This document discusses a study that performed phytochemical screening and determined the sun protection factor (SPF) of ethanolic extracts from various fruits and plants, including cucumis sativus, carica papaya, citrus sinensis, and solanum lycoperisum. The study found that all of the ethanolic extracts showed some UV protection capability. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various compounds including alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, phytosterols, and flavonoids in the different plant extracts. The SPF of each extract was determined using spectrophotometry to measure absorbances between 290-320 nm according to international methods.

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International Journal of Farmacia
Journal Home page: www.ijfjournal.com
Phytochemical screening and estimation of sun protection factor from fruits
and plants
Syeda Habeeba Humera1
*, Qudsiya Fatima2
, Tehmina Naaz3
, P.Sandhya4
1, 2, 3, 4
Dept of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shadan Womens College of Pharmacy, Khairtabad,
Hyderabad-04
Corresponding Author: Syeda Habeeba Humera
*
E-mail: syeda_ali2033@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study is phytochemical screening and the ultraviolet absorption properties of ethanolic herbal
extracts of some commonly used fruits and vegetable sources by determining the sun protection factor (SPF)
number. The invitro SPF number is determined according to the spectrophotomertic method for ethanolic herbal
extracts after dilution with alcoholic solutions. The absorbances were recorded between 290-320 nm using UV-
visible spectrophotometry. It was observed that all of the ethanolic herbal extract showed some UV protection
capability.
Keywords: Sun protection factor, spectrophotomertic, ethanolic extract.
INTRODUCTION
It has always been part of human nature to protect
the skin against sunburn through the use of clothes
and accessories or simply by avoiding sun exposure.
The first scientific reports on the attempted use of
photoprotective agents emerged in the late XIX
century, with substances of very limited effect1
. In
1891, Friedrich Hammer published the first
monograph on photobiology, in which he discussed
the use of different products in the prevention of
sunburn (1891 apud Roelandts, 2007, p.5). In 1928,
the first sunscreen becomes commercially available in
the United States of America -an emulsion containing
benzyl salicylate and benzyl cinnamate [1-5]. In
subsequent years, however, little attention was given
to photoprotective agents, and their use was very
limited.
Sun protection factor - historical aspects
The first report on the evaluation of the protective
efficacy of sunscreens was done by Friedrich Ellinger
in 1934 in which the author determined the minimal
erythemal dose (MED) for protected and unprotected
skin, using both forearms and a mercury lamp. He
proposed a coefficient of protection that decreased in
value to the extent that protection increased. In 1956,
Rudolf Schulze evaluated commercially available
sunscreens by calculating a protection factor, later
called "Schulze Factor". The author divided the
exposure time required for the induction of erythema
on sunscreen-protected skin by the time required for
the production of erythema on unprotected skin, using
incremental doses of radiation emitted by lamps with
a radiation spectrum closer to sunlight. The Schulze
method has been used for decades in European
countries, as a reference in the evaluation of
sunscreens.

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Sun protection factor-concept and
international methods
The Sun Protection Factor can be defined, as
proposed by the FDA in 1978, 26
as the numerical
ratio between the minimal erythemal dose (MED) of
sunscreen-protected skin, applied in the amount of 2
mg / cm2
and the Minimal Erythemal dose of
unprotected skin, a mathematical relation that can be
represented by the following equation [6].
SPF = MED (protected skin) / MED (unprotected skin)
Mathematically, the SPF (or the UPF) is calculated from measured data as
where is the solar irradiance
spectrum, the erythemal action spectrum,
and the monochromatic protection
factor, all functions of the wavelength . The MPF is
roughly the inverse of the transmittance at a given
wavelength.
The values of EE x I are constants. They were
determined by Sayre et al. (1979), and are showed
in Table I.
The above means that the SPF is not simply the
inverse of the transmittance in the UVB region. If that
were true, then applying two layers of SPF 5
sunscreen would be equivalent to SPF 25 (5 times 5).
The actual combined SPF is always lower than the
square of the single-layer SPF.
Plant Profile
Cucumis Sativus
Kingdom: Plantae
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Species: C. Sativus
Order: Cucurbitales
Genus: Cucumis
Botanical Source: Botanically; it belongs to
the Cucurbitaceae family; and is known scientifically
as Cucumis sativus.
Distribution: It is one of the oldest cultivated crops,
and believed to be originating in the northern sub-
Himalayan plains of India. The plant is a creeper
(vine) akin to other members of Cucurbita family
such as gourds, squashes, melons, zucchini, etc.
Selection and Storage: Cucumbers are readily sold in
the local markets all around the season. Fresh
varieties, depending upon the cultivar type and region,
as well as preserved, pre-processed, and pickled are
also made available in the grocery stores [7].
Chemical Constituents: Cucumbers contains unique
anti-oxidants in moderate ratios such as β-
carotene and α-carotene, vitamin-C, vitamin-A, zea-
xanthin and lutein. These compounds help act as
protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free

