Insulin and circadian rhythm genes of the Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) are conserved and orthologous to those in the rat, mouse and human.

The African grass or Nile rat (NR) (Arvicanthis niloticus) is a herbivorous diurnal rodent which is used as a biological model for research on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the circadian rhythm. Similar to humans, male NRs develop T2DM with high-carbohydrate diets. The NR thus provides a unique opportunity to identify the nutritional and underlying genetic factors that characterise human T2DM, as well as the effects of potential anti-diabetic phytochemicals such as Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) could help identify possible genetic causes why NRs spontaneously develop T2DM in captivity. In this study, we performed WGS on a hepatic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sample isolated from a male NR using PacBio high-fidelity long-read sequencing. The WGS data obtained were then de novo assembled and annotated using PacBio HiFi isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) data as well as previous Illumina RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data. Genes related to insulin and circadian rhythm pathways were present in the NR genome, similar to orthologues in the rat, mouse and human genomes. T2DM development in the NR is thus most likely not attributable to structural differences in these genes when compared to other biological models. Further studies are warranted to gain additional insights on the genetic-environmental factors which underlie the genetic permissiveness of NRs to develop T2DM.

Biosynthesis and antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles usingBuchanania obovatafruit extract and the eutectic-based ionic liquid.

The fruit extract ofBuchanania obovataand the eutectic-based ionic liquid were utilized, in an eco-friendly, inexpensive, simple method, for synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The influence of the reducing, capping and stabilizing agents, in both mediums, on the structure, optical, and morphological properties of ZnO NPs was extensively investigated. The surface plasmon resonance peaks were observed at 340 nm and 320 nm for the fruit-based and the eutectic-based ionic liquid mediums, respectively, indicating the formation of ZnO NPs. XRD results confirmed the wurtzite structure of the ZnO NPs, exhibiting hexagonal phases in the diffraction patterns. The SEM and TEM images display that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs exhibit crystalline and hexagonal shape, with an average size of 40 nm for the fruit-based and 25 nm for the eutectic-based ionic liquid. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, revealed a value ∼13 m2g-1for ZnO NPs synthesized using the fruit extract and ∼29 m2g-1for those synthesized using the eutectic-based ionic liquid. The antibacterial activity of the biosynthesized ZnO NPs was assessed against clinically isolated Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacterial strains using the inhibition zone method. The ZnO NPs produced from the eutectic-based ionic liquids confirmed superior antibacterial activity against bothS. aureusandE. colicompared to those mediated by the utilized fruit extract. At a concentration of 1000, the eutectic-based ionic liquid mediated ZnO NPs displayed a maximum inhibition zone of 16 mm againstS. aureus, while againstE. coli, a maximum inhibition zone of 15 mm was observed using the fruit extract mediated ZnO NPs. The results of this study showed that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs can be utilized as an efficient substitute to the frequently used chemical drugs and covering drug resistance matters resulted from continual usage of chemical drugs by users.

Wound Healing Activity of Topical Herbal Gels Containing Barringtonia acutangula Fruit Extract: In silico and In vivo Studies.

The current study describes the efficacy of B. acutangula fruit extract in wound healing via incorporation within topical gels. B. acutangula fruit extract was produced by solvent extraction method. The bioactive extract was incorporated within Carbopol 940-based topical gels, which were applied topically over the excision and incision wounds. The change in healing process was observed till 20 days. The percentages of closure of excision wound area were 92.89 % and 93.43 %, when treated with topical herbal gels containing B. acutangula fruit extract of 5 % and 10 %, respectively. The tensile strengths of incision area in rats treated with topical herbal gels containing 5 % and 10 % methanol extract of B. acutangula fruits were found to be 25±5.12 g and 30±4.10 g, respectively. The wound healing activity of topical herbal gels containing B. acutangula fruit extract in rats was found to be significant when compared with that of the reference standard and untreated groups. In addition, in silico studies suggested about good skin permeability and binding to the proteins responsible for delaying wound healing. It can be concluded that this topical herbal gels containing B. acutangula fruit extract could be used clinically for the treatment of wounds.

