Antiaging Potential of Peronema canescens Jack Leaf Extract: A Natural Ingredient in Topical Skincare Formulation

Peronema canescens Jack (Sungkai) leaves contain antioxidant compounds with potential antiaging properties, yet their application in topical skincare formulations remains underexplored.

This study aimed to analyze the potential of P. canescens leaf extract as an antiaging cream ingredient and characterize its phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and cream formulation properties.

Dried Sungkai leaves (250 g) were extracted via maceration using 70% ethanol for 72 h. Phytochemical screening employed standard reagent tests for flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, alkaloids, steroids, and terpenoids. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging method. Three antiaging cream formulations containing 0.02% (F1), 0.04% (F2), and 0.06% (F3) extract were prepared and evaluated for organoleptic properties, pH, homogeneity, adhesion, and dispersion. Stability was tested using six freeze-thaw cycles.

The extraction yield was 18.10%. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, and steroids, while terpenoids and alkaloids were absent. The extract demonstrated very strong antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 21.98 ± 1.23 ppm, compared to vitamin C (IC₅₀ = 4.12 ± 0.34 ppm). All cream formulations exhibited acceptable pH values (F1: 5.54 ± 0.06, F2: 5.16 ± 0.12, and F3: 5.01 ± 0.05), good homogeneity, adequate adhesion (F1: 13.93 ± 0.88 s to 12.68 ± 0.76 s; F2: 16.67 ± 1.02 s to 15.50 ± 0.94 s; and F3: 17.33 ± 1.15 s to 16.41 ± 1.08 s), and appropriate dispersion (F1: 4.92 ± 0.15 to 6.20 ± 0.22 cm; F2: 4.82 ± 0.18 to 6.30 ± 0.25 cm; and F3: 4.67 ± 0.12 to 6.15 ± 0.20 cm). However, adhesion and dispersion stability decreased after storage, indicating the need for formulation optimization.

P. canescens leaf extract exhibits very strong antioxidant activity and can be formulated into stable antiaging creams. Further optimization is required to enhance long-term stability of adhesion and dispersion properties.