Epilobium angustifolium L. Extracts as Valuable Ingredients in Cosmetic and Dermatological Products.

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a popular and well-known medicinal plant. In this study, an attempt to evaluate the possibility of using this plant in preparations for the care and treatment of skin diseases was made. The antioxidant, antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanolic extracts from Epilobium angustifolium (FEE) were assessed. Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of extracts chemically composition was performed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total polyphenol content (TPC) of biologically active compounds, such as the total content of polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and assimilation pigments, as well as selected phenolic acids, was assessed. FEE was evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and antiaging properties, achieving 68% inhibition of lipoxygenase activity, 60% of collagenase and 49% of elastase. FEE also showed high antioxidant activity, reaching to 87% of free radical scavenging using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 59% using 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Additionally, in vitro penetration studies were performed using two vehicles, i.e., a hydrogel and an emulsion containing FEE. These studies showed that the active ingredients contained in FEE penetrate through human skin and accumulate in it. The obtained results indicate that E. angustifolium may be an interesting plant material to be applied as a component of cosmetic and dermatological preparations with antiaging and anti-inflammatory properties.

Achillea Species as Sources of Active Phytochemicals for Dermatological and Cosmetic Applications.

Achillea spp. is well known for its broad range of applications and long history of use in traditional medicine around the world. Health benefits of Achillea extracts result from the multitude of secondary metabolites identified in the plants from this genus that include flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, guaianolides, phytosterols, fatty acids, and organic acids. The properties of several Achillea extracts meet also the expectations of a vividly developing cosmetic market. An increasing number of studies on the dermatological properties of Achillea spp. are observed in the recent years, with Achillea millefolium L. being the most studied and used representative of the genus. There is strong scientific evidence showing that also other yarrow species might be rich sources of effective cosmetic ingredients, with skin calming and rejuvenating properties, wound healing activity, and anti-inflammatory potential. Several Achillea extracts and isolated compounds were also shown to display significant tyrosinase inhibitory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and thus are interesting candidates for active ingredients of medications and cosmetic products protecting the skin from the harmful impact of environmental stressors. The aim of this review is to collect the current information on the composition and cosmeceutical significance of different Achillea species.

Hydrogel Films Based on Chitosan and Oxidized Carboxymethylcellulose Optimized for the Controlled Release of Curcumin with Applications in Treating Dermatological Conditions.

Cross-linked chitosan (CS) films with aldehyde groups obtained by oxidation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with NaIO4 were prepared using different molar ratios between the CHO groups from oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCOx) and NH2 groups from CS (from 0.25:1 to 2:1). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy demonstrated the aldehyde groups' presence in the CMCOx. The maximum oxidation degree was 22.9%. In the hydrogel, the amino groups' conversion index value increased when the -CHO/-NH2 molar ratio, cross-linking temperature, and time increased, while the swelling degree values decreased. The hydrogel films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR analysis. The curcumin encapsulation efficiency decreases from 56.74% to 16.88% when the cross-linking degree increases. The immobilized curcumin release efficiency (REf%) and skin membrane permeability were evaluated in vitro in two different pH solutions using a Franz diffusion cell, and it was found to decrease when the molar ratio -CH=O/NH2 increases. The curcumin REf% in the receptor compartment was higher at pH = 7.4 (18%- for the sample with a molar ratio of 0.25:1) than at pH = 5.5 (16.5%). The curcumin absorption in the skin membrane at pH = 5.5 (47%) was more intense than at pH = 7.4 (8.6%). The curcumin-loaded films' antioxidant activity was improved due to the CS presence.

Cosmetic and Dermatological Properties of Selected Ayurvedic Plant Extracts.

