Sun Protection Factor Research Articles

Investigation on the Validity of in vitro Sun Protection Factor and Ultraviolet-A Protection Factor Evaluation Method for Sunscreen Samples.

Factors affecting the in vitro Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and Ultraviolet-A Protection Factor (UVA-PF) of sunscreens were analyzed for verifying the validity and reliability of the ISO24443 evaluation method. UV absorbance measurements by different spectrophotometers did not lead to the large difference in in vitro SPF/UVA-PF, although the UV absorbance determined by each spectrophotometer exhibited relatively large difference when it was larger than 2. On the other hand, relatively large difference was found in in vitro SPF/UVA-PF by utilizing European Cosmetic and Perfumery Association (Colipa) 1994 or UV-solar simulated radiation (UV-SSR) for the spectral irradiance. Appropriateness of employing the coefficient of adjustment for the determination of in vitro UVA-PF was also found to be reexamined.

ACTIVITY TEST OF BRACTEA BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS WILLD SOLAR SCREEN CREAM EXTRACT IN WAY IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

Excessive radiation exposure to the skin can cause erythema and pigmentation on the skin. Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd\'s ethanol extract contains bioactive compounds that have medicinal properties, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids which have conjugated double bonds which are able to specifically absorb UV radiation so they can be applied chemical absorber. This study aims to test the sunscreen activity of the ethanol extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd bractea in vitro using the UV-Visible spectrophotometric method which is determined by calculating the % Transmission value of erythema (% Te), the value of % Transmission pigmentation (% Tp), and the value Sun Protection Factor (SPF). As well as regular testing alive by observing the effect of erythema on the skin of white mice (Rattus norvegicus) which is irradiated with UV light. Analysis results in vitro showed that Willd\'s Bougainvillea spectabilis ethanol extract cream was able to provide sunscreen activity with concentrations of 1.5%, 1.0%, 0.5% with SPF values respectively 21.22 (ultra protection); 16.69 (ultra protection) and 12.48 (maximum protection) compared to the Para amino benzoic acid (PABA) control 6.95 (extra protection), with a percent erythema (% Te) concentration value of 1.5%, 1.0% , 0.5% with consecutive values of 6.85 (standard suntan); 7.26 (standard suntan) and 10.42 (fast tanning) compared to control cream Para amino benzoic acid (PABA) 28.15 (fast tanning), with a percent pigmentation value (% Tp) concentration of 1.5%, 1.0 %, 0.5% with consecutive values of 7.29 (sunblock); 7.56 (sunblock) and 11.62 (sunblock) compared to the Para amino benzoic acid (PABA) control, namely 60.10 (extra protection). Then on to testing alive using one-way ANOVA analysis, it was found that Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd bractea ethanol extract was able to inhibit the emergence of erythema in test animals significantly (p<0.05) in all treatment groups, with the diameter of erythema formed at concentrations of 1.5%, 1.0% , 0.5% produces an erythema score of 1, which means very little erythema is produced.

A Comprehensive Study on Formulation of Herbal Sunscreen Using Aloe barbadensis, Cucumis sativus and Solanum lycopersicum

Sunscreen formulations play a crucial role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Recent advancements in nature and herbal ingredients have led to a surge of interest in formulation effective, eco-friendly sunscreens. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of herbal sunscreen formulations, specially focusing on Aloe barbadensis miller (Aloe vera), Cucumis sativus (Cucumber), and Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato) as key ingredients. Aloe vera, known for its soothing and hydrating properties, offers potential benefits enhancing the skin’s resilience against UV damage. Cucumis sativus contributes cooling and antioxidant effects, while Solanum lycopersicum provides substantial levels of lycopene, which is recognized for its photoprotective qualities. The review systematically examines the phytochemical profiles, extraction methods, and efficacy of these ingredients in sunscreen formulations. It also explores their synergistic effects when combined and evaluates their overall performance in terms of sun protection factor (SPF), stability, and skin compatibility. By synthesizing current research findings, this review aims to highlight the potential of these herbal components in developing effective, natural sunscreens and to provide insights for future research and formulation strategies in the field of dermatological protection.

Boosting the effectiveness of UV filters and sunscreen formulations using photostable, non-toxic inorganic platelets.

We have studied the size-dependent optical scattering of aqueous suspensions containing Mg2Al-LDH platelets, which exhibit high total- and side-scatterings. By incorporating 3 wt% Mg2Al-LDH platelets (280 nm) in a commercial sunscreen formulation, we achieved a twofold Sun Protection Factor boost, providing a promising, high-efficient and non-toxic strategy to enhance sunscreen effectiveness.

