Sun Protection Factor Activity of Jamblang Leaves Serum Extract (Syzygium cumini)

Background: The development of serum preparations containing natural ingredients for sun protection is growing rapidly. Jamblang (Syzygium cumini) leaves are rich in phenolic compounds that can inhibit free radicals causing premature aging. Therefore, this study aims to determine the potential of S. cumini serum extract as sun protection. Methods: The extract was prepared and included in the serum base. The formulations were evaluated for rheological, pH, dispersion coefficient, and stability examinations. Furthermore, Sun Protection Factor was tested using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Results: The test of phytochemical compounds showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, saponins, quinones, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, and steroids. The result also showed that all serum formulations met the predetermined requirements. Furthermore, the extract has protective activity against ultraviolet rays, which was indicated by the SPF value. The higher the dose of S. cumini extracts in the serum formulation, the higher the value obtained. Formulations 1, 2, and 3 have SPF of 9.35±0.11, 13.26±0.16, and 26.05±0.31, respectively. This indicates that they all met the Indonesian National Standard, that a sun protection preparation must have a minimum protection factor of 4. Conclusion: S. cumini extract serum has the potential to be developed as a new sun protection agent against ultraviolet radiation. However, further studies are still needed to determine the mechanism of its constituent active compounds.