ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

The evaluation of bioactivities of ethanol/water extract from areca catechu l. nut and application in the mixture of acne treatment supporting cream and mouthwash

Lu Thi Mong Thy, Huynh Khanh Duy, Nguyen Tri Dat, Le Thi Ngoc Hanh, Luong Thi My Trang, and Nguyen Huu Hieu

Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

E-mail: nhhieubk@hcmut.edu.vn

Received: 18 June 2025  Accepted: 5 September 2025

Abstract:

Areca catechu L. (A. catechu) is a familiar fruit grown commonly in many countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia. However, A. catechu nut has not been widely applied in cosmetics. In this study, A. catechu nut was extracted, and factors influencing the extraction efficiency were evaluated. The A. catechu nut extract has  total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of 454.337 ± 0.8971 mg GAE/g extract and 81.841 ± 8.62 mg QE/g extract. Its antioxidant activity was determined by the DPPH assay with an value IC₅₀ of 8.57 µg/mL, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed with an IC50 value of 28.66 mg/L. The extract had good antibacterial activity toward fungi and bacteria, with an inhibition zone diameter ranging from 4 to 16 mm. It also inhibited tyrosinase activity, with an IC50 of 150.47 µg/mL, indicating its ability to suppress melanin formation. The extract was used as an active ingredient in acne treatment supporting cream, and mouthwash. The acne treatment supporting cream had an antibacterial ability against Cutibacterium acnes with an inhibition zone diameter of 11.09 ± 0.11 mm. The mouthwash had antibacterial ability against Candida albicans with an inhibition zone diameter of 26.11 ± 0.10 mm. The A. catechu nut has potential applications in cosmetic and personal care products.

Keywords: A.catechu nut extract; Bioactivities; Acne treatment supporting cream; Mouthwash

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04370-4

Chemical Papers 79 (12) 9057–9074 (2025)