• Peeyush Choudhary
• Pawan kumar
• Prachi Malviya
• Palak Pawar
• Dr.Ritesh Agrawal

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun poses significant health risks, including sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Concerns regarding synthetic sunscreen ingredients have led to increased interest in natural alternatives. This research aimed to develop and evaluate a herbal sunscreen cream incorporating polyphenols from selected plant extracts for effective and safe sun protection. Plant materials, including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Tinospora cordifolia, Terminalia arjuna, Butea monosperma, Punica granatum, Neolamarckia cadamba, and Cymbopogon citratus, were collected and extracted using ethanol. Polyphenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were determined. A herbal sunscreen cream was formulated as an oil-in-water emulsion using the prepared extracts. The formulated cream underwent comprehensive evaluation, including physicochemical characterization (organoleptic properties, pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, rancidity), in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) determination using UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and evaluation of antioxidant activity via DPPH and FRAP assays. In vivo studies were conducted in albino rats to assess skin irritation and actual sun protection effects after UV exposure. Results showed that the formulated creams exhibited acceptable physicochemical properties suitable for topical application. All formulations demonstrated notable antioxidant activity and in vitro SPF values above 20, indicating effective UVB protection. Formulation F4, containing a combination of Butea monosperma, Neolamarckia cadamba, and Punica granatum extracts, showed the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content, the highest in vitro SPF value (27.5 ± 1.0), and superior antioxidant potential. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in SPF values and a significant association between the combined extracts and higher SPF, suggesting a synergistic protective effect. In vivo studies indicated that the cream was non-irritating and provided significant protection against UV-induced erythema and inflammation in rats. This study successfully developed and evaluated a polyphenol-rich herbal sunscreen cream that is safe, exhibits good physicochemical properties, possesses strong antioxidant activity, and provides effective sun protection, presenting a promising natural alternative to synthetic sunscreens.

Herbal sunscreen, Polyphenols, Plant extracts, SPF, UV protection, Antioxidant activity, Cream formulation, Suncare.

"Development and evaluation of herbal sunscreen cream containing polyphenols.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 5, page no.c548-c557, May-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2505272.pdf

"Development and evaluation of herbal sunscreen cream containing polyphenols.", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 5, page no. ppc548-c557, May-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2505272.pdf