Abstract

• In this project, Mansonia gagei J. R. Drumm (Kalamet) stem in the tropics of Myanmar is investigated for sunscreen creams preparation. The sample was collected from Kaunghmudaw Pagoda Market, Sagaing Region, in June 2023. The preliminary phytochemical tests revealed the presence of α-amino acids, carbohydrates, glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and saponins in the stem of M. gagei. In addition, sunscreen creams were prepared by maxing ingredients with water and ethanol extracts from selected sample for the protection of skin from UV radiation. Prepared herbal sunscreens were evaluated for physicochemical characteristics such as color, odor, appearance, homogeneity, consistency, washability, viscosity, skin irritancy, pH, and sun protection factor (SPF). Results showed that both herbal sunscreen creams had good consistency, easy washability, were within the permitted viscosity range, and contained no irritants. The pH values of the prepared sunscreen creams were observed not to be significantly changed during testing, and those were in the range of 6.4 to 6.6. SPF values of prepared sunscreen creams were observed to be 15.17 (cream-H2O) and 17.91 (cream-EtOH). The antibacterial activity of the prepared sunscreen creams against Staphylococcus aureus in topic therapy was investigated using the agar-well diffusion method. The inhibition zone diameters were found to be 11 mm (cream H2O) and 14 mm (cream-EtOH). In comparison to prepared creams, cream-EtOH was shown to be more stable, effective, with a high SPF, and potent antibacterial activity. It can enhance and effectively contribute to the UV-absorbing properties of conventional sunscreen. It could also have the greatest advantage of avoiding the adverse and undesired effects of synthetic sunscreen compounds.