Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Ficus racemosa L. for the Evaluation of Antioxidant activity and Sun Protection Factor in Cream Formulation

Indonesia is a country with abundant sunlight throughout the year; therefore, the use of sunscreen is essential to protect the skin from sunburn and skin cancer. Ficus racemosa L. fruit is a valuable source of bioactive compounds such as phenols, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which exhibit antioxidant properties and potential Sun Protection Factor (SPF) values. This study aimed to evaluate the total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, sunscreen cream quality, and SPF value of Ficus racemosa L. The research was conducted experimentally, including raw material collection, simplicia preparation, extract preparation using Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE), fractionation of extracts, antioxidant testing using the DPPH method, determination of total flavonoid content, and formulation evaluation (organoleptic test, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, adhesion, viscosity, and irritation). The SPF value was determined in vitro using UV-Vis spectrophotometry within the wavelength range of 290–320 nm. The results showed that the flavonoid content of the ethanol extract obtained by MAE was 2.1939 mg QE/g extract. The n-hexane fraction had an IC₅₀ value of 856.610 ± 0.90 ppm (inactive), the ethyl acetate fraction had an IC₅₀ value of 15.88 ± 0.65 ppm (very strong antioxidant activity), and the water fraction had an IC₅₀ value of 26.89 ± 0.90 ppm (very strong antioxidant activity). For comparison, quercetin exhibited an IC₅₀ value of 26.57 ± 0.50 ppm (very strong activity). These findings confirm that Ficus racemosa L. ethanol extract possesses both antioxidant and sunscreen activities. The highest SPF value was observed in the F3 (10%) formulation, with a value of 8.82, classified as maximum protection.