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radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and various disease processes.
Caricapapay
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Brassicales
Family: Caricaceae
Genus: Carica
Species: C. Papaya
Botanical Source: Botanically, the plant belongs
to Caricaceae family of flowering plants, in the
genus; Carica.
Scientific name: Carica papaya.
Distribution: Papaya is grown extensively all over
the tropical regions under cultivated farms for its
fruits
Selection And Storage: Mature papaya is usually
harvested once its skin slightly turns yellow. Organic
papayas generally left to ripen on the tree; however,
care should be taken since over-ripe fruits actually fall
off from the tree on their own and spoiled.
Chemical Constituents: It is also an excellent source
of Vitamin-A (provides 1094 IU/100 g) and
flavonoids like β-carotene, lutein, zea-xanthin and
cryptoxanthin. Vitamin A is required for maintaining
healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential
for healthy vision. These compounds are known to
have antioxidant properties; help act as protective
scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and
reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in
aging and various disease processes.
Solanum Lycopersicum
Kingdom:Plantae
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Solanum
Species: S. Lycopersicum
Botanical Source: Botanically, belongs
to Solanaceae or nightshade family of common
vegetables, which also includes chili
peppers, potato, eggplant, etc. Its scientific name
is Lycopersicon esculentum.
Distribution: This exotic vegetable of all seasons is
native to the Central America and was cultivated by
the Aztecs centuries before the Spanish explorers
introduced it to all over the world [8].
Selection And Storage: Fresh ripe tomatoes feature
beautiful bright-red color and have a rich fruity flavor.
In the markets, buy fresh, firm, uniform sized fruits.
Avoid those with wrinkle surface, discolored spots,
cuts and too soft and mushy.
Chemical Constituents : Zea-xanthin is another
flavonoid compound present abundantly in this
vegetable. Zea-xanthin helps protect eyes from "age-
related macular related macular disease" (ARMD) in
the elderly persons by filtering harmful ultra-violet
rays.
Citrus Sinensis
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Sapindales
Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Citrus
Species: Citrus Sinensis
Botanical Source: Citrus sinensis, also known as the
Citrus aurantium Sweet Orange Group,[1] includes
the commonly cultivated sweet orange, blood
oranges, and navel oranges.[1]
Distribution: Citrus sinensis has been cultivated for
thousands of years, and is probably a hybrid between
other citrus species in Southern and East Asia,
although its evolutionary history is hard to
pinpoint.Today it can be found literally all over the
world.
Selection And Storage: Commercially, oranges can
be stored by refrigeration in controlled-atmosphere
chambers for up to 12 weeks after harvest. Storage
life ultimately depends on cultivar, maturity, pre-
harvest conditions, and handling. In stores and
markets, however, oranges should be displayed on
non-refrigerated shelves.
Chemical Constituents: With a lot more benefits
than you may know, oranges are the real stars of
healthy eating. Oranges help your heart beating in
perfect rhythm. Special cardio-protection comes from
two ingredients, hesperidin and naringin. Oranges

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help fight sunburn. Orange peel is full of the
protective factors phytonutrient d-limonene.
Phytochemical Screening
Test for Glycosides
A portion of the extract was hydrolysed with HCl and
the hydrolysate was subjected to Legal’s and
Borntrager’s test to detect the prescence of different
Glycosides.
Legal’s Test: To the extract, 1ml of Pyridine and few
drops of Sodiumnitropruside were added and it was
made alkaline with NaOH. Appearance of pink to red
colour shows the prescence of glycosides.
Borntrager’s Test: Extract was treated with
Chloroform and then the chloroform layer was
separated. To this equal quantity of dilute Ammonia
solution was added. Ammonia layer aquires pink
colour showing the prescence of Glycosides [9].
Test for Saponins
Froth test: Place 2ml of extract in water in a test
tube. Shake well, stable froth (Foam)is formed.
Test for Alkaloids
Dragendorff’s Reagent: Drug extract when treated
with Potassium Bismuth Iodide Solution gives reddish
brown ppt.
Mayer’s Reagent: Drug extract when treated with
Potassium Mercuric Iodide solution gives cream color
ppt.
Test for Tannins
To the extract few ml of Chromic acid was added. No
ppt was found.
Test for Flavonoids
Shinoda Test: To the extract add few Magnesium
turnings and con HCl dropwise . Pink scarlet,
crimson red or occasionally green to blue colour
appears after few mins.
Zinc Hydrochloride Test: To the extract add a
mixture of Zn dust and con HCl. Gives red colour
after few min.
Test for Mucilage
To the extract Ruthenium red solution is added, pink
colour is obtained.
Test for Carbohydrates
Molisch test: To the extract add few drops of
alcoholic α-naphthol, then add few drops of con.
H2SO4 through sides of the test tube, violet colour
ring is appeared at the junction.
Test for Proteins
Xanthoproteic Test: To 5ml of extract add 1ml of
con Nitric acid and boil. Yellow ppt was obtained.
After cooling add 40% NaOH solution. Orange colour
was obtained.
Test for Phytosterols
Salkowski Test: To the extract add few drops of con
H2SO4 , re colour at the lower layer indicate the
prescence of sterol.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Table 1: Percentage yield of the extract
S.No Name of The Plant Percentage Yield (%)
actual yield/theoretical yield x 100
1 Cucumis Sativus 2.9 %
2 Carica Papaya 3.6 %
3 Citrus Sinensis 4.2 %
4 Solanum Lycoperisum 3.3 %
Table 2: Phytochemical screening
Name of the plant Alk Carb Gly Tan Phytos Flav Sapo Pro Muci
Cucumis Sativus + + + + + -- -- -- --
Carica Papaya + + + + + -- -- + --
Citrus Sinensis + + + + + + + + --
Solanum Lycoperisum + + + + + -- -- + --
The above table indicates the presence (+) or
absence (-) of phytochemicals in ethanolic extract
(Alk:Alkaloids , Carb:Carbohydrates ,
Gly:Glycosides, Tan:Tannins,