Safety Assessment of Palm-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 8 palm tree (Euterpe edulis (juçara) and Euterpe oleracea (açaí))-derived ingredients as used in cosmetic products; these ingredients are reported to function mostly as skin conditioning agents. The Panel reviewed relevant data relating to the safety of these ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Industry should continue to use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities. The Panel concluded that palm tree (açaí and juçara)-derived ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.

Beneficial effects of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) fruit extract on the urinary symptoms of healthy Japanese adults with possible lower urinary tract symptoms: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Saw palmetto extract (SPE) is the most commonly used supplement for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but most evidence is for those with LUTS, and little data is verifying its effectiveness for those who do not have the disease but are troubled by symptoms. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of SPE on the improvement of urinary frequency problems that present stress due to urinary urgency in daily life, among healthy Japanese adults aged ≥50 years who are not diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia or overactive bladder. They were randomly assigned to the SPE group or placebo group (34 participants per group) using a computerized random number generator. Each participant was instructed to take one capsule containing SPE (320 mg) or placebo every day for 12 weeks. Subjective symptoms were assessed using the overactive bladder questionnaire, and the score of symptom bother by frequent urination during the daytime hours was set as the primary outcome. The other outcomes were subjective urinary symptoms and urinary frequencies. The final efficacy analysis dataset was per protocol set, and 33 participants in each group were analyzed. After SPE intervention for 12 weeks, the score of symptom bother by frequent urination during the daytime hours was significantly improved and the daytime frequency of urination assessed using the urinary log was significantly decreased. The consumption of SPE improved urinary frequency-related quality of life such as bother of urinary symptoms in healthy Japanese adults (UMIN000045334).

The Anti-Inflammatory Potential of an Ethanolic Extract from Sarcopoterium spinosum Fruits for Protection and/or Counteraction against Oxidative Stress in Dysfunctional Endothelial Cells.

Plants and plant extracts are a relevant source of bioactive compounds widely employed as functional foods. In the Mediterranean area, the shrub Sarcopoterium spinosum is traditionally used as an herbal medicine for weight loss and a diabetes treatment. Inflammation is a protective mechanism involved in the development of many pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to investigate in vitro the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of an ethanolic extract from S. spinosum fruits (SEE) in a cellular model of endothelium dysfunction. Corilagin and quercetin are two polyphenols abundant in SEE and were tested for comparison. The exposure of HECV cells for 24 h to 30 µM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) lead to an oxidative stress condition. When HECV cells were treated with 10 µg/mL of SEE or single compounds after or before the oxidative insult, the results showed their ability to (i) decrease the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production quantified using fluorometric analysis and the lipid peroxidation measured with a spectrophotometric assay; (ii) rescue both the glutathione reduced to oxidized (GSH/GSSG) ratio and nitric oxide impair and the protein denaturation; and (iii) accelerate the wound repair measured using a T-scratch assay. Taken together, our findings indicate that the ethanolic extract from S. spinosum fruits could be a potential candidate for nutraceutical application.

Soluble natural sweetener from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) extract using colloidal gas aphrons generated with a food-grade non-ionic surfactant.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is the most commonly cultivated fruit tree in the Middle East and North Africa. Date fruits are an excellent source of nutrition due to their high sugar content and high levels of phenols, minerals, and antioxidants. This work aimed to prepare a soluble natural sweetener from date fruit extract using colloidal gas aprons (CGAs) generated with a food-grade non-ionic surfactant (Tween 20). Various process parameters, such as the flow rate of the CGAs, the volume of the feed, the temperature of the CGAs, and the feed solution, were varied to obtain the optimal parameters. In the foam phase, the maximum soluble sugar enrichment of 92% was obtained at a flow rate of 50 mL/min of CGA and a solution temperature of 23 °C. The formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the glucose molecules and the surfactant Tween 20 was confirmed by molecular modeling studies. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05907-9.

Mulberry fruit repairs alcoholic liver injury by modulating lipid metabolism and the expression of miR-155 and PPARα in rats.

