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 8℃, 25℃, 40℃, 40℃ + 75% relative humidity and 50℃ 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.
