- 2026-06-01
- Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciences 39(6)
- Nain Tara
- Muhammad Jahangir
- Sundas Shahzadi
Study Design
- Methods
- UV-Vis spectroscopy, DPPH and ABTS assays, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) determination
- Funding
- Unclear
Background
Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation in mountainous regions increases the risk of skin disorders, highlighting the need for effective natural photoprotective agents.Objectives
This study aims to evaluate the sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant potential of two underexplored plants, Artemisia maritima and Sophora mollis, collected from high-altitude areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, to assess their suitability as natural photoprotective agents.Methods
UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to assess free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assays), along with total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC).Results
A. maritima exhibited a higher SPF value (17.27 ± 0.31) compared to S. mollis (7.68 ± 0.18). Similarly, A. maritima showed greater TPC (345.93 ± 0.62 mg GAE/g) and TFC (239.30 ± 0.47 mg QE/g) than S. mollis (297.38 ± 0.34 mg GAE/g and 55.26 ± 0.75 mg QE/g, respectively). Antioxidant activity, measured by IC50 values, was strongest for Trolox (50.45 ± 0.97 µg/mL), followed by A. maritima (119.52 ± 2.23 µg/mL) and S. mollis (244.46 ± 8.06 µg/mL). In ABTS assays, A. maritima and S. mollis inhibited 68.3% and 60.2% of free radicals, respectively.Conclusion
These findings suggest that A. maritima possesses strong photoprotective and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential as a promising natural sunscreen candidate, while S. mollis may provide moderate photoprotection suitable for complementary cosmetic or dermatological formulations.