Synergism test on dates (phoenix dactylifera l.) Fruit extract and soybean (glycine max (l.) Merr.)) Nuts extract on antioxidant activity

Abstract

The exposure of sunlight containing UV radiation may trigger the formation of free radicals, namely ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) which lead to various skin problems. Antioxidants play important roles in protecting the skin by stabilizing free radicals which cause skin damage. Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)) were reported to contain several natural antioxidants such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and isoflavones. The samples used in this study were ethanolic extracts of dates and soybeans. The Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) method using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer was applied to evaluate the antioxidant activity. The results of the phytochemical screening showed that both samples contained phenolic compounds marked by a change in the color of the extract to a black color and flavonoid compounds indicated by the presence of an orange color. The results of antioxidant activity expressed in % FRAP activity were 160.508% for date fruit extract and 123.851% for soybean extract. The combination of these two extracts was indicated to be synergistic according to the calculation of the difference percentage, which was 60.273%. Date fruit extract has higher antioxidant activity than soybean extract and the combination of the two has a synergistic effect.