Assessment of antioxidant capacity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents in the agricultural fruit Matad (Dillenia indica L.) for hair care applications

Abstract

The phytochemical profile, antioxidant potential and formulation stability of fruit extract of Dillenia indica L. (Matad) with emphasis on its potential use in hair care products were investigated. The fresh fruits from Koh Kret had moisture of 61.54%. 1921 maceration with ethanol. The extraction of 20 g of fresh fruit gave 738.85 g of dried material and 35.48 g of extract. The extraction yield was 1.84% (w/w) based on fresh weight. The DPPH radical scavenging assay was used for the antioxidant activity and the result showed concentration dependent response. The IC50 values of extract and ascorbic acid were 2.94 ± 0.12 mg/mL and 0.043 ± 0.003 mg/mL respectively. Importantly, the phytochemical analysis revealed high levels of total phenolic (397.5 ± 4.6 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and flavonoid content (242.0 ± 5.1 mg quercetin equivalents/g extract). These bioactive constituents are responsible for a large part of the antioxidant potential. Extra stability testing helped to prove the product was viable. The shampoos and conditioners with the extract had stable organoleptic properties and pH values for 28 days at different storage temperatures. Centrifugation confirmed that the conditioners did not undergo phase separation. D. indica was found to be a promising natural, eco-friendly ingredient for hair care with the high concentrations of phenolics and flavonoids, the measurable antioxidant capacity and the stable formulations despite the modest yields. Future studies are needed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo bioactivity, optimise extraction techniques and to perform consumer acceptability testing for wider sustainable cosmetic innovation.