As alcohol consumption increases, alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has become more popular and is threating our human life. In this study, we found mulberry fruit extract (MFE) repaired alcohol-caused liver diseases by regulating hepatic lipid biosynthesis pathway and oxidative singling in alcoholically liver injured (ALI) rats. MFE administration inhibited hepatic lipid accumulation and improved liver steatosis in ALI rats. MFE also enhanced the antioxidant capacity and alleviated the inflammatory response by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and decreasing the contents of interleukin (IL)-1ß and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Additionally, MFE regulated the expression of miRNA-155 and lipid metabolism-related PPARα protein in rats. Both miR-155 and PPARα play important roles in liver function. The results indicate that MFE has hepatoprotective effects against ALI in rats.

Pyrus pashia fruit extract and its major phytometabolite chrysin prevent hippocampal apoptosis and memory impairment in PTZ-kindled mice.

OBJECTIVES: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition with recurrent seizures. One-third of epilepsy patients experience unacceptable side effects from antiepileptic drugs. Pyrus pashia is a deciduous tree from southern Asia. Ethnomedicinally, Malakand tribes use its fruits for epilepsy treatment. Our prior research demonstrated the anticonvulsive properties of ethanolic extract of Pyrus pashia (EPP) and its bioactive compound chrysin in acute seizure tests. This study aims to investigate the impact of EPP and chrysin on cognitive impairment in a PTZ-induced kindling mice model of epilepsy. METHODS: Swiss albino male mice were equally divided into four groups. The first group received 0.5% carboxy methyl cellulose dissolved in normal saline while the other three groups were pre-treated with Diazepam (DZP) (1 mg/kg, i.p.), EPP (200 mg/kg, p.o.) and chrysin (5 mg/kg, p.o.). After 30 min, all groups were administered PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p.) and evaluated for seizure severity, cognitive function, and neuronal apoptosis. Western blot analysis was conducted to analyze the expressions of apoptosis biomarkers and memory-related genes, including cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). RESULTS: The therapeutic effects of EPP and Chrysin were comparable to DZP in terms of reducing seizure severity, but unlike DZP, they prevented PTZ-induced memory impairment in experimental animals. Additionally, they increased the levels of BDNF and CREB while reducing apoptotic biomarkers in the hippocampus of experimental animals. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the leads offered by this study EPP and its major bioactive constituent, could be developed as the treatment option for epilepsy.

Efficacy and safety of persimmon leaf formulated with green tea and sophora fruit extracts (BLH308) on hair growth: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Recent research suggests that persimmon leaf extract (PLE) has an effect on inflammatory skin diseases. Previously, PLE is revealed to inhibit not only nitric oxide production but also inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression levels in mouse macrophages in vitro. Moreover, it significantly reduced IL-6 production and 5α-reductase expression in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). This study aimed to determine whether the PLE-containing BLH308 complex improves hair growth in clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 88 participants were recruited, and were instructed to orally take BLH308 or the placebo twice a day for 24 weeks. The mean age of the test group was 38.52 ± 7.98 years and that of placebo group was 38.98 ± 8.80 years. The study was conducted for 24 weeks, and hair density, thickness, and gloss were evaluated. All participants completed a satisfaction survey questionnaire. RESULTS: The test group showed significantly increased hair density and hair diameter at week 24 compared with the placebo group (p = 0.0015 and p = 0.0001, respectively). Although not statistically significant, the degree of gloss also showed higher improvement in the test group compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that oral consumption of the BLH308 complex containing PLE significantly increased hair density and thickness compared to the placebo group, showing its possible role in promoting hair growth.

