INTRODUCTION:

The skin is the largest organ in the human body making up approximately sixteen percent of its mass. It is a dynamic complex structure made up of the dermis and epidermis. Standing as the body's first line of defense the epidermis faces the elements and protects against harmful environmental aggressors such as harmful chemicals UV radiation and disease-causing microorganisms. Its defense mechanisms are essential for maintaining the body's general health and fortitude in the face of adversity¹, three primary bands comprise the UV radiation from the sun: UVC: 200–280 nm this high-energy wavelength is mostly absorbed by the atmosphere, UVB: moderate energy partially absorbed sunburn-causing wavelengths 280–320 nanometres, and UVA rays: low-energy mostly penetrating 320–400 nanometres they age the skin².UVB strong radiation is offset by the ozone layer but UVC is not. - Causes serious biological mayhem.

Modifies DNA sequences to cause mutations. - Increases the risk of skin cancer causes sunburn and delays aging, highlighting the importance of UVB protection measures³.

Continuous UVB radiation exposure to the skin sets off a chain reaction of negative consequences that range from short-term injury to long-term destruction. First UVB results in: - Acute pain and inflammation. Skin redness and edema. On the other hand, prolonged exposure has more subtle effects such as: - Early wrinkles and aging. Formation of cataracts. - Increased risk of cancer. Skin matrix degradation and elasticity loss are the results of oxidative stress protein degradation and MMP activation⁴. Pigmentation results from the skin's natural defense mechanism melanin production being activated by UV radiation exposure. On the other hand, topical SPF formulations which serve as sunscreens and offer increased protection can be used. – diffuse UV radiation. - Reflect damaging radiation. - Counteract harmful energy. These sunscreens fall into two separate categories: - Chemical neutralizers: absorb UV rays and transform them into innocuous heat. Physical barriers include protecting the skin erecting an impenetrable shield and blocking UV rays⁵.

There is a greater awareness of sun protection and skin health as seen by the rising popularity of sunscreen and cosmetics. On the other hand, sunscreens may have unforeseen effects such as: - Dermatitis from contact and adverse skin reactions. - Phototoxicity and sensitivity. - Deficits in certain nutrients most notably vitamin D. - Estrogenic-related side effects and hormonal imbalances. It's critical to consider the advantages of using sunscreen against these possible risks and take the appropriate safety measures ⁶, many harmful effects such as the following can be brought on by exposure to specific substances. - Mutations and changes to DNA. - Dysregulation and imbalance of hormones. Reactions involving allergies and hypersensitivity. - Adverse effects emphasize the need for cautious thought and caution especially in people who already have allergies to procaine benzocaine and related compounds ⁷, A new wave of research focusing on the medicinal potential of plants and herbs has been spurred by the urgent need to find safe and effective natural sun protectants. These botanicals offer a wealth of opportunities because they have been used for centuries as medicines. Especially a few phytochemicals: – Polyphenols. Vitamin C. – Vitamin E. has shown to be effective shields against skin damage caused by UV radiation opening the door for novel natural anti-sun solutions ⁸.

Utilizing natural products to improve skin tone and treat dermatological conditions is still common. Many herbal products have been shown to have anti-solar properties in previous research. Extended exposure to sunlight can cause several light-sensitive compounds found in plants to decompose. However, plants that include: Acid ascorbic, Tocopherol, Flavonoids, and Polyphenols. have antioxidant qualities that prevent the deterioration of light-sensitive substances and shield photosensitive components ⁹.

Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. in Ayurvedic medicine and is also known as Kadamba. Featured by the Rubiaceae family this medium- to large-sized deciduous tree has: - A height of 20 to 40 meters and a circumference of 2 to 2. 5 meters. - Smooth round crown with clean cylindrical branches. It is extensively dispersed over India: forests of evergreens reaching an altitude of 500 meters. The sub-Himalayan tract stretches from West Bengal to Nepal. - India: different regions in the east and west. Southeast Asia includes Papua New Guinea Thailand Indo-China and the Malaysian archipelago. Anthocephalus cadamba bark has a variety of therapeutic benefits such as: - Effects that are tonic pungent bittersweet acrid astringent febrifugal carminative diuretic expectorant digestive anti-inflammatory constipating and antiemetic. The leaves despite being somewhat aromatic and unappealing have medicinal value in treating ulcers wounds and metrorrhagia. It is used to treat fever eye inflammation and other conditions. The flowers are used as a vegetable ¹⁰.

