The Biobrio 12(3&4), 2025

Phytochemical profiling and in vitro antioxidant activity of select medicinal plants used in traditional santhal cosmetics

Rashmi Kumari & Amar Das

ABSTRACT:

The Santhal tribal community of Santhal Pargana, Jharkhand, possesses a rich traditional knowledge of herbal cosmetics utilizing indigenous medicinal plants. However, scientific validation of these formulations remains largely unexplored, limiting their acceptance in modern cosmeceutical markets. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant potential, and formulation characteristics of five key medicinal plants Phyllanthus emblica, Centella asiatica, Eclipta alba, Cyperus rotundus, and Convolvulus prostrates traditionally employed in Santhal cosmetic practices, and to develop a standardized polyherbal cream with functional bioactivities. Hydro-alcoholic extracts (70% ethanol) of individual plants and their polyherbal mixture (PHM) were prepared and evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and in-vitro antioxidant activities including DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and metal chelating assays. A 2% PHM cream was formulated and assessed for physicochemical parameters, stability, safety, and functional biological activities (SPF, antielastase, anti-collagenase). The PHM demonstrated significantly higher (p<0.05) TPC (327.8±6.1 mg GAE/g) and TFC (55.3±2.8 mg QE/g) compared to individual extracts. Remarkably, the PHM exhibited superior antioxidant activity with DPPH IC50 of 18.2±1.1 μg/mL, outperforming both individual extracts and the standard ascorbic acid (26.25 μg/mL). The developed cream (2% PHM) showed excellent physicochemical properties (pH 5.5±0.2, viscosity 12500 cP), stability under accelerated conditions, and non-irritant nature (primary irritation index 0.0). Functionally, the cream demonstrated moderate sun protection (SPF 8.2±0.4) and significant anti-wrinkle potential through elastase inhibition (IC50 45.3±2.5 μg/mL) and collagenase inhibition (IC?? 52.8±2.9 μg/mL). This study provides the first scientific validation of Santhal traditional herbal cosmetics, confirming that the polyherbal combination exhibits synergistic antioxidant and anti-aging properties. The standardized, safe, and functionally active formulation bridges traditional knowledge with modern cosmeceutical requirements, offering significant potential for commercial development while preserving indigenous heritage.

Keywords:    

Santhal tribe, herbal cosmetics, polyherbal formulation, antioxidant activity, antiaging, standardization, Phyllanthus emblica, traditional knowledge

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