Title: Preparation of skin care product using coccinia abyssinica tuber extract

Abstract

Background: Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica) is highly nutritious crop which is mostly cultivated in Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia. The term ‘anchote’ is the local name of coccinia abyssinica. Anchote is traditional food crop which play a pivotal role in nutritional security, especially in the western Oromia Regional state of Ethiopia. It is herbaceous plant species which is usually consumed in cooked form. Tuberous root is the main edible portion of coccinia abyssinica. A number of essential nutrients in anchote such as Calcium, Starch, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, protein and etc makes it the most important food crop. Materials and Methods: Coccinia abyssinica tuber extract was prepared by maceration extraction method. Coarsely powdered coccinia abyssinica tuber was placed inside a container; menstruum was poured on top until completely covered the powdered tuber. The container was then closed and kept for three consecutive days. The content was stirred periodically to ensure complete extraction. At the end of extraction, the micelle was separated from marc by filtration. Then, tuber extract of coccinia abyssinica was mixed with ingredients such as thickening agents, humectant, emollient, antioxidant, preservatives and fragrance to prepare a new skin cream. A new skin cream was formulated by mixing ingredients. Results: Whitish brown semi-solid cream was prepared by mixing ingredients. A newly prepared skin care product was applied to the human skin. The skin became soft, attractive and supple after using this new skin care product. It didn’t cause any side effects on the human body. Conclusions: Calcium, starch and other nutrients in anchote tubers are vital for our skin. Thus, a new skin care product was prepared using tuber extract of coccinia abyssinica (anchote) with the aim of nourishing the skin. The current study revealed that coccinia abyssinica skin care product enrich the body with nutrients and useful minerals. Coccinia abyssinica skin cream offers significant advantages over competing products.