Hawthorn fruit extract protect against MC-LR-induced hepatotoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Microcystins (MCs) is a class of cyclic heptapeptide compounds with biological activity. There is no effective treatment for liver injury caused by MCs. Hawthorn is a medicinal and edible plant traditional Chinese medicine with hypolipidemic, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver. This study discussed the protective effect of hawthorn fruit extract (HFE) on liver damage caused by MC-LR and the underlying molecular mechanism. After MC-LR exposure, pathological changes were observed and hepatic activity of ALT, AST and ALP were increased obviously, but they were remarkably restored with HFE administration. In addition, MC-LR could significantly reduce SOD activity and increase MDA content. Importantly, MC-LR treatment resulted in mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, and Cytochrome C release, eventually leading to cell apoptosis rate increase. HFE pretreatment could significantly alleviate the above abnormal phenomena. To examine the mechanism of protection, the expression of critical molecules in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway was examined. The levels of Bcl-2 was inhibited, and the levels of Bax, Caspase-9, Cleaved Caspase-9, and Cleaved caspase-3 were upregulated after MC-LR treatment. HFE reduced MC-LR-induced apoptosis via reversing the expression of key proteins and genes in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Hence, HFE could alleviate MC-LR induced hepatotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Gardenia jasminoides Extract, with a Melatonin-like Activity, Protects against Digital Stress and Reverses Signs of Aging.

Digital stress is a newly identified cosmetic stress that is mainly characterized by blue light exposure. The effects of this stress have become increasingly important with the emergence of personal digital devices, and its deleterious effects on the body are now well-known. Blue light has been observed to cause perturbation of the natural melatonin cycle and skin damage similar to that from UVA exposure, thus leading to premature aging. "A melatonin-like ingredient" was discovered in the extract of Gardenia jasminoides, which acts as a filter against blue light and as a melatonin-like ingredient to prevent and stop premature aging. The extract showed significant protective effects on the mitochondrial network of primary fibroblasts, a significant decrease of -86% in oxidized proteins on skin explants, and preservation of the natural melatonin cycle in the co-cultures of sensory neurons and keratinocytes. Upon analysis using in silico methods, only the crocetin form, released through skin microbiota activation, was found to act as a melatonin-like molecule by interacting with the MT1-receptor, thus confirming its melatonin-like properties. Finally, clinical studies revealed a significant decrease in wrinkle number of -21% in comparison to the placebo. The extract showed strong protection against blue light damage and the prevention of premature aging through its melatonin-like properties.

Assessment of Bioactive Phytochemicals and Utilization of Rosa canina Fruit Extract as a Novel Natural Antioxidant for Mayonnaise.

The oxidation of food emulsions causes rancidity, which reduces their shelf life. To prevent rancidity, synthetic antioxidants are widely used in the food industry. However, due to their potential health risks, researchers are exploring natural alternatives. This study aimed to investigate whether Rosa canina fruit extract (RCFE) could be used as a natural antioxidant to extend the shelf life of mayonnaise. Mayonnaise containing varying concentrations of RCFE [0.125% (T1), 0.25% (T2), 0.50% (T3), 0.75% (T4)] was compared to a mayonnaise control sample (C1) and a mayonnaise sample containing 0.02% BHT (C2) for 60 days of storage at 4 °C. RCFE was found to have high levels of total phenols content (52.06 ± 1.14 mg GAE g-1), total flavonoids content (26.31 ± 1.03 mg QE g-1), and free radical scavenging activity. The GC-MS analysis of RCFE revealed 39 different peaks, whereas the HPLC analysis showed the presence of 13 polyphenolic compounds in RCFE. The pH values of T2, T3, and T4 mayonnaise samples substantially declined as storage progressed; however, the reduction was less than that of C1 and C2. After 60 days, mayonnaise samples T2, T3, and T4 had greatly reduced peroxide and free fatty acid levels compared to C1 and C2. The mayonnaise enriched with RCFE (T3 and T4) had the most potent antioxidative ability and the lowest value of lipid hydroperoxides (peroxide value, POV) and the lowest value of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS). The sensory evaluation revealed that the T3 sample exhibited the highest overall acceptability. In conclusion, this study recommends that RCFE could be used as a natural preservative to enhance the shelf life of functional foods.

Production and characterization of Ziziphus jujuba extract-loaded composite whey protein and pea protein beads based on sodium alginate-IFPG (insoluble fraction of Persian gum).

