PRUNUS DOMESTICA, PRUNUS PERSICA AND PRUNUS AVIUM EXTRACTS: DETERMINATION OF RADICAL SCAVENGING ACTIVITIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT EMULSIONS

Abstract

Background: Nowadays antioxidants from plants origin are considered as a promising source of biologically active substances; as synthetic agents are accompanied with a number of side effects. Materials and Methods: Three fruit extracts Prunus domestica (plum), Prunus persica (peach) and Prunus avium (cherry) of family Rosaceae and genus Prunus were prepared and characterized. These natural antioxidant extracts were used for the development of stable oil/water emulsions. DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay was used to evaluate antioxidant activities of various fruit extracts alone and in emulsions containing these extracts. Novel o/w emulsions were developed by using a suitable combination of oil phase and aqueous phase loaded with natural fruit extracts. Physicochemical parameters i.e. organoleptic evaluation (color, liquefaction and phase separation), pH and conductivity were monitored at 8oC, 25oC, 40oC, 40oC + 75% relative humidity and 50oC for 3 months as per stability studies guidelines. Results: Various fruit extracts and emulsions containing these extracts showed good and comparable antioxidant activities. Test formulations containing fruit extracts (6%) showed good stability compared to control formulations and pH and conductivity were found as desired. Formulations were studied for patch test on 33 healthy human (female) volunteers and observed for any skin reaction. No skin irritation was observed. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the final formula was suitable for preparing new antioxidant emulsions loaded with pleasant fruity extracts which remain economical, effective and completely safe for human skin therefore, enhancing patient compliance.