Anti-Aging Efficacy of Averrhoa bilimbi Fruit Extract Cream: A Human Clinical Trial

Abstract

Averrhoa bilimbi, a plant native to Indonesian, exhibits antioxidant, sunscreen, and tyrosinase
inhibitory activities due to its polyphenol and flavonoid content. This study aimed to evaluate the
anti-aging efficacy of a topical cream containing A. bilimbi fruit extract through a human clinical
trial. The extract was obtained by maceration using 70% ethanol and formulated into a water -inoil

(W/O) cream at concentrations of 1% (F1), 3% (F2), and 5% (F3). Each formulation was
evaluated for its physical characteristics, including organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, and
viscosity. Irritation tests were conducted on animals and human volunteers. A total of 24 human
subjects applied the cream for 30 days. Skin condition parameters—sebum, moisture,
pigmentation, pore size, elasticity, and collagen fibers—were assessed before and after treatment
using a skin analyzer. The results showed that the F3 formulation produced the most notable
improvements, including increased skin moisture and elasticity, and decreased pigmentation and
pore size. Statistical analysis revealed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in pore size and
elasticity for the F3 group. These findings indicate that the 5% A. bilimbi extract cream is a safe
and effective anti-aging topical formulation.