Free Radical Scavenging Activity and Antioxidants of Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. (Pennywort): Baseline Study in Developing Biocosmetic-Antidote for Pathological Aging

Abstract

Pathological aging due to harmful free radicals and oxidative stress has been a serious threat to human health (Kensella & He, 2008). Thus, the study aimed to evaluate the free radical scavenging activity, antioxidants, essential vitamins, and physicochemical properties of Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. (Pennywort) which could serve as basis in developing a biocosmetic antidote for pathological aging. H.vulgaris L. plant was harvested, air dried and then extracted via soxhlet. UV-vis spectroscopy was used for scavenging activity and antioxidants of the plant while High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was applied for the identification of essential vitamins. Phytochemicals, pH and spreadability values of the plant were also tested. Results revealed that H.vulgaris L. has an abundant presence of flavonoid and alkaloid while traced presence of tannin. Good trend for scavenging activity was also observed exhibiting low absorbance of possible free radicals with IC50 of 29.75 and antioxidant activity of 158.13 (Total Phenolics as gallic acid in %w/w). Meanwhile, β-carotene (10.4 mg/kg), Riboflavin (4.08mg/kg), and Vitamins C (70.2mg/kg) and E (26.9mg/kg) were also found in the plant. Non-irritating pH levels of 5.7 and 7.14 for 50% and 75% concentrations of the extracts with good spreadability value of 17.51 g∙cm/sec (for 75% concentration) were also obtained. Based on the findings of the study, Pennywort has a very promising therapeutic characteristics with its good scavenging activity and antioxidants. Thus, the development of a biocosmetic product that could serve as an antidote for pathological aging from Pennywort appeared to be very apparent.