Background: Phytochemicals are present as important substances in natural resources and therefore, have aided in invention of the anti-oxidant, and anti-elastase properties of polyphenol compounds present in Indonesian herbs such as Macassar Kernels (Rhus javanica L). Objective: This research aimed to investigate anti-elastase, and antioxidant properties. Methods: Ethanolic extract of Rhus Leaves (RL), Rhus Stem (RS), Rhus Greenish Fruit (RGF), and Rhus Blackish-grey Fruit (RBF) were prepared individually by solvent extraction method. Anti-elastase activity was carried out with elastase from porcine pancreas. For quantitative phytochemical screening, DPPH radical scavenging assay, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power Assay (FRAP), Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoid Content (TFC) of Rhus javanica were estimated. Result: RS showed highest anti-elastase activity (45.30%±0.087), compared with RL (12.30%±0.004), and there were no activities in RGF and RBF. In DPPH assay, RS had lowest activity (IC50 561.05 µg/ml), compared with RBF (IC50 239.28 µg /ml), RGF (IC50 189.3I µg/ml), and RL (IC50 157.81 µg/ml). RS also has lowest FRAP activity (% inhibition = 26.60%±0.002), and TPC value (28.50±0.03 mgGAE/g dry weight). Conclusion: Test extracts showed anti-aging properties in different mechanisms. RS possessed the highest anti-elastase activity but had the weakest antioxidant activity. RS (Rhus Stem) TFC (Total Flavonoid Content) TPC (Total Phenolic Content) TPTZ (2, 4, 6-tris(2-pyridyl)-striazine) Q (Quercetin)

Background. Macassar kernels (Rhus javanica L.) has potential as an antiaging agent as it has antielastase activity, especially its stem extract which has best percent inhibition compared to its leaves and fruit extract. Moreover, the antiaging agent can be commonly used in the form of gel for topical applications. Hence, formulation of HEC-based topical gel from the stem extract of Macassar kernels was conducted. This study aims to determine the antielastase activity of the stem extract of Macassar kernels and evaluate the skin elasticity of its topical gel formulation by conducting dermatological safety and skin antiaging efficacy test. Methods. The stem extract was in vitro tested for antielastase activity using a microplate reader. Then, a formulation of a topical gel containing Rhus javanica stem extract was made. Five stages of quality control, which consisted of an organoleptic test, homogeneity test, pH measurement, viscosity measurement, and physicochemical stability test, were conducted to ensure the quality of topical gel formulation. Last, clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the dermatological safety and antiaging efficacy of gel preparation containing stem extract of Rhus javanica. Results. The stem extract provided antielastase activity (IC50 = 245.68 μg/mL), and its polyphenol was valued at 23.28 ± 1.52 mg GAE/g). The gel containing 10% stem extract had better stability than the gel containing 5% stem extract. The dermatology safety test and efficacy test results indicated that the topical gel containing 10% Rhus javanica stem extract did not cause any skin irritation and significantly improved skin elasticity p < 0.05 . In the treatment group, the moisture parameter was significantly changed on day 14 p < 0.0001 , day 21 p < 0.0001 , and day 29 p < 0.0001 . The elasticity parameter was also changed significantly on day 14 p = 0.0485 , day 21 p = 0.0537 , and day 29 p = 0.0002 . Conclusion. The stem extract of Rhus javanica has potential antielastase activity. The topical gel containing Rhus javanica stem extract also has potential antielastase activity by increasing the skin moisture and enhancing skin elasticity.