BACKGROUND: This research was aimed at the fabrication of jujube extract (JE)-loaded beads by extrusion, using whey protein isolate (WPI), chickpea protein concentrate (PPC) and a combination of two types of hydrocolloid insoluble fraction of Persian gum (IFPG) and sodium alginate (Al). RESULTS: JE-loaded beads with the highest encapsulation efficiency (10.87%) and polyphenol content (120.8 mg L-1 gallic acid) were obtained using Al-IFPG/PPC at 4 °C. The Al-IFPG, Al-IFPG/WPI and Al-IFPG/PPC beads revealed 5.66, 6.85 and 5.76 mm bead size, respectively, and almost all of them demonstrated a homogeneous and spherical structure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy data proved that the stable structure of the Al-IFPG beads was due to hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. The thermostability of beads loaded with JE based on Al-IFPG/WPI was significantly enhanced compared to pure Al-IFPG. Texture evaluation of JE-loaded beads based on Al-IFPG incorporation with WPI revealed an increment in the hardness of beads. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the potential of Al-IFPG complex beads for the effective delivery of jujube extract via incorporation into pea and whey proteins and for the expansion of its use in products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

The hepatoprotective effect of Sophora viciifolia fruit extract against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice.

This research demonstrated the protective effect and possible mechanism of the Sophora viciifolia extract (SVE) against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. The levels of ALT and AST in the serum and antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver were measured. We used immunohistochemistry to detect CYP2E1, Nrf2, and Keap1 protein expression in the liver. The mRNA expression in the liver of TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-6, Nrf2 and its downstream genes HO-1 and GCLC were measured by qRT-PCR. We found that SVE could decrease the ALT and AST levels, promote the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GSH, and ameliorate pathological liver lesions. SVE could down-regulate the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and up-regulate Nrf2, HO-1 and GCLC. SVE reduced the protein expression of the CYP2E1 and increased the Nrf2 and Keap1. SVE has been shown to have a protective effect against APAP-induced liver injury, possibly through activation of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

Mulberry fruit extract alleviates the intracellular amyloid-ß oligomer-induced cognitive disturbance and oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease model mice.

Intracellular amyloid-ß (Aß) oligomers are key therapeutic targets because they are strongly cytotoxic and play crucial roles in the cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Anthocyanins, polyphenolic flavonoids with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties, are potential therapeutic candidates for AD. Here, we investigated the effects of anthocyanin-enriched extracts from fruits of mulberry (Morus alba Linn.) in Thailand against the neurotoxicity of Aß oligomers. Using the monitoring system for Aß aggregation, we showed that the extract induced the dissociation of Aß in cultured HEK293T cells. To investigate the effects on cognitive function, we orally administered the extract to Aß-GFP transgenic mice (Aß-GFP Tg), a mouse model that expresses Aß oligomers inside neurons, and performed the novel object recognition test and passive avoidance test. Aß-GFP Tg usually showed deficits in novel object recognition memory and reference memory compared with non-Tg, but administration of the extract improved both compared with vehicle-treated Aß-GFP Tg. Aß-GFP Tg exhibited lower superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than non-Tg. However, after the administration of the extract, the SOD activity was restored. These results suggest that Thai mulberry fruit extract ameliorates cytotoxicity induced by the intracellular Aß oligomers and may be an effective therapeutic or preventive candidate for AD.

Water-soluble palm fruit extract: composition, biological properties, and molecular mechanisms for health and non-health applications.

The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) fruit is a source of vegetable oil and various phytonutrients. Phytochemical compounds present in palm oil include tocotrienols, carotenoids, phytosterols, squalene, coenzyme Q10, and phospholipids. Being a fruit, the oil palm is also a rich source of water-soluble phytonutrients, including phenolic compounds. Extraction of phytonutrients from the oil palm vegetation liquor of palm oil milling results in a phenolic acid-rich fraction termed Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract (WSPFE). Pre-clinical in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies carried out using various biological models have shown that WSPFE has beneficial bioactive properties, while clinical studies in healthy volunteers showed that it is safe for human consumption and confers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The composition, biological properties, and relevant molecular mechanisms of WSPFE discovered thus far are discussed in the present review, with a view to offer future research perspectives on WSPFE for health and non-health applications.

