The Effect of Adding Ethanol Extract Fraction of Secang Wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) on the Antioxidant Activity of Serum Preparations

Abstract

Free radicals can trigger cell damage, premature aging, and even degenerative diseases. One preventive measure is the use of antioxidants. Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.) is known to contain bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, tannins, and brazilin, which help neutralize free radicals. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant activity of various fractions of sappan wood ethanol extract and to assess changes in its activity after formulation into a serum preparation. Extraction was carried out by maceration with 96% ethanol, followed by liquid-liquid fractionation with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. Antioxidant activity testing was carried out using the FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) method using quercetin as a comparator. Serum was formulated from each fraction and evaluated for its physical properties, including organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, adhesiveness, and drying time. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction had good antioxidant activity with an IC₅₀ value of 7.29 µg/mL. After being formulated into a serum, the IC₅₀ value was 6.65 µg/mL and met all physical quality parameters for topical preparations. Thus, the ethyl acetate fraction of sappanwood has the potential to be developed as an active ingredient in antioxidant serum preparations.