Topical application of cocoa extract (Theobroma cacao L.) to prevent photoaging by increasing superoxide dismutase levels on wistar rats skin exposed to ultraviolet light A

Abstract

Background: The latest trend in anti-aging prevention is projected through the use of antioxidants derived from natural ingredients with minimal side effects compared to chemicals. Cocoa bean (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the sources of natural antioxidants with high flavonoid antioxidant content. This study aims to determine the effect of topical application of cocoa extract to prevent photoaging in wistar rats exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) light. Methods: Experimental research with animal models using 36 wistar rats exposed to UVA and divided into 2 groups, given 10% cocoa extract cream and basic cream on the back area. The parameters assessed were superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in skin tissue. Comparative analysis with independent T-test using SPSS version 21 to compare SOD levels of both groups. Results: Superoxide dismutase levels in both groups were found to be normally distributed (p> 0.05). The results of the comparative test with the Independent T-test found that the mean SOD levels of the treatment group were higher than those of the control group at 8.07 ± 1.99 ng/ml and 5.04 ± 1.54 ng/ml (p< 0.001; 95% CI: 1.82-4.24). Conclusion: Topical application of 10% cocoa extract cream on the skin of Wistar rats exposed to UVA light resulted in higher levels of superoxide dismutase in the rat skin tissue than the control.