Phytocosmeceutical formulation development, characterization and its in-vivo investigations

Area of Science:

• Phytocosmetic formulation
• Dermatological applications of plant extracts
• Skin rejuvenation science

Background:

• Plant-derived flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants possess anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties.
• Limited application of these natural compounds in dermatology despite their potential.
• Prosopis cineraria bark extract identified as a promising candidate for skincare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate a stable phytocosmetic emulsion containing 2% Prosopis cineraria bark extract.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of the extract for facial skin properties.
• To assess the in vivo performance of the formulated emulsion.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and screening of Prosopis cineraria stem, leaf, and bark extracts for phenolic, flavonoid, antioxidant, antibacterial, lipoxygenase, and tyrosinase inhibition activities.
• Cytocompatibility assessment of the bark extract using HaCat cells.
• In vivo evaluation of the 2% bark extract loaded emulsion using cutometer and elastometer compared to a base formulation.

Main Results:

• Bark extract demonstrated significant phenolic and flavonoid content with potent antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities (antibacterial, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase).
• No toxicity or apoptosis observed in HaCat cells upon incubation with the bark extract.
• The 3 μm emulsion formulation reduced skin melanin, erythema, and sebum by 2.1-, 2.7-, and 79%, respectively.
• The formulation increased skin hydration by 2-fold and elasticity by 22% compared to the base.

Conclusions:

• Prosopis cineraria bark extract possesses significant therapeutic properties for dermatological applications.
• The developed phytocosmetic emulsion is safe and effective for skin rejuvenation.
• The formulation shows potential as a multifunctional anti-aging, moisturizing, anti-acne, and skin-whitening therapy.