Spectrophotometric evaluation of sun protection and antioxidant potential of Artemisia maritima L. and Sophora mollis Royle from Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan

Background: Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation in mountainous regions increases the risk of skin disorders, highlighting the need for effective natural photoprotective agents. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the sun protection factor (SPF) and antioxidant potential of two underexplored plants, Artemisia maritima and Sophora mollis, collected from high-altitude areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, to assess their suitability as natural photoprotective agents. Methods: UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to assess free radical scavenging activity (DPPH and ABTS assays), along with total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Results: A. maritima exhibited a higher SPF value (17.27 ± 0.31) compared to S. mollis (7.68 ± 0.18). Similarly, A. maritima showed greater TPC (345.93 ± 0.62 mg GAE/g) and TFC (239.30 ± 0.47 mg QE/g) than S. mollis (297.38 ± 0.34 mg GAE/g and 55.26 ± 0.75 mg QE/g, respectively). Antioxidant activity, measured by IC50 values, was strongest for Trolox (50.45 ± 0.97 µg/mL), followed by A. maritima (119.52 ± 2.23 µg/mL) and S. mollis (244.46 ± 8.06 µg/mL). In ABTS assays, A. maritima and S. mollis inhibited 68.3% and 60.2% of free radicals, respectively. Conclusion: These findings suggest that A. maritima possesses strong photoprotective and antioxidant properties, highlighting its potential as a promising natural sunscreen candidate, while S. mollis may provide moderate photoprotection suitable for complementary cosmetic or dermatological formulations.