Cempedak (Artocarpus integer) Leaves Ethanol Extract Cream 2.5% Prevented the Increase of Tyrosinase Enzyme and Melanin in the Ultraviolet B-Exposed Male Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Skin

Background: Excessive exposure of ultraviolet B (UV-B) to skin will stimulate an increase of tyrosinase enzyme and melanin formation and will cause skin hyperpigmentation. Cempedak leaves (Artocarpus integer) contain flavonoids, phenols, and tannins which have antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity that can inhibit the melanogenesis process. This study aimed to prove that giving a cream containing ethanol extract of cempedak leaves with a concentration of 2.5% could prevent the increase of tyrosinase enzyme levels and the amount of melanin in the UV-B-exposed guinea pig male skin. Methods: This study used a randomized post-test only controlled group design with 36 guinea pigs subject. The control group was given ultraviolet B exposure and basic cream, meanwhile the treatment group was given ultraviolet B exposure and 2.5% cempedak leave ethanol extract cream. Skin biopsy was done, followed by the examination of the tyrosinase enzyme by ELISA and examination of melanin by the histology with Masson-Fontana staining. Results: It showed that the mean of tyrosinase enzyme level in the treatment group was significantly lower than control group (3.83?0.45ng/L vs. 74.71?0.37ng/L; p=0.01). The mean of tyrosinase enzyme levels in the treatment group was also lower than control group (0.66?0.85 pixel percentage vs. 3.06?1.70 pixel percentage; p=0.00). Conclusion: The administration of 2.5% cempedak leave ethanol extract cream prevented the increase of tyrosinase enzyme levels and the amount of melanin in guinea pig skin that was exposed to UV-B.