In-vitro evaluation of photoprotection, cytotoxicity and phototoxicity of aqueous extracts of Cuscuta campestris and Rosa damascene by MTT method and UV spectroscopy analysis

Applying sunscreen is essential for protecting the skin from UV’s acute and chronic effects. Some of these products on the market display side effects and are expensive. There is a great demand for effective, cheap, safe, and herbal sunscreens with a wide range of sun protection activities. This study aimed to evaluate the photoprotection, cytotoxicity, and phototoxicity of aqueous extracts of Cuscuta campestris (CC-AE) and Rosa damascena (RD-AE). The maceration method prepared the CC-AE and RD-AE from the aerial branch. In-vitro photoprotection was evaluated by determining the sun protective factor (SPF) of CC-AE and RD-AE by a UV-visible spectrophotometer. The cytotoxicity and phototoxicity studies were assessed using the MTT assay on 3T3 cells. In the final, the PIF (Photo Inhibitor Factor) was calculated. The SPF values of CC-AE and RD-AE were found at 11.10±0.05 and 1.36±0.04, respectively, at the concentration of 0.2 mg mL-1. The half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of CC-AE and RD-AE was obtained at 35.05±0.91 µg mL-1 and 40.7±0.87 µg mL-1, respectively. The phototoxicity analysis showed that CC-AE and RD-AE had low PIF values and were considered probable phototoxic. Overall, regarding SPF and PIFs values, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, can be evaluated for further pharmaceutical formulations.