Background: Anthocyanins are antioxidant compounds constitute the primary dyes of the pomegranate arils. Anthocyanins could protect the aged skin induced by oxidant exposure as a major role in aging processing and skin degeneration.
Purpose: The study aimed to evaluate the anti-aging activity of anthocyanins rich pomegranate (Punica granatum) after formulated into a topical cream. Also, its effect on human dermal fibroblast function and epidermal keratinocyte were evaluated.
Method: Anthocyanins were extracted from fresh pomegranate arils using acidified methanol and were purified by Sephadex LH-20 gel-column chromatography. Further, the fusion method was used to prepare cold cream containing pomegranate anthocyanins. The formulated cream was evaluated for their compatibility study, irritation, homogeneity, drug content, drug release, and stability tests. Furthermore, permeation study through abdominal rabbits, as well as Human application was performed.
Results: Compatibility study showed the absence of any interaction between anthocyanins and the used polymers. The formulated cream was nonirritant, homogenous and potentially reduced skin aging when applied to Human volunteers' skin. Furthermore, the skin permeation displayed a good permeation of 43.16% after 210 min.
Conclusion: Pomegranate anthocyanins could be used as a safe, stable, homogeneous, nonirritant and effective topical anti-aging drug formulation for aged human people.
Keywords: Pomegranate; Punica granatum; anthocyanins; anti-aging; anti-oxidant; topical cream.