Figure 1: Anthocephalus Cadamba Miq.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Preparation of Extract:

The Anthocephalus cadamba bark was gathered from the areas around Kakati in the District of Belagavi Karnataka India. It was completed by Shri B.M.K. CRF Shahpur, Belgaum, Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya to authenticate the plant (Voucher Specimen No. CRF/Auth/127/2022). For extracting purposes, the gathered and verified plants were powdered after being shade-dried. Using a Soxhlet device the bark powder was isolated in a ratio of 30:70 methanol and water which accounted for 95% of the solvent. The crude was then obtained by evaporating the excess solvent in a water bath at a temperature between 50 and 100 degrees Celsius and it was then sealed in an airtight container. The dried extracts were applied to in-vitro anti-solar activity and phytochemical research ¹¹.

Preliminary Phytochemical Analysis:

A preliminary phytochemical analysis was conducted to determine whether secondary metabolites like flavonoids alkaloids saponins triterpenoids steroids tannins glycosides and phenolics were present in hydro-alcoholic extracts ^12,
13.

Table 2: Results of Preliminary Phytochemical Investigation

S. No.	Chemical Constituents	*Anthocephalus* *cadamba* Miq. Hydro-alcoholic extract
1	Steroids	+
2	Saponin	+
3	Tannins	+
4	Flavonoids	+
5	Alkaloid	+
6	Cardiac glycosides	+
7	Terpenoids	+

(+) indicates the presence of Chemical Constituents

Checking for solar-blocking properties (anti-solar) In-vitro: -

The Shimadzu UV-1700 double-beam UV spectrophotometer equipped with a 1 cm quartz cell was used to measure the anti-solar activity. A 100 mL container held the 100 mg sample. Volumetric flask and filled it with ninety-five percent methanol. Shake thoroughly and refrigerate for five minutes. A final concentration of 0.1 mg/mL was obtained by further serial dilution. The UV absorption spectra of the hydro-alcoholic extracts were measured in the 290–320 nm range. Calculating the mean involved recording three readings. SPF values were computed using the normalized product function and the absorbance means ¹⁴.

Minimal Erythemal Dose of Protected Skin

SPF = ---------------------------------------------------------

Minimal Erythemal Dose of Unprotected Skin

SPF = CF ×

Where,

CF stands for Correction Factor (10), EE (λ) stands for the Erythemal Effect of Radiation, and Solar Intensity spectrum for I (λ), and Abs: The prepared extracts absorbance (hydro-alcoholic extract).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

SPF statistics serve as the industry standard for evaluating the efficacy of sunscreens. An important tool for product development is in vitro SPF testing which provides a quicker option to in vivo testing which can be unpredictable and time-consuming. The Mansur equation was utilized in our study to determine the SPF values of plant extracts indicating their potential as natural sunscreens. This is because they can absorb UV radiation, especially in the UV-B region thanks to their antioxidant qualities ¹⁴.

Various secondary metabolites including flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponins, phytosterols alkaloids and glycosides were confirmed by phytochemical screening (Table 2). Anti-solar activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. was determined by using a Shimadzu UV-1700 double-beam UV-visible spectrophotometer. According to the absorbance spectra, the compound present in the extract absorb UV light across the 200-400 nm range. For SPF determination, absorbance was measured within 290-320 nm wavelength range. A 0.1 mg/mL solution of hydro-alcoholic extract was prepared for UV absorption measurement. Absorbance reading was recorded and data were represented in the form of scatter plot. The results demonstrated that the hydro-alcoholic extract of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. exhibits moderate antisolar activity. The extract showed absorption maxima (λmax) at 290 nm (1.149). Based on these λmax values, the SPF of the hydro-alcoholic extract was calculated to be 9.0836 as shown in Table 4 and Figure 2. These findings support the potential use of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. bark extract as a natural sunscreen agent.