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Phtos:Phytosterol,Flav:Flavanoids , Sapo:Saponins , Pro:Proteins , Muci:Mucilages)
Table 3: Absorbance of ethanolic herbal extracts
Absorbance of Prunus Avium
S.no Wave length EE*I Absorbance
1 290 0.015 0.038
2 295 0.0817 0.033
3 300 0.2874 0.025
4 305 0.3278 0.018
5 310 0.1864 0.008
6 315 0.0837 0.002
7 320 0.018 0.008
Absorbance of cucumis sativus
S.no Wave length EE*I Absorbance
1 290 0.015 0.369
2 295 0.0817 0.347
3 300 0.2874 0.326
4 305 0.3278 0.305
5 310 0.1864 0.288
6 315 0.0837 0.268
7 320 0.018 0.252
Absorbance of Carica papaya
S.no Wave length EE*I Absorbance
1 290 0.015 0.459
2 295 0.0817 0.430
3 300 0.2874 0.389
4 305 0.3278 0.343
5 310 0.1864 0.298
6 315 0.0837 0.259
7 320 0.018 0.227

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Absorbance of Citrus sinensis
S.no Wave length EE*I Absorbance
1 290 0.015 0.285
2 295 0.0817 0.265
3 300 0.2874 0.247
4 305 0.3278 0.226
5 310 0.1864 0.203
6 315 0.0837 0.182
7 320 0.018 0.167
absorbance of solanum lycoperisum
s.no wave length EE*I Absorbance
1 290 0.015 0.289
2 295 0.0817 0.274
3 300 0.2874 0.264
4 305 0.3278 0.248
5 310 0.1864 0.235
6 315 0.0837 0.221
7 320 0.018 0.208

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S.no Wave length EE*I Cucum sativus Carica papaya Citrus sinensis solanum lycoperisum
1 290 0.015 0.369 0.459 0.285 0.289
2 295 0.0817 0.347 0.430 0.265 0.274
3 300 0.2874 0.326 0.389 0.247 0.264
4 305 0.3278 0.305 0.343 0.226 0.248
5 310 0.1864 0.288 0.298 0.203 0.235
6 315 0.0837 0.268 0.259 0.182 0.221
7 320 0.018 0.252 0.227 0.167 0.208
Table 4: SPF number for the ethanolic extract
S. No Name of The Plant SPF number
1 Cucumis sativus 3.08
2 Carica papaya 3.47
3 Citrus sinensis 2.27
4 Solanum lycoperisum 1.88
Fig 1: SPF number for the ethanolic extract
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
Cucumis sativus Carica papaya Citrus sinensis Solanum
lycoperisum
SPFnumber
Name of the plant

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From the table -1 we have come to know the
percentage yield of the ethanolic herbal extract were
obtained in which the citrus sinenses is having highest
yield is about 4.2%. All the ethanolic herbal extracts
contain alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins,
proteins and phytosterol but in Carica Papaya where
as prunus avium ,cucumis sativus ,persea Americana
all have alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins,
and phytosterol.where as fragaria ananassa have
flavionds ands and solanum lycopersum have proteins
. SPF number plays an important role in sun screens
for measuring the effectiveness in protecting the skin
from sun radiation.
CONCLUSION
Topical cosmetic formulations are the most preferred
treatments asked by patients and are also often most
prescribed by family physicians and dermatologists
for sun burn. Patients feel more comfortable using
topical therapies because they have milder side
effects, are easier to use, are generally less expensive
and are more readily available. Herbal cosmetics must
have one or more active sunscreening agent with
antioxidant properties in order to achieve good
photoprotection effect. The concept of complementary
or alternative medicine is increasingly becoming more
widely accepted and there is a corresponding rising
interest in herbal remedies. The SPF values of the
ethanolic extracts of some commonly found
vegetables sources were evaluated.The Extracted
compound were analysed with different
Phytochemical tests for Identification of Constituents
& were also subjected to UV spectroscopy for
detection of highest SPF factor. It was found that
almost all compounds have similar UV protection
capabilities. Along with their many beneficial affects
they are easily available, cheap and safe to use.
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