Administration of Sugar Apple Leaf Extract Cream (Annona squamosa L.) Increased Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Activity and Decreased Skin Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) Activity in Male White Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Wistar Strain Exposed to Ultraviolet B Light

Abstract

Background: Ultraviolet B rays from sunlight causes increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) also will decrease to counteract these free radicals. Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) leaf extract showed significant antioxidant and anti-collagenase activity in vitro. Methods: This is a posttest only control group design study. Thirty male white Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), 12 weeks old, 150-200 grams were divided into five groups, 1 group without UVB exposure and without cream, and 4 groups was exposed to UVB 3 times a week and by giving cream 2 times a day for 2 weeks, 20 minutes before exposure and 4 hours after exposure. Rats were fixated in a box. The UVB dose was 65 mJ/cm2 for 65 seconds, with total 390 mJ/cm2. Skin samples were tested using ELISA method. Results: Negative control (P1) compared to Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) leaf extract cream 1%. (P2), 3% (P3), and 5% (P4) concentration for SOD levels were 2.3015 ± 0.32501 vs. 2.7817 ± 0.26899 vs. 4.7752 ± 0.65218 vs. 6.0890 ± 0.63946, respectively and for MMP-1 levels were 3.0753 ± 0.51113 vs. 2.3037 ± 0.15556 vs. 1.5840 ± 0.25473 vs. 0.9198 ± 0.16604, p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Sugar apple (Annona squamosa L.) leaf extract cream 3% and 5% can increase SOD levels and 1%, 3%, and 5% can reduce MMP-1 levels in the skin of male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) exposed to UVB light. Concentration 3% is the most effective. Keywords: sugar apple leaf extract, SOD, MMP-1, ultraviolet B rays