Formulation and In-vitro Evaluation of Sun Protection Factor in a Polyherbal Cream

Sunscreens aid the body's natural defense mechanisms to protect against harmful UV radiation from the sun. The present study involves the formulation of sunscreen cream with herbal active ingredients and evaluation for its effectiveness. Naturally occurring traditional substances are gradually replacing synthetic counterparts due to their effectiveness and absence of adverse effects. The herbal drugs selected for the study were roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. (Yashtimadhu), Hemidesmus indicus R.Br. (Anantmul) and heartwood of Santalum album Linn. (Chandana). Creams were prepared with each individual herb and combination of all three herbs with varying concentration of herbal extracts. The evaluation included determination of Sun Protection Factor for all the formulated creams. The SPF was calculated using the spectrophotometric method and then applying the Mansur equation. The results of the study indicated that the 25% combination cream showed maximum sun screeening activity. INTRODUCTION: Sunshine is beautiful and feels great on our skin. However excessive exposure can result in several adverse effects including mutagenicity immune depression of skin, accelerated skin ageing and photodermatoses. 1, 2 The UV spectrum is divided into three groups based on wavelength: UVC (100 290 nm) , UVB (290 320 nm) and UVA (340 400 nm). Solar UV radiation reaching the earth’s surface approximately consists of 90-99% UVA and 110% UVB. 3 QUICK RESPONSE CODE DOI: 10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.8(1).197-00 Article can be accessed online on: www.ijpsr.com DOI link: http://dx.doi.org/10.13040/IJPSR.0975-8232.8 (1).197-00 Exposure to UV-A radiation results in damage to the elastic and collagen fibers of connective tissue of skin, which causes premature ageing (photoageing), while UV-B radiation bring about acute inflammation (sun burn) and intensification of photoageing (United State-Environmental protection Agency). UVC radiation is filtered by the atmosphere before reaching earth. UVB radiation is not completely filtered out by the ozone layer and is responsible for the skin damage due to sunburn. UVA radiation reaches the deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis and provokes the premature aging of the skin. 4, 5 Ultraviolet radiations have been implicated as a causative factor of skin cancer. Due to these facts, sunscreens substances are now incorporated into everyday products such as moisturizers, creams, lotions, shampoos, mousses, and other hair and skin preparations.