This study explores the potential of Coffea arabica, Centella asiatica, and Curcuma longa extracts for developing a combination with antioxidant and anti-hyaluronidase properties for use in skincare formulations. Researchers aimed to optimize the ratios of these extracts and evaluate their combined effects, focusing on antioxidant and anti-hyaluronidase activities using a full factorial design approach.
Methods
The study involved preparing ethanolic extracts of Coffea arabica, Centella asiatica, and Curcuma longa, followed by optimization of their ratios using a 3-variable full factorial design. Antioxidant activity was assessed through DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assays, while anti-hyaluronidase activity was evaluated via a microplate assay. The photostability of the extracts was tested under UV exposure, measuring their ability to retain antioxidant activity.
Key Findings
- Antioxidant Activity:
- The combination of Coffea arabica, Centella asiatica, and Curcuma longa extracts at the ratio of 0.5:6:2 milligrams per milliliter exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, effectively neutralizing free radicals.
- The Coffea arabica extract exhibited the strongest antioxidant potential, followed by Curcuma longa and Centella asiatica. This is evident from the high ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) value achieved by the Coffea arabica extract, which suggests its significant contribution to the antioxidant effect in the mixture.
- The results indicate that Coffea arabica was the most potent in reducing oxidative stress, which is a crucial factor in preventing premature skin aging.
- Anti-Hyaluronidase Activity:
- The combination of the three extracts at a ratio of 10:10:5 milligrams per milliliter demonstrated the most effective inhibition of hyaluronidase enzyme activity. This suggests that the extracts’ anti-inflammatory properties may help preserve skin structure by preventing the breakdown of hyaluronic acid in the skin, which is crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration.
- Among the three extracts, Coffea arabica showed the strongest inhibition of hyaluronidase activity, with Centella asiatica and Curcuma longa contributing to the overall anti-inflammatory effect.
- Photostability:
- The addition of sodium metabisulfite and benzyl ethylhexyl dimethyl ammonium chloride significantly improved the photostability of the combined extracts. This was evident as the extracts maintained their antioxidant properties even after prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure.
- These stabilizing agents were essential in protecting the antioxidant activity of the extracts, ensuring their effectiveness in photoprotective skincare formulations that are often exposed to light.
Although combining antioxidants like Coffea arabica, Curcuma longa and Centella asiatica with sunscreen agents such as BEMT shows promise in enhancing photostability, limited research exists on the cosmetic effects of mixed extracts. Future studies should focus on identifying the optimal ratios of these combinations to maximize their cosmetic benefits, ensuring long-term stability and efficacy. While antioxidants alone offer some protection, they may not fully prevent UV-induced degradation. Research should explore how to fine-tune antioxidant-sunscreen agent formulations for better protection and preservation of bioactive compounds.
Link to the study: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/11/6/201