An Unusual Presentation with Facial Hyperpigmentation on Escalation of the Dose of Sertraline

Background. Hyperpigmentation is a common side effect of different drugs with many of these having a well‐explained mechanism and some even having a characteristic distribution. However, it is a rare side effect of sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), with only a few reported cases. In addition, there are no specific characteristics of the lesions or the risk factors. Case Summary. This is a case report of a 24‐year‐old male with panic disorder, who developed hyperpigmentation over the face after 5 days of increasing the dosage of sertraline to 100 mg/day. There were no other significant findings from the physical examination or investigations. The patient was treated as a case of sertraline‐induced hyperpigmentation, and the dose was reduced to 75 mg/day and maintained at 50 mg/day after 1 week along with tablet propranolol 20 mg/day. He was also prescribed tablet tranexamic acid 500 mg/day and sunscreen with sun protection factor 50. The hyperpigmentation disappeared within 2 months, and the medication was gradually tapered after 7 months of treatment. Conclusion. Hyperpigmentation is a rare but distressing side effect of sertraline. It is a potentially curable side effect if recognized early. Early recognition and intervention can decrease unnecessary investigations and treatment. There are limited studies highlighting this unusual adverse effect of this commonly used SSRI. Hence, further studies are needed to better understand various aspects of this condition including the characteristics, patients at risk, and possible management. The development of diagnostic and treatment guidelines would decrease the dilemma of identification and management.

Formulation of Emulgel Preparation Combination of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seed Oil and Ethanol Extract of Kersen Leaves (Muntingia calabura L.) and Determination of Sunprotection Factor

Formulation of Emulgel Preparation Combination of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seed Oil and Ethanol Extract of Kersen Leaves (Muntingia calabura L.) and Determination of Sunprotection Factor

Evaluating the factors influencing sun protection factors (SPF): Pooling data from multiple studies involving two reference ISO 24444:2019 sunscreen products (P2 and P8).

Standardized methods for sun protection factor (SPF) testing are still beset with endpoint and method-driven issues, and can be influenced by multiple factors. The purpose of this analysis is to explore the factors influencing the results of sun protection factor (SPF) testing in human subjects according to the ISO 24444:2019 standard. Intrinsic factors, such as baseline skin color, age and gender, the minimal erythemal dose on an unprotected area (MEDu), as well as environmental factors such as season/weather influences, are considered for analysis. Datasets generated for two reference products (P2 and P8) during the conduct of 50 such studies using the ISO standard 24444:2019 for the testing of SPF products, from a single testing center located in Bucharest, Romania between April 2021 and December 2022, were retrieved and compiled. Overall, the data for 334 subjects was available, with 276 observations for the reference P8, and 171 for P2. No effects due to gender or age were detected. Seasonal changes, the individual typology angle (ITA°) and MEDu were found to have an influence on the outcome of the SPF values. This study adds new original data about the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on SPF variations pertaining to ISO reference sunscreen P8 (SPF 50+). The findings suggest that some factors will inevitably impact the results between two SPF experiments for the same product and SPF testing laboratory. The interconnections between the sources of this variation are discussed. The findings of this research help to identify and characterize factors that contribute to SPF testing variability.

The PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN EKSTRAK DAUN MANGGA MANALAGI TERHADAP MUTU FISIK DAN EFEKTIVITAS TABIR SURYA EMULGEL KOMBINASI OCTINOXATE-AVOBENZONE

Avobenzone and octinoxate are often used as a combination of organic UV filters in sunscreen. At high exposure to UV light, these UV filters can be degraded so that their sunscreen’s effectiveness is reduced. Several studies reported that the combination of plant extracts with synthetic UV filters could increase sunscreen's SPF. Mango leaves contain high levels of flavonoids and in several studies have been shown to have photoprotective activity with good Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values. The Manalagi mango plant is a type of mango that is widely planted in yards, so it's easy to get the raw materials. This study aims to determine the effect of manalagi mango leaf extract with a concentration of 1, 3, and 5% on the physical quality (pH, viscosity, spreadability) and sunscreen activity (SPF, %TE, %TP) of sunscreen emulgel containing avobenzone and octinoxate. This study showes that increasing the concentration of manalagi mango leaf extract reduced the pH and viscosity of the preparation, and significantly increased the spreadability of all formulas. Besides that, it can also increase the SPF value and decrease the %TE and %TP values. The emulgel formula that had the highest sunscreen activity was F3 with an extract concentration of 5%, had an SPF value of 30.597 ± 0.600, %TE 0.0001 ± 0.0001, and %TP 0.0038 ± 0.0016.

