The Effect of Black Cumin Extract Cream (Nigella Sativa) on Melanin Pigment Level in Rats (Rattus Norvegicus) Exposed with Ultraviolet-B Rays

Abstract

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun may cause photo aging which is characterized by uneven pigmentation and brown spots. Melanin acts to protect the skin against DNA damage due to UV radiation. Sunscreen is a cosmetic preparation that can reflect sunlight, especially in areas with UV wave emulsions. This study aims to determine the effect of black cumin extract cream on the amount of melanin pigment in rat skin exposed to ultraviolet-B rays. An experimental post-test only control group study was conducted from October 2019 - February 2020. A total of 30 rats were divided into 6 groups, namely the KN group (without treatment), P1 (basic cream), P2 (black cumin extract cream 0.25% ), P3 (0.5% cream), P4 (0.75% cream) and KP (Parasol sunscreen cream). Rats in group P4 showed significantly lower amounts of melanin (41.5 ± 10.4) than other groups (KN 41.5, P1 86.0, P2 84.7 and P3 78.7; p <0.05). However, the least amount of melanin pigment was found in the KP group (10.0 ± 1.82). It can be concluded that the topical black cumin extract cream can topically reduce the amount of melanin pigment.