Assessing the In Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Ethyl Acetate and Methanol Leaf Extracts of Anacardium Occidentale: a Potential Approach for Mitigating Skin Aging

Ibrahim Abuga

doi:10.5455/JELM.20250102054344

Abstract
Aim/background: Skin aging is triggered by free radical reactions, which contribute to aging-related changes induced by environmental factors, diseases, and the natural aging process. Normal skin aging is marked by epidermal thinning, leading to characteristic changes including fine wrinkles, rough texture, dryness, thinning, hyperpigmentation, and seborrheic keratoses. Exposure to harsh environmental factors can accelerate chronological skin aging, resulting in premature aging of the skin. The aim of this study is to assess the in vitro antioxidant properties of ethyl acetate and methanol leaf extracts of Anacardium occidentale and explore their potential as a natural approach for mitigating skin aging. Methodology: The anti-aging potential of Anacardium occidentale leaf extracts in methanol and ethanol was evaluated using two in vitro colorimetric assays: DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant potential). Result: The DPPH assay results showed that the methanol extract of Anacardium occidentale leaves (MeOH) exhibited the lowest EC50 value of 197.65±1.44 μg/mL. The extract demonstrated positive results, with the highest concentration yielding an absorbance value greater than 0.5. The Ethyl acetate extract of A. occidentale showed the highest antioxidant potential in the FRAP assay, with the lowest EC50 value of 74.59±0.70 µg/mL. Conclusion: The study's findings will offer a natural alternative to synthetic anti-aging agents, while contributing valuable insights to research in gerontology and dermatology.

Key words: Anacardium occidentale; Skin aging; DPPH; FRAP; Methanol; Ethanol