Due to the constantly growing interest in ingredients of natural origin, this study attempts to evaluate the possibility of using extracts from three Ayurvedic plants in preparations for the care and treatment of skin diseases. Therefore, studies of antioxidant properties were carried out using DPPH and ABTS radicals, obtaining 76% and 88% of these radical scavenging, respectively. A significant decrease in the intracellular level of free radicals and an increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzyme-superoxide dismutase by almost 60% were also observed. In addition, the extracts were assessed for anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties, obtaining over 70% inhibition of lipoxygenase activity and almost 40% of collagenase. Additionally, the cytoprotective properties of the obtained extracts on skin cells, keratinocytes and fibroblasts, were demonstrated. To assess the content of biologically active compounds, HPLC-electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) analyses were performed. The obtained results show that all three analyzed plants are a valuable source of biologically active substances with desired properties in the context of skin cell protection. Particularly noteworthy is the extract of Epilobium angustifolium L., for which the most promising results were obtained.

Role of keratinocytes and immune cells in the anti-inflammatory effects of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. in a murine model of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. (TwHf) belonging to the Celastraceae family is widely used for psoriasis treatment, especially in topical therapy in Chinese traditional medicine. PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the anti-psoriatic effects of topical administration of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. root decoction (TwHf-RD), as well as its safety and potential mechanisms of action in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Psoriasis-like lesions were induced in mice using imiquimod (IMQ). The liver and kidney function and the pathological changes in the liver, kidney, and spleen were measured using ELISA and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining after TwHf-RD treatment. H&E staining was used to determine the optimum concentration of TwHf-RD. The expression levels of ki67 and apoptosis related-factors in vivo and in vitro were measured by immunohistochemical staining, flow cytometry, and western blotting. Immunocyte differentiation and pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-10, IL-22, IL-23, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) expression levels were determined by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR. RESULTS: TwHf-RD treatment attenuated skin inflammation, inhibited keratinocyte (KC) proliferation, increased the levels of apoptosis factors, and influenced the differentiation and inflammatory response of T lymphocytes and regulatory T cells in mice. In vitro experiments proved that Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. root extract (TwHf-RE) regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of PAM212 cells. CONCLUSION: TwHf-RD alleviates IMQ-induced psoriasis lesions by regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of KC and immune cells and by inhibiting immunocyte differentiation and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression.

Anti-Irritant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of DHA Encapsulated in Resveratrol-Based Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in Human Keratinocytes.

We recently found that the dietary long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-ω-3 PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), showed enhanced antineoplastic activity against colon cancer cells if encapsulated in resveratrol-based solid lipid nanoparticles (RV-SLNs). In the present study, we investigated whether the DHA enclosed in RV-SLNs (DHA-RV-SLNs) could have the potential of attenuating irritation and inflammation caused by environmental factors at the skin level. To this aim, we used two keratinocyte lines (HaCaT and NCTC 2544 cells) and exposed them to the cytotoxic action of the surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), as an in vitro model of irritation, or to the pro-inflammatory activity of the cytokine TNF-α. We found that DHA enclosed in RV-SLNs significantly enhanced its ability to contrast the cytotoxic effect of SDS and to inhibit the SDS- and TNF-α-induced production of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, and 1 MCP-1, in the two keratinocyte cell lines, as well as the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, it more efficiently reduced the upsurge of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels obtained in the presence of a pro-oxidant (H2O2). Overall, our findings suggest the possibility that a sustained dietary supplementation with DHA-RV-SLNs could efficiently protect skin from the pro-irritant and pro-inflammatory activity of environmental attacks.

Study of the composition of 140 shampoos: similarities and differences depending on the sales channel used.

Shampoo is a hair care product designed to clean the skin and hair of the scalp. Among the ingredients that go into the making of a shampoo are detergents, conditioners, thickeners, sequestering agents, pH adjusters, preservatives, and active ingredients such as anti-dandruff agents. The purpose of this study was to identify the composition of 140 shampoos available in pharmacies, in stores of a mass-market chain, or from mail-order retailers. Forty-one shampoos were advertised as "gentle", 12 as specially formulated for infants, 35 as anti-dandruff, and 52 without any particular claim. We analysed the cleansing base, preservatives, and anti-dandruff agents when relevant and identified the allergens regardless of whether or not they are listed under Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 as one of the 26 regulated substances. We discovered that unlike shampoos sold in stores of a mass-market chain and those available from mail-order retailers, those sold in pharmacies expose users to some of the 26 substances listed under Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. We also determined that baby shampoos sold in pharmacies are allergen-free. Regarding anti-dandruff formulations, the largest variety of active ingredients was found in shampoos sold in pharmacies. Overall, the most common active ingredients were olamines, zinc pyrithione, azoles, selenium disulphide, and plant extracts. Shampoos sold in pharmacies appear to contain fewer allergens listed under Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 compared to those sold elsewhere.