Potential of purple eggplant skin fraction (Solanum Melongena Var. Serpentinum L.) as an in vitro sunscreen

Sunscreen is a product that is used as skin protection against sun exposure. The skin of purple eggplant is known to contain secondary metabolites which are used as sunscreens. This study aims to determine the activity of sunscreen fraction of the purple eggplant (Solanum melongena var. serpentinum L.) in vitro. Testing of sunscreen activity was carried out by calculating the value of SPF (Sun Protection Factor), %TE (Percent Transmission of Erythema) and %TP (Percent Transmission of Pigmentation) using the UV-Vis Spectrophotometry method. The purple eggplant skin fractionation method is by using LVC (Liquid Vacuum Chromatography). The results of the fractionation were identified using phytochemical screening and combined TLC. The fraction results were tested for SPF (Sun Protection Factor), %TE and %TP values. The results showed that the extract yield was 26.33%. The fractions used are fraction 9; 10; 11; and 12 which showed the same stain after being evaporated, which was a brownish yellow stain with a yield of 21,24%. The purple eggplant skin fraction (Solanum melongena var. serpentinum L.) has SPF, %TE and %TP values with optimal protection at a concentration of 400 ppm with each value obtained being 19; 1.35 and 9.79. The results of the statistical test of the purple eggplant skin fraction showed that the data were normally distributed but not homogeneous. The results of the homogeneity test for each concentration of results showed that the data were not significantly different.

Effect of quercetin and avobenzone concentration on physical characteristics and in vitro activity of sunscreen

Quercetin is a flavonoid compound that has great potential activity, one of which is a chemical absorber of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially UV B radiation. The objective of the present study was to optimize quercetin as a UV B absorber combined with avobenzone as a UV A absorber in sunscreen cream formulation. Optimization was carried out by factorial design method using Design Expert 11.0 Software, with viscosity, pH, Sun Protection Factor (SPF) value, Percent of Erythema Transmission (% TE), and Percent of Pigmentation Transmission (% TP). The results showed that the quercetin factor was decreasing viscosity, pH, % TE, and % TP value but increasing the SPF value of the formulation. Avobenzone factor affected the increase of viscosity, pH, and SPF value but decreased the % TE and TP value. The interaction of quercetin and avobenzone significantly affected decreasing the viscosity and pH value but increased the SPF < % TE, and % TP value. Evaluation of optimum formula obtained by the overlay contour plot on the software resulting viscosity cream at 338,33 dPas, pH value at 5,40; SPF value at 33,31; % TE at 2,62x10-3 % and % TP at 1,56x10-5 %.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Dermato-protective activities of Origanum vulgare extracts

Medicinal plants represent an economic and accessible natural reservoir of new molecules with biological activities. This study aims to investigate the potential use of "Origanum vulgare", a medicinal plant native to Skikda-Algeria, as a origin of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and photo-protective properties. To this end, the plant's extracts were tested in vitro using four different methods to measure their ability to inhibit free radicals. The extracts were also tested for their capacity to protect skin from sun's rays by measuring their sun protection factor (SPF). The obtained results showed that Origanum vulgare contained high levels of total polyphenols and flavonols with strong antioxidant and photo-protective properties in its extracts, thus suggesting its potential therapeutic applications as a valuable natural resource for the pharmaceutical industry. This plant was also proven to have a very important inhibition of free radicals where ethyl acetate and N butanol extracts had the best IC50 and A0.5 with significant values in some tests lower than the standards. The SPF measure showed high photo-protective activity with an SPF of 47.29±0.00, 47.30±0.00, and 47.21±0.14 respectively. This suggests that the extracts could potentially be used in cosmetic formulations and as a skincare agent. Overall, the plant of Origanum vulgare can represent an interesting source of bioactive compounds, and consequently, the extracts can be useful in the pharmaceutical field for various therapeutic applications.

