Topical Application of Gayo Arabica Cascara Extract: In Vivo SPF and Anti-Photoaging Effects

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25186/.v21i.2404

Abstract

The increased production of coffee cascara pulp provides a possibility for long-term use in high-value applications such as cosmeceuticals. This study investigated the sun protection factor and anti-photoaging effects of cream made from Gayo Arabica cascara pulp extract in Wistar rats exposed to UV-B rays. GC-MS characterisation of ethanolic extracts revealed 30 bioactive chemicals, with the majority being 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (22.3%), caffeine (21.1%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (12.9%). The extract has total phenolic and flavonoid levels of 101.2 ± 2.5 mg GAE/g and 84.3 ± 1.9 mg QE/g. Cream with 5%, 7.5%, and 10% cascara extract were applied topically for four weeks. Histological investigation with Masson’s trichrome staining revealed considerable restoration of collagen density, with the 7.5% group demonstrating the maximum improvement (64.35 ± 1.76% vs. 50.13 ± 0.80% in untreated UVB skin, p < 0.05). Sun protection factor was measured using UV visible spectrophotometry, and skin condition was monitored through Dermoscopy. The treated groups showed a notable reduction in redness, pigmentation, and dryness compared to the control group. These results highlight the promise of Gayo Arabica cascara pulp extract as a natural skincare product to protect against UV related skin damage. Additional studies in humans are recommended to confirm these benefits.

Key words: Photoaging; cascara pulp; topical antioxidant; gayo arabica coffee; sun protection factor.

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Published

2026-03-12

How to Cite

LESTARI, Wahyu; HAJAR, Sitti. Topical Application of Gayo Arabica Cascara Extract: In Vivo SPF and Anti-Photoaging Effects. Coffee Science - ISSN 1984-3909, [S. l.], v. 21, p. e212404, 2026. DOI: 10.25186/.v21i.2404. Disponível em: https://coffeescience2.ufla.br/index.php/Coffeescience/article/view/2404. Acesso em: 20 oct. 2026.