ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology and nanomedicine are complementary disciplines aimed at the betterment of human life. Nanotechnology is an emerging branch of science for designing tools and devices of size 1-100 nm, with unique functions at the cellular, atomic and molecular levels. The concept of using nanotechnology in medical research and clinical practice is known as nanomedicine. Today, nanotechnology and nanoscience approaches to particle design and formulations are beginning to expand the market for many drugs and forming the basis for a highly profitable niche within the industry, but some predicted benefits are hyped. Under many conditions, dermal penetration of nanoparticles may be limited for consumer products such as sunscreens, although additional studies are needed on potential photooxidation products, experimental methods and the effect of skin condition on penetration. Today, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (20-30 nm) are widely used in several topical skin care products such as sunscreens. Thus, in the present scenario, nanotechnology is spreading its wings to address the key problems in the field of medicine. The benefits of nanoparticles have been shown in several scientific fields, but very little is known about their potential to penetrate the skin. Hence, this review discusses in detail the applications of nanotechnology in medicine with more emphasis on the dermatologic aspects.
ABSTRACT
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Leaves of Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb. (Caesalpiniaceae) have been used by traditional Siddha healer of Malabar region for psoriasis treatment. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the Caesalpinia bonduc decoction (CBD), Caesalpinia bonduc hydroalcoholic extract (CBHA) for antipsoriatic activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mouse tail test for psoriasis was used for the evaluation of antipsoriatic activity. Extracts were tested at a dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. and fractions at 250 mg/kg b.w. in Swiss albino mice. Parameters studied in the mouse tail test were changes in epidermal thickness and percentage orthokeratotic values. In vitro antiproliferant assay on HaCaT cell lines and in vitro lipoxygenase inhibition were also carried out. RESULTS: Butanol fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc hydroalcoholic extract (CBHAB) and water fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc hydroalcoholic extract (CBHAW) produced significant orthokeratosis (p<0.001). In relative epidermal thickness, a significant (p<0.05) reduction with respect to control was observed in groups treated with retinoic acid, CBD, butanol fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc decoction (CBDB), water fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc hydroalcoholic extract (CBHAW). Maximum antiproliferant activity was shown by CBHA (IC(50), 77.5±12.7 µg/ml). In lipoxygenase inhibition assay, water fraction of Caesalpinia bonduc decoction (CBDW) showed maximum activity with an IC(50) value of 164.71±4.57 µg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Among all the tested samples only CBHAW showed good activity in the mouse tail test, antiproliferant activity in HaCaT cells and lipoxygenase inhibition assay. Other extracts and fractions showed varying degrees of activity. The present study supports the traditional use of Caesalpinia bonduc leaves for psoriasis treatment.
Subject(s)
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/pharmacology , Caesalpinia , Phytotherapy , Psoriasis/drug therapy , Animals , Anti-Inflammatory Agents/isolation & purification , Caesalpinia/chemistry , Cell Line , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Epidermis/drug effects , Epidermis/pathology , Ethnopharmacology , Humans , India , Keratinocytes/drug effects , Keratinocytes/pathology , Lipoxygenase Inhibitors/isolation & purification , Lipoxygenase Inhibitors/pharmacology , Male , Medicine, Traditional , Mice , Plant Leaves/chemistry , Plants, Medicinal/chemistry , Psoriasis/pathologyABSTRACT
Many nutrients are essential for life, and an adequate amount of nutrients in the diet is necessary for providing energy, building and maintaining body organs, and for various metabolic processes. The role of food in the induction of various skin disorders and skin diseases leading to nutritional deficiencies is well known. The photo-protective potential of antioxidants, the effects of micronutrient supplementation on the skin immune system, and the modulating effects of fatty acids on skin disorders are well documented. Skin diseases due to nutritional deficiencies, the dietary role in skin immunity and various skin diseases, and the role of antioxidants and other supplements in skin health have been reviewed.