Effects of Used and Fresh Palm Oil on Prodigiosin Production for Potential Sunscreen Agent

Prodigiosin is a secondary metabolite red pigment and has unique triperrole structure and produced by gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria from gamma-proteobacteria and actinomycetes class. It is located in the within the cell membrane, extracellular vesicle, and intracellular granules, thus, it needs to be extracted to obtain prodigiosin. Prodigiosin has many properties such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-microbial and anti-proliferative properties and it can be used in food, textile, and pharmaceutical industry as a natural colourant. Prodigiosin is produced through fermentation process Serratia nematodiphila. There was high demand in producing natural pigments due to toxicity of synthetic pigment and high-cost production of prodigiosin. The prodigiosin production were affected by many parameters such as concentration and type of substrates during fermentation. The substrates such as carbon and nitrogen sources are main substrates affected the prodigiosin production. This study aimed to enhance prodigiosin production by comparing the effect of used and fresh palm oil and prodigiosin as a potential sunscreen agent. The prodigiosin production was done through fermentation of Serratia nematodiphila in a shake flask and extracted by using acidified methanol. The effect of production of prodigiosin was determined at different concentration of different carbon sources which are used palm oil and fresh palm oil with constant value of pH, temperature, agitation speed to produced high yield of prodigiosin. In vitro sun protection factor (SPF) was used to determine the spectrophotometric SPF value of the prodigiosin. The highest yield of prodigiosin production with 8 % (w/v) of used palm oil was 463.938 µmol/L and with 9 % (w/v) of fresh palm oil was 518.84 µmol/L. The specific growth rate was 0.112 h-1 and doubling time was 6.18 h with 8% of used palm oil at incubation time of 46 h. While for 8 % fresh palm oil had specific growth rate of 0.104 and doubling time of 6.69 at incubation time for 40h. The SPF value with 1 % (w/v) of prodigiosin was 3.68.

The Chemistry Behind Biological Properties of Agro-industrial Portuguese By-Products

As the global population grows, food production and processing generate significant by-products that cause environmental issues. These by-products contain bioactive compounds, including phenolic compounds, which have beneficial biological properties. Extracting these compounds and incorporating them into various products, can promote circular economy. This study examined the correlation between the chemical composition and biological properties of phenolic-rich extracts from chestnut shells, grape seeds, onion peels, and passion fruit peels. Using HPLC–DAD, the primary compounds were identified and quantified. The study analysed their antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, sun protection factor, and α-amylase inhibitory capacity. Catechin was found in all four extracts, with the grapeseed extract having higher levels. Chestnut shell extract revealed the best antioxidant properties, with a total phenolic content of 497.5 mgGAE/g. On the other hand, onion peel extract exhibited the best antibacterial capacity, as well as the highest sun protection factor value (4.8). Concerning the ability to inhibit the α-amylase enzyme, all the extracts displayed the ability to inhibit more than 70% of this enzyme. Overall, the presented extracts had varying phenolic compositions and biological properties. It is crucial to evaluate the chemical composition of extracts to comprehend their biochemical properties and define their potential applications.Graphical

Physical Properties Investigation on Sunscreens with Red Dragon Fruit Peel Extract

Red dragon fruit peel extract is reported as an active ingredient in sunscreen because of its ability to protect the skin. UV exposure to the skin can cause reddish skin to develop skin cancer. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of the cream made from ZnO and red dragon fruit peel extracts (Hylocereus costaricensis), such as sun protection factor (SPF), pH, stability, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion. Red dragon fruit peel extract was obtained by maceration using methanol, and DPPH-scavenging activity resulted in an IC50 of 0.96 μg/mL. Measurement of diffuse UV-vis reflectance shows that ZnO has absorption at λex 385 nm, which correlates with a bandgap energy of 3.22 eV. F1 formulation cream (red dragon fruit peel extract and ZnO ratio of 0:1) has the highest SPF value of 17. The Kruskal-Wallis test shows that there is a significant difference in adhesion between the F1 formulation cream with F2 (p-value = 0.002) and F4 (p-value = 0.03).

The Potential of Grapevine Leaf Extract in Treating Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, characterized by the excessive accumulation of melanin in the skin, is a common dermatological concern triggered by various factors, including UV radiation exposure. This study investigates the potential of grapevine leaf extracts in treating hyperpigmentation induced by UV radiation, focusing on 11 European and 12 Israeli grapevine varieties. Our research explores the correlations between total polyphenol content (TPC), tyrosinase inhibition, sun protection factor (SPF), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of these extracts. Our findings reveal substantial variation in TPC among grapevine varieties’ leaves, with the Israeli varieties showing higher TPC levels than the European ones. Correlation analysis demonstrates a robust link between TPC and SPF, indicating that increased TPC contributes to enhanced sun protection properties. However, TPC alone does not strongly correlate with tyrosinase inhibition, suggesting the importance of specific polyphenols in tyrosinase inhibition. Furthermore, the study identifies specific peaks in the HPLC analysis that correlate with desired activities. In summary, our research highlights the potential of grapevine leaf extracts, especially those from Israeli indigenous varieties, in addressing hyperpigmentation. It emphasizes the importance of specific polyphenols rather than TPC alone in achieving the desired effects. These findings open doors for further investigation into identifying and isolating active compounds from grapevine leaves for skincare applications.

