Formulation and performance of nigella sativa seed extract on sunscreen / Ishatul Alyaa Noor Saiful Azhar

Exposure to UV rays can cause photoaging, and a photoprotective compound can be used to prevent it, as well as being used as an active ingredient in sunscreen. Nowadays, most of people used synthetic sunscreen, also known as chemical sunscreen, which has been linked to rise skin sensitivity among consumer and higher risk of skin cancer. A study was conducted the formulation and performance of Nigella sativa seed extract in sunscreen were investigated to evaluate its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic sunscreens, offering additional antifungal benefits. Nigella sativa seed crude extract has potential to be used as a sunscreen cream, with a 30 SPF value in its formulation. Nigella sativa seed was extracted using the Soxhlet Extraction method and analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antifungal efficacy was assessed by applying the extract to bread slices inoculated with Aspergillus mold and observing the inhibition of fungal growth. The sun protection factor (SPF) of the formulated sunscreen was determined using UV-Vis Spectrophotometry and evaluated its effectiveness. The findings showed a high yield percentage of 44.03% for the Nigella sativa seed extract. In comparison to other bioactive compounds in Nigella sativa seed crude extract, linoleic acid was found to have a higher area percentage (56.34%). Furthermore, it was discovered that Nigella sativa crude extract inhibits the Aspergillus fungus on the surface of bread in the antifungal test. There are two sunscreen formulations (F1 and F2) were made from Nigella sativa seed crude extract. The concentrations of the crude extract were 1% and 2%, and the SPF values of the two formulations were 28.89 and 28.02, respectively. These results imply that 1% concentration sunscreen cream formulations successfully satisfy the required standards for color, pH, spreadability, and odor, making them suitable for further development and potentially offering favorable attributes for consumer acceptance and compliance. Nigella sativa seed crude extract could be a promising candidate in cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical preparations.