Individual with White or fair skin are highly vulnerable to cutaneous melanoma due to less amount of eumelanin, the dark pigment essential for absorbing and blocking ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Exposure to UV rays leads to various harmful effects on the skin, such as inflammation, sunburn, tanning and peeling.¹⁵ The term complete carcinogenesis is commonly used to describes UV radiation’s ability to initiate and promote carcinogenesis on its own without the aid of other factors. DNA damage and subsequent lack of effective DNA repair mechanism are the main causes of its carcinogenic effect.¹⁶ Continuous exposure of human skin to UV radiation results damage of cells and significantly raises the risk of skin cancer. Melanin, particularly eumelanin, plays an important role not only in determining skin pigmentation and serve as the most significant SPF. Its UV absorbent activity is responsible for this action.Additionally, proteins, lipids and nucleotides are natural UV radiation blockers of skin. Since ancient times, natural products have been employed in medicinal practice because of their effectiveness in managing various human diseases. The main role of medicinal herbs is to treat skin infections or dermatological disorders and enhancing the skin appearance is well established. Natural remedies are considered as safe, cost-effective and widely acceptable among the people. They act by various mechanism, including as detoxifying carcinogens, strengthening the immune system, regulating genes, and shielding DNA from reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage. Secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, polyphenols, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C are responsible for their anti-solar activity, working either by chemical or physical methods. In the present study, hydro-alcoholic extract of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. was assessed for its potential to protect against solar radiation. Results indicate that, hydro-alcoholic extract effectively absorb UV radiation between 290 to 320 nm range, which is considered as most damaging to the skin. This UV absorbing capacity can be attributed to the presence of flavonoids in hydro-alcoholic extract.^17,18

Table 3: Standard Values of EE (Λ). I (Λ) Used to Calculate the Sun Protection Factor

S. No.	Wavelength (nm)	EE (λ). I(λ) (Constant)
1	290.0	0.0150
2	295.0	0.0817
3	300.0	0.2874
4	305.0	0.3278
5	310.0	0.1864
6	315.0	0.0837
7	320.0	0.0180

Table 4: Absorption Maxima of Hydro-Alcoholic Extracts of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. and Calculated Spf Using the Mean Value

S. No.	Wavelength (nm)	EE (λ). I(λ) (Constant)	Absorbance	EE (λ). I(λ). Abs
1	290.0	0.0150	1.149	0.017235
2	295.0	0.0817	1.040	0.084968
3	300.0	0.2874	0.966	0.277628
4	305.0	0.3278	0.898	0.294364
5	310.0	0.1864	0.836	0.15583
6	315.0	0.0837	0.780	0.65286
7	320.0	0.0180	0.725	0.01305

Sun Protection Factor (SPF) = 9.0836

Figure 2: UV Absorption of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.

CONCLUSIONS:

This initial investigation demonstrated the significant UV-absorbing capacity and sun protection properties of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. Plant extracts. The presence of bioactive components like alkaloids, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids, which are renowned for their free-radical scavenging and antioxidant properties, contributes to the plant's ability to shield the skin from sun radiation-induced damage. Notably, the hydro-alcoholic extracts of the dry bark exhibited substantial UV absorption, with SPF values ranging from 8 to 9, indicating moderate to sensitive protection against UV radiation. The synergistic effect of these compounds underscores the plant's potential as a natural and effective ingredient in anti-solar formulations, offering a safer, more economical, and environmentally friendly alternative to harmful chemical sunscreens commonly found in the market. This study highlights the prophylactic utility of Anthocephalus cadamba Miq. in preventing solar radiation-induced skin damage, warranting further exploration and development in the realm of natural sun protection products.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

The authors would like to express their heartfelt sense of obligation to Dr. Pramod C Gadad, Principal, KLES’s College of Pharmacy Nipani, for providing the necessary facilities and support to conduct this research. We also thank Shri B.M.K. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, CRF Shahpur, Belgaum, for authenticating the plant.

REFERENCE:

1. Kim DJ, Iwasaki A, Chien AL, Kang S. UVB-mediated DNA damage induces matrix metalloproteinases to promote photoaging in an AhR-and SP1-dependent manner. JCI Insight. 2022; 5; 7(9): 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1172%2Fjci.insight.156344

2. Wagh A, Butler S, Raut D. Isolation, identification, and cytotoxicity evaluation of phytochemicals from chloroform extract of Spathodea campanulate. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2021; 7; 58:1-8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00205-7

3. Suryadi AA, Pakaya MS, Djuwarno EN, Akuba J. Determination of sun protection factor (SPF) value in lime (citrus aurantifolia) peel extract using UV-vis spectrophotometry method. Jambura Journal of Health Sciences and Research. 2021; 3(2): 169-80. https://doi.org/10.35971/jjhsr.v3i2.10319

4. Serpone N. Sunscreens and their usefulness: have we made any progress in the last two decades? Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences. 2021; 20: 189-244. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43630-021-00013-1

