Introduction: Protection of skin from wrinkles and pigmentation changes are among the most common challenges
for modern science and cosmetics. These are caused by unusual disruption of connective tissue, the
formation of free radicals and ultraviolet radiation.
The current research is the first study to compare the phytoconstituents, antioxidant, sun protection factor
(SPF) and skin wrinkles prevention effects using four different solvents fractions for the traditional plant Alkanna
tinctoria (L.) root bark.
Methods: Qualitative and quantitative phytoconstituents, antioxidant activity, sun protection factor and antielastase
(skin wrinkles prevention) effects were assessed using standard pharmaceutical and cosmeceuticals
assays.
Results: The results of antioxidant, anti-elastase and sun protection factor activities were the highest for the
acetone fraction with IC50 8.51 ± 1.94 μg/ml, 10.02 ± 0.3 μg/ml and SPF value of 6.38, respectively.
However, these results may occur due to its high contents of flavonoids and phenols which were 26.55 ± 1.6 mg
of QUE/g and 59.48 ± 0.56 mg of GAE/g plant acetone fraction, respectively.
Conclusion: The acetone fraction of A. tinctoria root bark could be a promising candidate for cosmetic and
pharmaceutical preparations due to the potential antioxidant, anti-elastase enzyme and sun protection activities.