Spray Gel Formulation of Ethanolic Extract Senduduk Leaves (Melastoma malabatricum) Against Antioxidant Activity, SPF, and Chemical Components Analysis with LC-MS/MS

Senduduk leave (Melastoma malabathricum) is one of the species in the melastomaceae family that has long been used by local Indonesian people, one of which is the Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) for various needs and also as traditional medicine. The study aimed to examine the antioxidant activity of ethanolic extract of senduduk leaves. The extract was then formulated into spray gel preparations as UV-B sunscreen. The research method used was starting from sampling, determination, making samples, soxhlet, determining the IC50 value, spray gel preparation formulation, formulation stability test, measuring sun protection factor (SPF) values, and identifying extract chemical components with the LC-MS/MS instrument. The results was that the ethanolic extract of senduduk leaves had an IC50 value of 49.73 μg/mL with the best SPF value at a concentration of 70 ppm, which is 19.98. Spray gel preparations with a concentration of 70 ppm have an IC50 value of 44.22 μg/mL, an SPF value of 24.96, and a potent antioxidant intensity. So, extract spray gel can potentially have activity as antioxidants and can be used as UV-B sunscreen. The compounds identified include quercetin, quercitrin, DEET, n-boc-3-pyrrolidinone, medicarpine, taxinine, and other compounds. The ethanol extract of the soxhlet results showed more promising results for further tests of in-vitro, in-vivo, and in-silico bioactivity studies.

Protective Factor Evaluation of Purslane (Portulaca grandiflora) Magenta Flower Variety Herbs Extract Cream Formula

Background: Indonesia is an equatorial country that is rich in sunlight all year. UV light is divided into three wavelength groups: UV-A (320-400nm), UV-B (280-320nm), and UV-C (100-290nm). Intracell chromophores in skin cell membranes such as riboflavin, porphyrin, nicotinamide, and enzymes will absorb the UV-A light. The UV-B light penetrates the dermis layer and causes DNA structure changes, which lead to wrinkles and a rising risk of skin cancer. Premature skin aging and skin cancer can be prevented with sunscreen preparation containing compounds that can protect the skin from UV radiation. Flavonoid is one of the purslane (Portulaca grandiflora) active metabolites that have the potency to be developed as sunscreen. Objective: This research aimed to determine the ability of purslane (Portulaca grandiflora) magenta flower variety herbs extract cream as a sunscreen as indicated by the %Te, %Tp, and Sun Protective Factor value. Methods: This research was an experimental study with various purslane magenta flower variety herbs extract cream formulas that were tested for their %Te, %Tp, and SPF value with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. Results: The sunscreen cream preparation with 2.5% of purslane (Portulaca grandiflora) magenta flower variety herb extract had %Te, %Tp, and SPF values of 25.86 ± 2.41%, 36.05 ± 2.82%, and 3.97 ± 0.35 respectively. At the same time, preparations with 5% concentration of extract had %Te, %Tp, and SPF values of 8.23 ± 0.86%, 16.65 ± 0.92%, and 8.03 ± 0.38, respectively. Conclusion: The sunscreen activity of all extract concentration creams was significantly different compared to the negative control (cream base) in all parameters. Flavonoids are the compounds responsible for the sunscreen activity of purslane extract.

Investigation of New Potential Uses of Pistacia terebinthus for Various Industries

