Topical Ajwa date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) extract cream modulates fibroblast proliferation in UV-B-Exposed Wistar rats: Effects on TNF-alpha and SOD levels

Humans always want to look attractive and youthful, in order to increase self-confidence, so they make efforts to avoid the appearance of signs of aging by slowing down and preventing the aging process. One of the important factors that affects the skin aging process is ultraviolet (UV) rays. The effects of UV-B exposure on the skin include changes in its structure and function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of administering Ajwa date extract cream (Phoenix dactylifera L) on TNF-? and SOD levels in Wistar rats exposed to UV-B. This study was an in vivo experimental design using a post-test only control group design. The study used 30 Wistar rats, divided into five groups: the normal group (K1), negative control (K2), positive control (K+), treatment 1 (K1) with 4% Ajwa date extract cream, and treatment 2 (K2) with 8% Ajwa date extract cream. After UV-B exposure for seven days, TNF-? and SOD levels were measured using the ELISA method. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, Levene’s test for homogeneity, and One-way ANOVA to assess differences between groups if needed. The results showed no significant difference in the average SOD levels between groups (p = 0.262), nor in TNF-alpha levels (p = 0.106). The highest average SOD level was observed in the group treated with 8% Ajwa date extract cream. Although the statistical analysis did not show significant differences between groups, a positive trend was observed in the treatment groups, including increased SOD levels, reduced TNF-alpha expression, and notably, a trend of increased fibroblast proliferation in the 8% treatment group. This study provides novel evidence regarding the topical application of Ajwa date extract cream in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibroblast activity in UV-B-exposed skin.