Effect of solid lipid nanoparticles system on the stability of Green Tea leaves (Camellia sinensis L. Kuntze) extract as sunscreen

Abstract

Green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) is known to have activity as antioxidant and sunscreen due to its catechin compound. The major catechin-derived compound is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). However, EGCG in green tea leaves is unstable due to its rapid degradation and large molecular mass of 458 daltons, making it difficult to penetrate the skin. The purpose of this research is to formulate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of green tea leaves ethanol extract using high speed homogenization and sonication method, as well as to evaluate SLN ability in improving extract stability as sunscreen using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. SLN formula contained 0,1% green tea leaves ethanol extract, and the most optimal formula was composed of 4% lipid (Precirol ATO 5:Gelucire 44/14) 4:1 and 1% Kolliphor P188 as surfactant. Characterization results showed particle size of 286.7 nm, polydispersity index 0.296, and zeta potential -3.7 mV. Photostability test using 120-minutes irradiation showed decrease in percentage of DPPH free radicals damping at 5.34% extract and 1.77% SLN for UVA, and 7.7% extract and 2.34% SLN for UVB.