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Dear Colleagues,

Naturally occurring organic compounds such as lipids and alkaloids have great potential not only in therapeutic applications, but also in others such as cosmetics. These natural compounds can be used as native compounds or their properties can be modified and fine-tuned for different applications. Alkaloids and lipids are suitable candidates for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Lipid-derived amphiphiles have great ability to self-assemble in nanostructures. The inherent hydrophobic nature of lipids makes them ideal for encapsulation of therapeutics, including alkaloids, and they are released in a controlled fashion at the desired site. This Special Issue focuses on the use of alkaloids and lipids in therapeutic and cosmetic applications.

Prof. Dr. Aman Ullah
Guest Editor

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Keywords

alkaloids
lipids
cosmetics
therapeutics

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 951 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Phenylalanine Butyramide Is a New Cosmetic Ingredient with Soothing and Anti-Reddening Potential

by Ritamaria di Lorenzo, Antonietta Bernardi, Lucia Grumetto, Antonia Sacchi, Carmen Avagliano, Serena Coppola, Anna Fiorenza de Giovanni di Santa Severina, Cristina Bruno, Lorella Paparo, Sonia Laneri and Irene Dini

Molecules 2021, 26(21), 6611; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26216611 - 31 Oct 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2722

Abstract

Human skin is colonized by diverse commensal microbes, making up the skin microbiota (SM), contributing to skin integrity and homeostasis. Many of the beneficial effects aroused by the SM are exerted by microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including butyric acid. The SCFAs can be used in cosmetic formulations against skin diseases to protect SM by preserving and/or restoring their natural balance. Unpleasant sensorial properties and unfavorable physico-chemical properties of butyrate strongly limit its cosmetic use. In contrast, some butyrate derivatives, including phenylalanine butyramide (C₁₃H₁₈N₂O₂, FBA), a solid form of butyric acid, are odorless while retaining the pharmacokinetic properties and safety profile of butyric acid. This study assessed the FBA’s permeation across the skin and its soothing and anti-reddening potential to estimate its cosmetic application. The dosage method used to estimate FBA’s levels was validated to be sure of analytical results. The FBA diffusion tests were estimated in vitro using a Franz-type vertical diffusion cell. The soothing action was evaluated in vivo by Colorimeter CL400, measuring the erythema index. The results suggest that the FBA represents an innovative way to exploit the benefits of butyric acid in the cosmetic fields since it cannot reach the bloodstream, is odorless, and has a significative soothing action (decrease the erythema index −15.7% after 30′, and −17.8% after 60′). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipids and Alkaloids for Therapeutic and Cosmetic Applications)

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Review

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21 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential Antiviral Action of Alkaloids

by Frage L. Abookleesh, Bader S. Al-Anzi and Aman Ullah

Molecules 2022, 27(3), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27030903 - 28 Jan 2022

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3924

Abstract

Viral infections and outbreaks have become a major concern and are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The development of successful antiviral therapeutics and vaccines remains a daunting challenge. The discovery of novel antiviral agents is a public health emergency, and extraordinary efforts are underway globally to identify safe and effective treatments for different viral diseases. Alkaloids are natural phytochemicals known for their biological activities, many of which have been intensively studied for their broad-spectrum of antiviral activities against different DNA and RNA viruses. The purpose of this review was to summarize the evidence supporting the efficacy of the antiviral activity of plant alkaloids at half-maximum effective concentration (EC₅₀) or half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) below 10 μM and describe the molecular sites most often targeted by natural alkaloids acting against different virus families. This review highlights that considering the devastating effects of virus pandemics on humans, plants, and animals, the development of high efficiency and low-toxicity antiviral drugs targeting these viruses need to be developed. Furthermore, it summarizes the current research status of alkaloids as the source of antiviral drug development, their structural characteristics, and antiviral targets. Overall, the influence of alkaloids at the molecular level suggests a high degree of specificity which means they could serve as potent and safe antiviral agents waiting for evaluation and exploitation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipids and Alkaloids for Therapeutic and Cosmetic Applications)

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