The Use of Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Extract Cream to Prevent Decreasing of Total Collagen in the Skin of Wistar Rats Exposed to Ultraviolet-B Light

Aims: The study aimed to prove that the cream of Rosella flower extract (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.) could prevent a decrease in the amount of collagen in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to ultraviolet-B light.

Study Design: This type of research is experimental, using a post-test-only control group design by giving 20% Rosella flower extract cream.

Place and Duration of Study: This research was conducted at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of North Sumatra. The research was conducted in 2020.

Methodology: The study consisted of two groups with a total sample of 12 male Wistar rats in each group. The P0 group, namely the control group, was exposed to UVB rays and smeared with cream with the essential ingredients. The P1 group was exposed to UVB rays and 20% Rosella flower extract cream. UVB exposure is given for 5 weeks with exposure capacities, namely: 40 mJ/cm2 (the week I), 60 mJ/cm2 (week II), 80 mJ/cm2 (week III), 100 mJ/cm2 (week IV) and 120 mJ/ cm2 (week V), then a biopsy was performed to examine the amount of collagen calculated through histopathological examination of skin tissue after staining with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E).

Results: The results showed that the average amount of collagen in the P0 group was 49,899±5,89%. The mean of the P1 group was higher by 56.358±6.81%. The comparison test results with the independent t-test obtained a t-value of 2.485 and a p-value of 0.021 (p <0.05). The findings explained a significant collagen amount difference between the P0 group and the P1 group.

Conclusion: The conclusion was that administration of 20% Rosella (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.) flower extract cream prevented a decrease in the amount of collagen in the skin of Wistar rats exposed to ultraviolet-B light. It is recommended that further research is needed that examines the same topic as the study but with a combination of Rosella flower extract>20%.