Investigation of New Potential Uses of Pistacia terebinthus for Various Industries
 ABSTRACT: Pistacia terebinthus has been used extensively in alternative medicine. Inhibitory activity of ethanol fruit extract from P. terebinthus fruit on food-borne and clinical test microorganisms was obtained to determine the potential use of the extract for food and pharmaceutical industries as a natural antimicrobial source. Antibacterial activity of the ethanol extract on fish originated pathogen bacteria was also determined for its potential use in the feed industry. In addition, the effect of the extract on the probiotic bacteria originated from breast milk were tested to obtain the potential use of the extract together with probiotic bacteria for pharmaceutical and food industries. Antimicrobial activity was obtained by performing micro-dilution and macro-dilution assays as well as disc diffusion. Among the food-borne and clinical test microorganisms, the highest inhibition zone diameter (22.39±1.92 mm) was detected on Listeria monocytogenes. The highest antibacterial activity on the fish pathogens was recorded as 17.67±0 mm against Vibrio anguillarum A4. It was determined that P. terebinthus fruit extract had higher antimicrobial activity against some test microorganisms than Amikacin and Gentamicin antibiotics. Antifungal activity on Candida glabrata was also investigated by counting viable cell. At a concentration of 20 mg/mL, no viable cells were determined after 24 hours. The extract inhibited all the tested LAB, however, with low MIC and MBC values. The sun protection factor (SPF) of the extract and the extract+cream mixture at 10 mL concentration was recorded as 9.36 and 7.51. The results of the study indicated that P. terebinthus fruit ethanol extract can be an alternative as a natural additive in various industries such as feed, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
 Keywords: Menengiç, Antimicrobial activity, Extract, Lactic acid bacteria, Solar protection

Antioxidant and sun screening activity of <em>Mangifera zeylanica </em>bark extracts

Mangifera zeylanica is an indigenous plant in Sri Lanka with a rich history in traditional medicine. The bark of this plant, collected from two distinct regions of the country, has been explored in this study for its potential as a source of antioxidants and sun protection agents. Methanolic and aqueous extracts, and their separated fractions obtained from column chromatographic separation, were investigated. Phytochemical analysis of the extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids and polyphenols. Methanolic inner bark extracts collected from two regions and aqueous extract of inner bark collected from Rambukkana exhibited lower IC50 values of 7.378, 17.56 and 16.82 μg/mL while the separated fraction 01 of methanolic inner bark extracts of Galle and Rambukkana have also shown lower IC50 values of 11.71 and 13.00 μg/mL showing their potent antioxidant activity. Moreover, the methanolic inner bark extracts of Galle and Rambukkana exhibited a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30.97 ± 0.11 and 29.88 ± 0.02 at the concentration of 1024 μg/mL. Among the separated fractions, fraction 01 of these extracts possessed the highest Sun Protection Factors of 30.19 ± 1.35 and 30.63 ± 0.19. The findings suggest that chemical compounds separated into fraction 01 are responsible for their sun protection activity and antioxidant activity. These findings underline the potential of fraction 01 methanolic extracts of M. zeylanica bark extracts as valuable sources of antioxidants and sun protection agents.

Online Doc: Is Social Media Education a Tool for Melanoma Prevention? A Survey-Based Analysis Among Romanian Digitally Active Users.

In the contemporary era, people are extracting medical information from content-sharing means on the Internet, and the most popular virtual platforms authorize users to access knowledge, guidance, and exchange opinions. Doctors have massively joined online communities and developed educational accounts to meet the informational necessities of general users. The aim of the current study is to identify the role of social media in augmenting the awareness of melanoma. For this observational study, questionnaires were disseminated to the general population over eight weeks consecutively, through online channels, represented by Facebook (Meta Platforms, Inc.,Menlo Park, California, United States) and Instagram (Meta Platforms, Inc.,Menlo Park, California, United States), to extract qualitative data related to the relationship between social media, the epidemiological variables, and melanoma-associated/sun protection behaviors. The inclusion criteria comprised constant Facebook and Instagram users, aged between 18-65. The study included 221 individuals, primarily aged 26 to 35 (47.1%), mostly females (77.82%). Urban dwellers (>200,000 inhabitants) constituted the majority (71.94%), contrasting with a small rural representation (3.61%). Nearly half actively followed medical educational content online (44.79%), while 12.66% avoided online medical advice. Sun-protective habits were prevalent, with 80.99% using SPF (sun protection factor), 54.29% wearing UV-filter (ultraviolet-filter) sunglasses, and 53.84% avoiding sun exposure between 10 AM and 4 PM. Respondents rated sun-protective measures, with the highest average for avoiding sun exposure during peak hours being 7.3 on a scale of 1 to 10. Dermatological advice from social media influenced behaviors, such as SPF use (50.67%) and sun exposure avoidance (45.7%). Dermatological check-ups were infrequent, with 49.32% sporadically visiting a dermatologist. Dermoscopic evaluations were rare (36.66%), with 27.14% using it preventively. Personal and family history of dysplastic nevi and melanoma were low. This study provides insights into the dermatological behaviors and education of individuals engaging with social media medical content. The results suggestthat constant users of social media harbor a receptive attitude towarddermatological advice provided on specific platforms, hencecreating an ideal environment for further dissemination and organization of online skin cancer awareness campaigns.