plant known to contain various bioactive compounds such as tannins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins. This study aimed to determine the sun protection factor (SPF), percent erythema transmission (%Te), and percent pigmentation transmission (%Tp) of M. calabura flower extract obtained through a green solvent-based extraction method. The extract was prepared using Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) with variations in temperature and extraction time. Absorbance measurements were carried out using UV–Vis spectrophotometry within two wavelength ranges: 290–320 nm (UVB region) for erythema and 320–370 nm (UVA region) for pigmentation. The results showed that at a concentration of 50 µg/mL, the extract exhibited an SPF value of 3.596, categorized as minimal protection. At 100 µg/mL, the SPF increased to 11.488, corresponding to maximum protection. Further increases in concentration to 150, 200, and 250 µg/mL resulted in SPF values of 17.708, 17.995, and 21.500, respectively, all classified as ultra protection. The %Te values decreased with increasing concentration, indicating improved protective activity. At 50 µg/mL, the %Te was 38.03% (no sunscreen activity), while at 100 µg/mL it decreased to 11.17% (suntan category). At higher concentrations of 150, 200, and 250 µg/mL, the %Te values were 2.29%, 2.37%, and 1.03%, respectively, all categorized as ultra protection. Similarly, the %Tp values at concentrations of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 µg/mL were 24.25%, 15.60%, 23.94%, 23.40%, and 15.75%, respectively, all falling within the sunblock category. In conclusion, increasing the concentration of M. calabura flower extract significantly enhances SPF while reducing %Te and maintaining effective %Tp values, indicating its strong potential as a natural sunscreen agent.
KEYWORDS: Green extraction; phytochemical; SPF; spectrophotometry; sunblock.
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