AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ANTI-WRINKLE EFFICACY OF A FACIAL CREAM FORMULATED WITH THONGKRAW FLOWER EXTRACT

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a facial cream containing Butea monosperma flower extract in reducing wrinkles. The extract is known for its beneficial effects on the skin and contains flavonoid compounds such as kaempferol, coreopsin, isocoreopsin, sulfurein, monospermoside, and isomonospermoside. These compounds exhibit antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and tyrosinase inhibition, which is associated with melanin production. The cream formulation was developed using standardized extraction and manufacturing processes to ensure consistency, stability, and product safety.

Thirty healthy female volunteers aged 35–55 years, all staff members of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, participated in a four-week open-label clinical trial. Participants were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and provided informed consent prior to the study. The cream was applied twice daily—morning and evening—throughout the trial period.

Phytochemical analysis of the B. monosperma extract revealed a total phenolic content of 90.38 ± 1.2 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of extract and a total flavonoid content of 26.41 ± 0.8 mg quercetin equivalents (QE) per gram of extract, as measured by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Additionally, the extract demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with a DPPH assay IC₅₀ value of 34.7 ± 2.5 µg/mL.

Clinical evaluations showed statistically significant improvements in skin parameters. Skin hydration increased from 32.5 ± 4.1 arbitrary units (AU) at baseline to 45.8 ± 3.6 AU after four weeks, while the average wrinkle depth decreased from 142.3 ± 10.4 µm to 121.6 ± 9.8 µm (p < 0.05). No adverse effects or allergic reactions were reported during the study.

These findings support the potential of Butea monosperma flower extract as a natural bioactive ingredient in anti-aging cosmetic products, effectively enhancing skin hydration, improving elasticity, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.