Purple sweet potato leaf extract (Ipomoea batatas L.) Antin-3 variety on polyphenols content, antioxidant activity and in vitro penetration test

Background: Nano capsules of extract of purple sweet potato leaves (Ipomoea batatas L.) Antin-3 variety were formulated to protect polyphenols, which are unstable to external environmental influences, and to enhance penetration into skin layers. Objective: This research investigates the effect of nano-capsulation on polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, and in vitro penetration. Method: Nano capsules were prepared by ionic gelation; the IC50 value was determined using the DPPH method, and a penetration test was conducted using a Franz diffusion cell. Result: Polyphenols of Antin-3 leaf extract nano capsule were 51.96 ± 11.74 mg GAE/gram. After the ultrasonic process, the concentration of polyphenols in the nano capsule was 190.94 ± 1.16 mg GAE/gram, indicating that the polyphenols in the nano capsule were 138.98 ± 12.78 mg GAE/gram. The entrapment efficiency value was 71.67%, and the loading capacity was 13.99%. The IC50 was 267.28 ppm (equivalent to 1/6 of pure vitamin C and ½ of Antin-3 leaf extract). A nano capsule of Antin-3 leaf extract penetrated across a membrane 1.7 times more easily than Antin-3 leaf extract. Conclusion: The research concludes that polyphenols in nano capsules show no detectable in vitro antioxidant activity via the DPPH method. Further testing is needed to assess the antioxidant activity using the Franz diffusion cell method.