Tripterygium agents for the treatment of atopic eczema: A Bayesian analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Atopic eczema is a common and recrudescent skin disorder. Tripterygium agents (TA), extracted from Tripterygium wilfordii hook F, a traditional Chinese medicine, have been used as a supplemental therapy for treating eczema empirically in recent years. PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of TA for treating atopic eczema. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and Bayesian analysis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CNKI, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, the Wan Fang Database, and Chinese Biomedicine databases were systematically searched from their respective inception dates to October 2, 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to TA used alone or in combination with other drugs were included. Meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 software, and Bayesian analysis was performed in Stata 15.0 and R (V.3.4.0) package gemtc software. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Jadad score were applied to assess the quality of all trials. RESULTS: Thirteen trials involving 1385 patients were analyzed. Meta-analysis showed that, when treating atopic eczema patients, TA combined with other drugs were strongly synergistic (p < 0.00001). Among all combinations, the efficacy of TA combined with Diyin tablet (DYP) and topical glucocorticoids (TG) (RR: 0.06, 95%CI [0.01, 0.53]), as well as with compound glycyrrhizin (CG) (RR: 0.36, 95%CI [0.14,0.94]) was superior. Among the different combined medications, the best curative effect was achieved with TA combined with DYP and TG (98.2%), followed by TA combined with CG (85.3%), with TG (51.0%), or with Fuyang granule (FG) (49.9%). Reproductive system dysfunction was the main adverse events in patients treated with TA (RR: 6.23, 95%CI [1.12, 34.62]). Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were significantly decreased, after treatment with TA (p = 0.04). Subgroup analysis indicated no statistically significant difference in eczema-related cytokines (p = 0.44). Recurrence rates of using TA and other drugs were similar (p = 0.40). CONCLUSION: TA appear to be effective in some therapies when treating patients with atopic eczema, but with apparent side effects. It cannot be concluded that TA can be generally used for eczema in the clinic, because of the small sample size. Further multi-center studies with large samples, and high-quality RCTs should be conducted to clarify the efficacy and safety of TA for treating eczema.

Gypenoside LXXV Promotes Cutaneous Wound Healing In Vivo by Enhancing Connective Tissue Growth Factor Levels Via the Glucocorticoid Receptor Pathway.

Cutaneous wound healing is a well-orchestrated event in which many types of cells and growth factors are involved in restoring the barrier function of skin. In order to identify whether ginsenosides, the main active components of Panax ginseng, promote wound healing, the proliferation and migration activities of 15 different ginsenosides were tested by MTT assay and scratched wound closure assay. Among ginsenosides, gypenoside LXXV (G75) showed the most potent wound healing effects. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the effects of G75 on wound healing in vivo and characterize associated molecular changes. G75 significantly increased proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and promoted wound closure in an excision wound mouse model compared with madecassoside (MA), which has been used to treat wounds. Additionally, RNA sequencing data revealed G75-mediated significant upregulation of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which is known to be produced via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) pathway. Consistently, the increase in production of CTGF was confirmed by western blot and ELISA. In addition, GR-competitive binding assay and GR translocation assay results demonstrated that G75 can be bound to GR and translocated into the nucleus. These results demonstrated that G75 is a newly identified effective component in wound healing.