5. Henning SM, Yang J, Lee RP, Huang J, Hsu M, Thames G et al., Pomegranate juice and extract consumption increases the resistance to UVB-induced erythema and changes the skin microbiome in healthy women: a randomized controlled trial. Scientific reports. 2019; 9(1): 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50926-2

6. Bhattacharya S, Sherje AP. Development of resveratrol and green tea sunscreen formulation for combined photoprotective and antioxidant properties. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology. 2020 Dec 1; 60: -1-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2020.102000

7. Guan LL, Lim HW, Mohammad TF. Sunscreens and photoaging: a review of current literature. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. 2021 Aug 13; 22: 819-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00632-5

8. Tiwari R, Singh I, Gupta M, Singh LP, Tiwari G. Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Sunscreens: An Assessment Towards Skin Protection from Ultraviolet Radiation. Pharmacophore. 2022 June 28; 13(3): 41-9. https://doi.org/10.51847/svzLRFMP5F

9. Mansuri R, Diwan A, Kumar H, Dangwal K, Yadav D. Potential of natural compounds as sunscreen agents. Pharmacognosy Reviews. 2021 Jan 1; 15(29): 47-56. https://doi.org/10.5530/phrev.2021.15.5

10. Dubey A, Nayak S, Goupale DC. Anthocephalus cadamba: A review. Pharmacognosy Journal. 2011 Jan 1; 2(18): 71-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0975-3575(11)80029-5

11. Thorat DB, Narwane S, Kunkulol R, Bhawar SB. Pharmacognostic, Physicochemical and Phytochemical analysis of Hibiscus cannabinus Leaves. Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2024 Apr 1; 16(2): 89-94. https://doi.org/10.52711/0975-4385.2024.00017

12. Khan MS, Ahmad I. Herbal medicine: current trends and future prospects. In New look to Phytomedicine 2019 Jan 1 (pp. 3-13). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814619-4.00001-X

13. Kurzawa M, Wilczyńska E, Brudzyńska P, Sionkowska A. Total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and UV Radiation Protection Properties of Marigold (Calendula officinalis), carrot (Daucus carota), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and hop (Humulus lupulus) Extracts. Cosmetics. 2022 Dec 5; 9(6): 134. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics9060134

14. Priyanka N, Srikanth M, Babu GR, Sowjanya M, Sri VR, Vasanthi M, et al., In-vitro Screening of Anti-microbial, Anti-fungal and Anti-oxidant activities of Ethanolic leaf extract of Anthocephalus cadamba. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2022; 12(4): 275-80. http://dx.doi.org/10.52711/2231-5691.2022.00044

15. D’Orazio J, Jarrett S, Amaro-Ortiz A, Scott T. UV radiation and the skin. International journal of molecular sciences. 2013 Jun 7;14(6):12222-48. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms140612222

16. Matsumura Y, Ananthaswamy HN. Toxic effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin. Toxicology and applied pharmacology. 2004 Mar 15; 195(3): 298-308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2003.08.019

17. Randive KH, Hiremath RD, Kempwade AA, Patil AA. Cassia auriculata L.: An Ethno Medical Approach in Exploring Anti-solar Efficacy. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research. 2019 Oct 1; 53(4): S678-83. https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=DOI:+10.5530/ijper.53.4s.164&hl=en&as_sdt=0,5

18. Donglikar MM, Deore SL. Development and Evaluation of Herbal Sunscreen. Pharmacognosy Journal. 2017 Jan 15; 9(1): 83-97. https://phcogj.com/sites/default/files/10.5530pj.2017.1.15.pdf

Received on 07.10.2024 Revised on 19.02.2025

Accepted on 12.05.2025 Published on 13.01.2026

Available online from January 17, 2026

Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(1):126-130.

DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00019

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Creative Commons License.

S. No.	Appropriate SPF	Skin Texture	UV Vulnerability	UV Radiation Consequences
1	10 less10 ≤	Phototype I	Profoundly Sensitive	Burns easily, no tan
2	10 greater10≥	Phototype II	Profoundly Sensitive	Always burns easily: tans minimally
3	8 to 10	Phototype III	Sensitive	Burns occasionally, tans eventually
4	6 to 4	Phototype IV	Sensitively Prone	Burns minimally: always tans well
5	4	Phototype V	Less sensitive	Rarely burns: tans profusely
6	-	Phototype VI	Tolerant	Naturally dark, burn-free