Effect of synbiotic yogurt fortified with monk fruit extract on hepatic lipid biomarkers and metabolism in rats with type 2 diabetes.

Monk fruit extract (MFE) is widely used as a sweetener in foods. In this study, the effects of the consumption of MFE-sweetened synbiotic yogurt on the lipid biomarkers and metabolism in the livers of type 2 diabetic rats were evaluated. The results revealed that the MFE-sweetened symbiotic yogurt affected the phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylglycerol, lysophosphatidic acids, lysophosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, lysophosphatidylglycerols, lysophosphatidylinositols, lysophosphatidylserines, and fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acids biomarkers in the livers of type 2 diabetic rats. In addition, the consumption of the MFE-sweetened synbiotic yogurt significantly altered 12 hepatic metabolites, which are involved in phenylalanine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, bile secretion, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism in the liver. Furthermore, a multiomics (metabolomic and transcriptomic) association study revealed that there was a significant correlation between the MFE-sweetened synbiotic yogurt and the metabolites and genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, bile secretion, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. The findings of this study will provide new insights on exploring the function of sweeteners for improving type 2 diabetes mellitus liver lipid biomarkers.

Photo-Protective and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Antidesma thwaitesianum Müll. Arg. Fruit Extract against UVB-Induced Keratinocyte Cell Damage.

The main cause of most skin cancers is damage from UVB from sunlight, which penetrate the skin surface and induce inflammation. For this reason, this study aims to identify natural products with photo-protection properties and their mode of action by using the UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocyte model. Antidesma thwaitesianum fruit extracts at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL recovered cell viability following UVB exposure in a dose-dependent manner. Cell survival was associated with the reduction in intracellular ROS and NO. In addition, we showed that the pre-treatment with the fruit extract lowered the phosphorylation level of two MAPK-signaling pathways: p38 MAPKs and JNKs. The resulting lower MAPK activation decreased their downstream pro-inflammatory cascade through COX-2 expression and subsequently reduced the PGE2 proinflammatory mediator level. The photoprotective effects of the fruit extract were correlated with the presence of polyphenolic compounds, including cyanidin, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, and protocatechuic acid, which have been previously described as antioxidant and anti-inflammation. Together, we demonstrated that the pre-treatment with the fruit extract had photo-protection by inhibiting oxidative stress and subsequently lowered stress-induced MAPK responses. Therefore, this fresh fruit is worthy of investigation to be utilized as a skincare ingredient for preventing UVB-induced skin damage.

Natural Formulations Based on Olea europaea L. Fruit Extract for the Topical Treatment of HSV-1 Infections.

In the present study, a hydroxytyrosol-rich Olea europaea L. fruit extract (OFE) was added to three thoroughly green formulations-hydrogel, oleogel, and cream-in order to evaluate their antiviral activity against HSV-1. The extract was characterized by different analytical techniques, i.e., FT-IR, XPS, and TGA. HPLC analyses were carried out to monitor the content and release of hydroxytyrosol in the prepared formulations. The total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were investigated through Folin-Ciocâlteu's reagent, DPPH, and ABTS assays. The ability of the three formulations to convey active principles to the skin was evaluated using a Franz cell, showing that the number of permeated polyphenols in the hydrogel (272.1 ± 1.8 GAE/g) was significantly higher than those in the oleogel and cream (174 ± 10 and 179.6 ± 2 GAE/g, respectively), even if a negligible amount of hydroxytyrosol crossed the membrane for all the formulations. The cell viability assay indicated that the OFE and the three formulations were not toxic to cultured Vero cells. The antiviral activity tests highlighted that the OFE had a strong inhibitory effect against HSV-1 with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 25 µg/mL, interfering directly with the viral particles. Among the three formulations, the hydrogel exhibited the highest antiviral activity also against the acyclovir-resistant strain.