Fumaric acid ester-induced T-cell lymphopenia in the real-life treatment of psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Fumaric acid esters (FAEs) are used to treat psoriasis and are known to cause lymphopenia in roughly 60% of the patients. Much remains to be elucidated about the biological effects of FAEs on lymphocytes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of long-term FAE (Fumaderm® ) treatment on peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, CD19+ B cells and CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells in psoriasis. METHODS: In this single-centre retrospective observational subcohort study, we obtained leucocyte and lymphocyte subset counts before initiating FAE therapy in 371 psoriasis patients (mean age, 47.8 years; 63.3% males) and monitored them during treatment (mean treatment duration, 2.9 years). Multiparametric flow cytometry was used for immunophenotyping. RESULTS: FAEs significantly reduced the numbers of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, CD19+ B and CD56+ NK cells. Among lymphocyte subsets, the mean percentage reduction from baseline was always highest for CD8+ T cells, with a peak of 55.7% after 2 years of therapy. The risk of T-cell lymphopenia increased significantly with the age of the psoriasis patients at the time that FAE therapy was initiated. It was significantly decreased for the combination therapy with methotrexate and folic acid (vitamin B9) supplementation. Supporting evidence was found suggesting that T-cell lymphopenia enhances the effectiveness of FAE therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring distinct T-cell subsets rather than just absolute lymphocyte counts may provide more meaningful insights into both the FAE treatment safety and efficacy. We therefore suggest optimizing pharmacovigilance by additionally monitoring CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts at regular intervals, especially in patients of middle to older age. Thus, further prospective studies are needed to establish evidence-based recommendations to guide dermatologists in the management of psoriasis patients who are taking FAEs and who develop low absolute T-cell counts.

A Prospective, Open-Label Study Evaluating Adjunctive Calcipotriene 0.005%/Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.064% Foam in Psoriasis Patients With Inadequate Response to Biologic Therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and safety of combining calcipotriene 0.005%/betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% (Cal/BD) foam with biologic therapies for patients with plaque psoriasis who have not obtained an adequate response with biologic therapy. METHODS: This was a prospective, open-label, single-arm study of patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis (body surface area [BSA] ≤5%) who were being treated with biologic agents for ≥24 weeks. All patients received once-daily Cal/BD foam for 4 weeks, followed by twice-weekly use on consecutive days for 12 weeks (maintenance regimen). The end points were assessed at weeks 4 and 16, and included the Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), BSA, PGA×BSA, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (TSQM)-9. Safety evaluations included assessments of local skin reactions and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Enrolled were 25 patients (18 men and 7 women; mean age, 53 ± 11 years). Patients had significant disease activity despite being on stable biologic therapy (median values: BSA, 3%; PGA, 3; PGA×BSA, 8). At weeks 4 and 16 versus baseline, adjunctive therapy with Cal/BD foam significantly improved PGA score (1 vs 1 vs 3; P less than .01), BSA involvement (1% vs 1% vs 3%; P less than .01), and PGA×BSA measure (1 vs 1 vs 8; P less than .01). Most patients achieved treat-to-target criteria for BSA ≤1% and PGA ≤1 at week 4 (both 76%) and week 16 (both 68%) versus 12% and 4%, respectively, at baseline. Quality of life was improved at both weeks 4 and 16, with high treatment satisfaction. Overall, adjunctive Cal/BD foam was safe and well-tolerated, with no serious AEs. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive therapy with Cal/BD foam was associated with an improvement of every measure of disease activity in patients with inadequate response to biologics, an effect that was maintained throughout the study. The majority of patients achieved treat-to-target goals. J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(8):845-850.

Emerging landscape in psoriasis management: From topical application to targeting biomolecules.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disorder affecting 2-3% of the world population. It has characteristic features such as increased keratinocyte proliferation and production of inflammatory mediators. The treatment involves various strategies including topical, systemic, phototherapy and biologics. Topical therapies are preferred for mild to moderate psoriasis conditions over the systemic therapies which are ideal in severe disease conditions. The systemic therapies include immunosuppressants, biological agents and recently approved phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitors. There are various limitations associated with the existing therapies where the new findings in the pathogenesis of psoriasis are paving a path for newer therapeutics to target at the molecular level. Various small molecules, PDE-4 inhibitors, biologics, and immunomodulator proved efficacious including the new molecules targeting Janus kinases (JAK) inhibitors that are under investigation. Furthermore, the role of genetic and miRNAs in psoriasis is still not completely explored and may further help in improving the treatment efficacy. This review provides an insight into various emerging therapies along with currently approved treatments for psoriasis.

