Study on the extraction of the local Portulaca oleracea plant and evaluation of the sun protection factor (SPF)of both aqueous and ethanolic extracts.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary cause of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. Due to safety concerns regarding synthetic sunscreens, interest in natural plant ingredients has increased as safe alternatives to chemical sunscreens. Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is known for its richness in phenolics and flavonoids, which possess excellent UV-absorbing properties. This study evaluated Portulaca oleracea leaf and stem extracts (aqueous and alcoholic) via UV-vis spectroscopy (200–400 nm). Sun protection factor (SPF) values were calculated Using a reference method. The alcoholic leaf extract showed the highest SPF (40), followed by the aqueous leaf extract (SPF = 30). The stem extracts showed lower, but still good, activity (alcoholic: SPF = 20; aqueous: SPF = 12). The results highlight purslane's potential as a natural sunscreen ingredient, particularly in alcoholic leaf extracts. Improved formulations could provide safer and more synergistic UV protection compared to chemical filters.