jrnls.org logo
Submit

BROWSE ALL JOURNALS

SEE ALL 19 JOURNALS
Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and ResearchNOW IN
Article

Photoprotective Activity of Citrus sinensis Peel Crude Extract: In vitro Analytical Method and Formulation

Poh Yen Thong1, Chean Hui Ng2,3★, Ke-Xin Yu4, Samer Al-Dhalli5, Mohamad Nizam Abdul Ghani6, Siaw Fui Kiew7, Sie Yon Lau8, Chin Siang Kue4★ Corresponding author

  1. 1School of Graduate Studies, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, MALAYSIA.
  2. 2Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.
  3. 3Computer-Aided Drug Discovery and Informatics (CADDI), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.
  4. 4Department of Diagnostic and Allied Health Science, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, MALAYSIA.
  5. 5School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, MALAYSIA.
  6. 6School of Pharmacy, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, MALAYSIA.
  7. 7SM Pei Min Middle School, Miri, Sarawak, MALAYSIA.
  8. 8Department of Chemical Engineering, Curtin University, CDT 250, Miri, Sarawak, MALAYSIA.

CORRESPONDENCE

Chean Hui Ng

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA.

kxyu@msu.edu.my

Received: 09-03-2026; Revised: 28-05-2026; Accepted: 17-07-2026.

Volume 60, Issue 4 · pp. 1544–1554 · PUBLISHED 2026 · DOI: 10.5530/ijper.20261692

View on IJPER original site ↗

ABSTRACT

Background: Peel extract of Citrus sinensis is rich in beneficial phytochemicals that can protect the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. This study evaluates the suitability of C. sinensis peel waste as the primary active ingredient in a photoprotective formulation. Materials and Methods: Freeze-dried powder of C. sinensis peel was extracted using Soxhlet extract, with ethyl acetate as the solvent, and formulated into sunscreen formulation. Results: Phytochemical evaluation of the crude extract revealed that the flavonoid, phenolic and terpenoid contents were 35.21±2.3 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g, 59.40±3.0 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 3.33±0.1 mg linalool/g, respectively. The photoprotective properties and free radical scavenging activity of the formulation were investigated by Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and 2,2’-Diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The sunscreen formulation exhibited photoprotective activity with SPF value of 2.41±0.01 and a strong scavenging activity with IC50 value of 37.3±2.26 ppm. The physical evaluations of the formulation (organoleptic evaluation, pH, viscosity, spreadability and the type of emulsion) were performed and showed a stable profile for 5 weeks of storage. Conclusion: The findings indicate that the sunscreen formulation containing ethyl acetate peel extract of C. sinensis may provide indirect photoprotection by reducing UV-induced oxidative stress, a critical contributor to skin inflammation and photoaging. Moreover, improved and valuable antioxidant effect is expected when applying of the developed formulation topically.

KEYWORDS

Open in new tab

REFERENCES

As published

Showing references and in-text citations exactly as published.

    Cite this article

    SELECT FORMAT

    Thong, P. Y., Ng, C. H., Yu, K., Al-Dhalli, S., Ghani, M. N. A., Kiew, S. F., Lau, S. Y., & Kue, C. S. (2026). Photoprotective Activity of Citrus sinensis Peel Crude Extract: In vitro Analytical Method and Formulation. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, 60(4), 1544–1554. https://doi.org/10.5530/ijper.20261692