Decryption of Active Constituents and Action Mechanism of the Traditional Uighur Prescription (BXXTR) Alleviating IMQ-Induced Psoriasis-Like Skin Inflammation in BALB/c Mice.

Bai Xuan Xia Ta Re Pian (BXXTR) is a traditional Uighur medicine ancient prescription in China widely used in the treatment of psoriasis, presenting a high curative rate and few side effects. Given that the active constituents and action mechanism still remain unclear, the aim of this study is to explore the potential active constituents and mechanism of antipsoriasis of BXXTR. Psoriasis-like lesions model in BALB/c mice was induced by Imiquimod (IMQ), including five treatment groups: control group, IMQ-treated group, IMQ-ACITRETIN group (Positive control group), IMQ-BXXTR low dose group, IMQ-BXXTR medium dose group and IMQ-BXXTR high dose group. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, skin and ear thickness, and histologic section were collected. The differentially expressed genes were determined by using RNAseq technology and the relevant pathways were analyzed by KEGG database. The ELISA kit and western blot assays were used to detect the related protein expression levels. In addition, the chemical constituents of BXXTR were determined by UPLC-TOF-MS analysis and the potential active constituents were predicted by SEA DOCK and Gene Ontology (GO). The data demonstrated that BXXTR significantly alleviated IMQ-induced psoriasis. RNA-seq analysis showed that BXXTR induced the expression levels of 31 genes; the KEGG analysis suggested that BXXTR could significantly change IL-17-related inflammatory pathways. The ELISA kit confirmed that the expression level of IL-17A protein was significantly reduced. 75 compounds of BXXTR were determined by UPLC-TOF-MS analysis, 11 of 75 compounds were identified as potential active compounds by similarity ensemble approach docking (SEA DOCK) and Gene Ontology (GO). BXXTR reduced the severity of skin lesions by inhibiting IL-17-related inflammatory pathways. The results indicated that BXXTR could suppress psoriasis inflammation by multiple-constituents-regulated multiple targets synergistically. Collectively, this study could provide important guidance for the elucidation of the active constituents and action mechanism of BXXTR for the treatment of psoriasis.

Delivery of adapalene using a novel topical gel based on tea tree oil nano-emulsion: Permeation, antibacterial and safety assessments.

The aim of present study was to design and optimize 0.1% adapalene loaded nano-emulsion to improve the drug efficacy and increase its user compliance. Effect of type and concentration of surfactants was studied on size of 0.1% adapalene loaded nano-emulsion. Optimized formulation was then evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, morphology, viscosity, and pH. Subsequently, 1% carbopol® 934 was incorporated to the optimized formulation for preparation of its gel form. The efficacy and safety of 0.1% adapalene loaded nano-emulsion gel was assessed compared to marketed gel containing 0.1% adapalene. In-vitro studies showed that adapalene permeation through the skin was negligible in both adapalene loaded nano-emulsion gel and adapalene marketed gel. Furthermore, drug distribution studies in skin indicated higher retention of adapalene in the dermis in adapalene loaded nano-emulsion gel compared with adapalene marketed gel. Antibacterial activity against Propionibacterium acnes showed that adapalene loaded nano-emulsion is effective in reducing minimum inhibitory concentration of the formulation in comparison with tea tree oil nano-emulsion, and pure tea tree oil. In vivo skin irritation studies showed absence of irritancy for adapalene loaded nano-emulsion gel. Also, blood and liver absorption of the drug, histological analysis of liver and liver enzyme activity of rats after 90 days' treatment were investigated. No drug was detected in blood/liver which in addition to an absence of any adverse effect on liver and enzymes showed the potential of adapalene loaded nano-emulsion gel as a novel carrier for topical delivery of adapalene.

