Development and Evaluation of a Hydrogel containing Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng Extract for Topical Applications

Abstract The purpose of this research was to develop a hydrogel containing the extract of Gac fruit (Momordica cochinchinensis Spreng) with appropriate physicochemical properties and good dermatological efficacy. The Gac aril fruit was extracted by maceration in dichloromethane, and its antioxidant activity was determined through a DPPH assay. The very low water-solubility of the Gac extract is responsible for its incompatibility with the hydrogel. To overcome this drawback, LabrafacTM PG and Tween 60 were used to develop the hydrogel due to their potent potential for solubilizing the Gac extract. The prepared hydrogels displayed good physical properties, a homogenous orange gel, appropriate pH, and viscosity. After storage in an accelerated condition for six months, the hydrogels of the Gac extract had physical stability and high remaining amounts of beta-carotene and lycopene within the range of 90.25 - 94.61%. The skin efficacy of hydrogel containing the Gac fruit extract was found using 14 healthy female volunteers over a 30-day period of daily application. Topical application of the hydrogel containing the Gac fruit extract, which contains antioxidants, significantly moisturizes the skin and enhanced its elasticity (p ≤ 0.05; ANOVA). This makes it suitable for use as a skin care product.