Anthelmintic efficacy of an organic fraction from Guazuma ulmifolia leaves and evaluation of reactive oxidative stress on Haemonchus contortus.

This study describes the anthelmintic efficacy of an organic fraction (EtOAc-F) from Guazuma ulmifolia leaves and the evaluation of its reactive oxidative stress on Haemonchus contortus. The first step was to assess the anthelmintic effect of EtOAc-F at 0.0, 3.5, 7.0 and 14 mg kg of body weight (BW) in gerbil's (Meriones unguiculatus) artificially infected with H. contortus infective larvae (L3). The second step was to evaluate the preliminary toxicity after oral administration of the EtOAc-F in gerbils. Finally, the third step was to determine the relative expression of biomarkers such as glutathione (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) against H. contortus L3 post-exposition to EtOAc-F. Additionally, the less-polar compounds of EtOAc-F were identified by gas mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS). The highest anthelmintic efficacy (97.34%) of the organic fraction was found in the gerbils treated with the 14 mg/kg of BW. Histopathological analysis did not reveal changes in tissues. The relative expression reflects overexpression of GPx (p<0.05, fold change: 14.35) and over expression of SOD (p≤0.05, fold change: 0.18) in H. contortus L3 exposed to 97.44 mg/mL of EtOAc-F compared with negative control. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (1), leucoanthocyanidin derivative (2), coniferyl alcohol (3), ferulic acid methyl ester acetate (4), 2,3,4-trimethoxycinnamic acid (5) and epiyangambin (6) as major compounds. According to these results, the EtOAc-F from G. ulmifolia leaves exhibit anthelmintic effect and increased the stress biomarkers on H. contortus.

Novel Nanotechnological Strategies for Skin Anti-aging.

BACKGROUND: Nanoparticle formulations development for anti-aging treatment is increasing due to their multifunctional properties. These nanotechnological strategies can target cellular/ molecular pathways of the skin affected by the aging process. However, a review of these strategies is required to discuss their efficacy/safety and establish the needs for further research. OBJECTIVE: Innovative nanotechnological advances for skin anti-aging/rejuvenation are summarized and discussed in this work. METHODS: The information in this review was extracted from recent and relevant studies using nanotechnology for anti-aging treatment from scientific databases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Results show an enhanced skin anti-aging effect of actives-loaded nanoparticles of next generation (nanostructured lipid carriers, fullerenes, transfersomes, protransfersomes, niosomes, ethosomes, transethosomes, glycerosomes, phytosomes) compared with nanocarriers of first generation or conventional formulations. Anti-aging active ingredients such as, flavonoids (rutin, hesperidin, quercetagetine, quercetin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, myricetin, silibinin, curcuminoids, isoflavones); vitamins (E, D₃, CoQ10); acids (hyaluronic, ascorbic, rosmarinic, gallic); extracts (Citrus sinensis, Tagetes erecta L., Achillea millefolium L., Citrus aurantium L., Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Aloe vera, propolis earned by Apis mellifera); and other compounds (adenosine, beta-glucan, heptapetide DEETGEF, resveratrol, cycloastragenol, melatonin, botulinum toxin, grapeseed oil), have been successfully entrapped into nanoparticles for skin rejuvenation. This encapsulation has improved their solubility, bioavailability, stability, permeability, and effectivity for skin anti-aging, providing a controlled drug release with minimized side effects. CONCLUSION: Recent studies show a trend of anti-aging herbal active ingredients-loaded nanoparticles, enhancing the moisturizing, antioxidant, regenerating and photoprotective activity of the skin. Suitable safety/shelf-life stability of these novel formulations is key to a successful translation to the clinic/industry.

Phytochemical Compounds and Pharmacological Properties of Larrea tridentata.

For centuries, traditional medicine from plants (phytotherapy) was the only treatment for infectious and non-infectious diseases. Although it is still practiced in several countries with excellent therapeutic results, it is frequently underestimated because, unlike Western medicine, it is not based on an empirical scientific foundation. However, interest in the search for plant-based therapeutic resources has been stimulated by disciplines such as phytochemistry and the side effects of conventional pharmacological therapies. For example, Larrea tridentata is a perennial shrub used in traditional medicine in northern Mexico and the southern United States to treat infertility, rheumatism, arthritis, colds, diarrhea, skin problems, pain, inflammation and excess body weight. Scientific research has revealed its beneficial effects-antioxidant, antitumor, neuroprotective, regenerative, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anthelmintic, antiprotozoal and insecticidal-although reports indicate that some compounds in Larrea tridentata may be hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic. Therefore, the aim of this review was to highlight the updates regarding phytochemical compounds and the pharmacological properties of Larrea tridentata.