Topical Treatment of Skin Injury Inflicted in Mice by X-Ray Irradiation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There is no treatment, without side effects, efficiently preventing or curing skin burns, caused by radiotherapy. A new experimental topical treatment protocol was assessed in mice receiving orthovoltage X-rays at an equivalent dose to that applied to human breast cancer patients in conventional radiotherapy. METHODS: SKH-HR2 female hairless mice were irradiated on their dorsum with a total dose of 4,300 cGy during a 1-month period (20 fractions). The treatment group received a combination of 3 topical products, an oil-in-water cream, a gel containing Pinus halepensis bark aqueous extract, and an ointment containing olive oil extract of the marine isopod Ceratothoa oestroides. The positive control group was treated with a conventionally used commercial gel, whereas the negative control group did not receive any topical treatment. Skin alterations were evaluated by macroscopic examinations, measurements of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), melanin content, erythema intensity, hydration, and histopathology assessment. RESULTS: Sixty days after radiation, TEWL and hydration values were abnormal and elements of acute, chronic, and granulomatous inflammation were present in all cases. The severest damage was detected in the deeper dermis. Treatment showed a comparatively beneficial effect on chronic and granulomatous inflammation while positive control was beneficial on acute inflammation. CONCLUSION: Skin anti-inflammatory treatment was the most effective but must be applied for several months. Further preclinical studies should be conducted, assimilating a human cancer radiation therapeutic schema with the aim of optimizing skin inflammation treatment.

Novel combination for the treatment of acne differentiated based on gender: a new step towards personalized treatment.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of a complete skin care line consisting of an oral supplement in two distinct formulations for males and females, and a topical cream device in the treatment of mild and moderate acne. Oral supplements contain biotin, probiotic, vitamin E, zinc, nicotinamide; in the formulation for males beta sitosterol and Boswellia serrata were added, the oral supplement for females contains myo-inositol and folic acid. The topical cream device is represented by the association between active plant agents (verbascoside, Ocimum gratissimum) and keratolytic molecules (salicylic acid, gluconolactone, complex alpha-hydroxy acids). METHODS: An equal number of male and female patients with mild to moderate acne were enrolled in a double-blinded clinical trial. Efficacy and tolerability evaluations were performed at week 4 (T1) and week 12 (T2) by Global acne Grading System (GAGs). RESULTS: Most of patients had satisfactory therapeutic response, in terms of GAGs reduction. All the four groups presented a statistically significant improvement of the mean GAGs at T2 but those assuming the oral supplement improved more, as expected. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that this association can be considered a new effective option for mild and moderate acne. This therapeutic line differs from others in the gender matched oral treatment.

Antimicrobial, modulatory and chemical analysis of the oil of Croton limae.

CONTEXT: Croton sp. are plants with a well-reported antimicrobial activity. Croton limae A.P. Gomes, M.F. Sales P.E. Berry (Euphorbiaceae), known as 'marmeleiro-prateado', is commonly used to manage abdominal pain in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: This work evaluates the phytochemical composition, antimicrobial and modulatory activities of the essential oil of C. limae leaves (EOCL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the modulation of the antibiotic activity were determined using a microdilution method. The concentration of EOCL ranged between 512 and 8 µg/mL. Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Candida tropicalis, C. krusei and C. albicans strains were used in the MIC and modulation assays. The antibiotics, amikacin, gentamicin and neomycin, and the antifungals, amphotericin B, benzoylmetronidazole and nystatin, were used in concentrations ranging between 2500 and 2.5 µg/mL. The phytochemical analysis of the EOCL was performed through gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS). RESULTS: Only Staphylococcus aureus was inhibited by a clinically relevant concentration of EOCL (MIC 512 µg/mL). Synergism between the EOCL and amikacin against S. aureus (9.76 µg/mL) and E. coli (39.062 µg/mL); neomycin against E. coli (2.44 µg/mL); and benzoylmetronidazole against C. krusei (256 µg/mL) were observed. The GC/MS analysis identified cedrol, eucalyptol and α-pinene as the main compounds of EOCL. CONCLUSION: EOCL inhibited the growth of S. aureus and potentiated the antibiotic and antifungal effects of drugs against all bacterial and Candida strains, respectively.

Preparation and efficacy assessment of malva nut polysaccharide for skin hydrating products.

INTRODUCTION: Scaphium scaphigerum or malva nut has long been served in Chinese medicine. However, the use of this herb in modern health care applications has, to date, been rarely reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maceration of the herb in water afforded malva nut polysaccharide which was standardized. Safety and skin hydrating efficacy of the polysaccharide and products were evaluated in human volunteers. RESULTS: Malva nut polysaccharide (41.71±0.64%) having 36.58±0.51% total sugar content was isolated, with further analysis quantifying ash, carbohydrate, reducing sugar and moisture contents to be 6.05±0.00, 40.06±1.00, 12.20±0.05 and 12.64±0.31%, respectively. The polysaccharide exhibited swelling and hydrating capacities of 0.46±0.01% and 54.46±0.02g/g, with L*, a* and b* of 52.56±0.04, 9.02±0.06 and 18.42±0.03, respectively, and a viscosity of 1263.00±2.00 cps. Accelerated testing indicated the biopolysaccharide to be stable, resulting in no skin irritation in 15 human volunteers. The skin hydrating efficacy as assessed via a randomized single-blind, placebo-controlled study in 24 volunteers highlighted the superior performance of malva nut over the vehicle (moisture retainment for 70min as examined by Corneometer® CM 825). A stable skin moisturizing gel containing malva nut was developed and was shown to exhibit improved performance over benchmark tamarind and algae polysaccharide gels (after 180min observation). CONCLUSION: Malva nut polysaccharide has potential as a key ingredient in skin hydrating products, which should encourage its further development.

In vitro safety and efficacy evaluations of a complex botanical mixture of Eugenia dysenterica DC. (Myrtaceae): Prospects for developing a new dermocosmetic product.

In the context of developing a new natural product-based cosmetic, the in vitro efficacy and safety evaluations of a complex botanical mixture based on Eugenia dysenterica leaf hydroalcoholic extract (EDE) (2.5-1000µg/mL) were carried out. Chromatographic analysis demonstrated the presence of the tannin (ellagic acid) and flavonoids (quercetin and gallic acid) which characterize the EDE as a polyphenol-rich mixture. Using HFF-1 fibroblasts, it was shown that EDE promoted cell regeneration after UVA exposure. It also led to the inhibition of the collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase enzymes, which are involved in skin-related disorders. In terms of toxicological evaluation, the EDE was classified as non-phototoxic through the 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test (OECD N° 432, 2004) and non-eye irritant by Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (OECD N° 437, 2013) assay, in conjunction with corneal histomorphometric analysis. Furthermore, the EDE has no skin sensitization potential as demonstrated by a two-out-of-three prediction model [protein-binding/haptenization (OECD N° 442C, 2015), keratinocyte and dendritic cell activations]. In addition, it was shown that the EDE seems to be non-genotoxic through the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (OECD N° 487, 2014) using HepG2 cells. When considered together, these findings support the use of EDE botanical mixture in cosmetic/pharmaceutical products.

Evaluation of Cynodon dactylon for wound healing activity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Research in the field of wound healing is very recent. The concept of wound healing is changing from day to day. Ayurveda is the richest source of plant drugs for management of wounds and Cynodon dactylon L. is one such. The plant is used as hemostatic and wound healing agent from ethnopharmacological point of view. Aim of the present study is scientific validation of the plant for wound healing activity in detail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aqueous extract of the plant was prepared and phytochemical constituents were detected by HPLC analysis. Acute and dermatological toxicity study of the extract was performed. Pharmacological testing of 15% ointment (w/w) of the extract with respect to placebo control and standard comparator framycetin were done on full thickness punch wound in Wister rats and effects were evaluated based on parameters like wound contraction size (mm2), tensile strength (g); tissue DNA, RNA, protein, hydroxyproline and histological examination. The ointment was applied on selected clinical cases of chronic and complicated wounds and efficacy was evaluated on basis of scoring on granulation, epithelialization, vascularity as well as routine hematological investigations. RESULTS: Significant results (p<0.05) were observed both in pharmacological and clinical studies. CONCLUSION: The present research with aqueous extract of Cynodon dactylon explores its potential wound healing activity in animal model and subsequent feasibility in human subjects. Phenolic acids and flavonoids present in c. dactylon supports its wound healing property for its anti-oxidative activity that are responsible for collagenesis.