Search Results (44)

(1) Background: Our study investigates the green synthesis of Ag₂O/Ag nanoparticles using the isoflavone Puerarin as a bioreductor. (2) Methods: The PUE@Ag₂O/Ag nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electronic microscopy (TEM, SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Biological activities were assessed through antimicrobial testing, cytotoxicity assays on human keratinocytes and melanoma cells, and an in ovo screening using the HET-CAM assay. (3) Results: The formation of crystalline Ag₂O/Ag nanoparticles with sizes below 100 nm was accomplished with Puerarin. Despite their high cytotoxicity at all tested concentrations, the nanoparticles showed antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ 981.5 ± 94.2 μg/mL, antibacterial activity against several clinically relevant nosocomial strains (Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and no local irritant effects or inhibition of angiogenesis in the HET-CAM assay. (4) Conclusions: This study provides insights into the synthesis, characterization, and biological profile of PUE@Ag₂O/Ag nanoparticles for potential biomedical applications. Full article

A comparative evaluation of Moringa oleifera Lam. ethanolic leaf extracts was performed using different extraction methods (maceration or ultrasound-assisted) and the qualitative and quantitative profile of the bioactive compounds contained were further assessed. The antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity were evaluated, as well as the antiangiogenic effects through in ovo studies. Six ethanolic extracts were tested in this study. Moringa MAC 70% and Moringa US 70% extracts displayed the highest concentration of phenolic compounds and also showed a significant AOA at the highest tested dose. Regarding the antimicrobial effect, the extracts obtained with 70% ethanol (maceration or ultrasound-assisted) had antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, S. pyogenes and E. coli, followed by Candida parapsilosis. On the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain, the extracts showed no effect. The HET-CAM assay showed that the extracts did not cause any irritation compared to the used positive control. Furthermore, the extracts Moringa MAC 70% and Moringa US 70% did not affect the normal process of blood vessel formation. The data obtained highlights that, from the six tested extracts, the ones obtained with 70% ethanol using maceration and ultrasound-assisted methods (Moringa MAC 70% and Moringa US 70%) showed the highest phenolic content and exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity. The same two extracts did not show signs of irritation in the HET-CAM model. Full article

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CP) chemotherapy is commonly associated with various side effects. The development of an effective therapy capable of counteracting these effects is of great interest. Objectives: We evaluated the effects of a novel polyherbal formulation (PHF) on CP cytotoxicity in TM3 cells and fictive ejaculation in rats, and determined its possible mechanism. Methods: The phytochemical analysis of PHF was determined by GC-MS. Various oxidative stress-related parameters (DPPH, ABTS⁺, CUPRAC, FRAP, MMP, and DCF-DA) and the cytotoxicity (hemolysis and HET-CAM) of PHF were evaluated. Its effect on fictive ejaculation was tested by recording the electromyographic activities of bulbospongiosus muscles, and the involvement of TRPV1/TRPM2 channels was investigated using their specific agonists and antagonists. Results: We found that PHF contained various phytocompounds. PHF prevented CP-induced oxidative stress in TM3 cells, probably due to its strong antioxidant potential. For instance, PHF inhibited apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, and ROS generation. Furthermore, the activities of capsaicin (CAP) and cumene hydroperoxide (CHPx) were significantly lowered by PHF, indicating TRPV1 and TRPM2 inhibition. In the in vivo study conducted in spinal male rats, the number of contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscles was significantly (p < 0.001) lowered in the PHF + DOPA (1.54 ± 0.3) and PHF + CAP (2.43 ± 0.74) groups, compared with the DOPA (8.75 ± 0.71) and CAP (7.41 ± 1.01) groups, respectively. Additionally, PHF delayed the pro-ejaculatory effects of dopamine (by 17.6%) and capsaicin (by 32.69%). The in silico study revealed a strong binding affinity between the selected PHF phytocompounds and the active pockets of TRPV1 and TRPM2. HET-CAM and hemolysis assays revealed no harmful effects of PHF. Conclusions: PHF prevented CP cytotoxicity in TM3 cells and delayed the pro-ejaculatory effects of dopamine and capsaicin in spinal rats through dopamine and TRPV1 inhibition. PHF could be a potential candidate for the management of CP chemotherapy-related disorders, such as premature ejaculation, in particular. Full article

Mild to moderate pain for a few hours to several days post-piercing is normal, and the pain is usually accompanied by swelling, redness, and warmth due to the inflammatory response. Cool compresses and over-the-counter analgesics (e.g., NSAIDs) can ease mild discomfort. However, oral NSAIDs may have systemic side effects; for this reason, we propose a topical anti-inflammatory approach. Four pranoprofen-loaded gels were created using different gelling agents: Sepigel^® 305 (PF-Gel-Sep), Carbopol^® 940 (PF-Gel-Car), Pluronic^® F-68 (PF-Gel-Plu), and Lutrol^® F-127 (PF-Gel-Lut). The gels were assessed for pH, morphology, FT-IR spectroscopy, rheological properties, spreadability, swelling and degradation, drug release kinetics, skin permeation (cow and human skin), irritation potential (HET-CAM assay), and impact on skin barrier function (TEWL and SCH). The gels exhibited varied rheological properties with PF-Gel-Car showing high viscosity and PF-Gel-Plu very low viscosity. All gels had similar spreadability with PF-Gel-Lut showing the highest. PF-Gel-Car showed the highest amounts of PF released, whereas PF-Gel-Plu led to the highest amount of pranoprofen retained in human and bovine skin. The HET-CAM assay indicated that none of the PF-Gels were irritating. Additionally, PF-Gel-Car and PF-Gel-Plu showed no cytotoxic effects on HaCaT cells. In vivo testing on mice showed that PF-Gel-Car prevented inflammation, while the rest of the gels were able to revert it in 25 min. Skin tolerance tests revealed the gels did not affect TEWL, and some gels improved SCH. The study successfully formulated and characterized four PF-loaded topical gels with potential to be used as an alternative for treating inflammation from piercings and ear tags. Full article

(1) Background: Controlled skin perforations, such as ear tags, piercings, and microdermal implants, induce inflammation and stress in individuals undergoing these procedures. This localized trauma requires care to optimize healing, reduce inflammation, and prevent infections. (2) Methods: Two formulations were developed: an FB-suspension and an FB-gel. Their in vivo efficacy was evaluated, along with drug retention in porcine and human skin after 30 min of administration, chemical stability at different temperatures, cytotoxicity, histological changes induced via transdermal application, and irritative potential, assessed using the HET-CAM assay. (3) Results: Both formulations reduced inflammation when applied 30 min before perforation compared to the positive control. The FB-suspension demonstrated no cytotoxicity and exhibited greater efficacy than the free flurbiprofen solution, highlighting the advantages of using nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery. Moreover, the FB-gel maintained chemical stability for up to 3 months across a temperature range of 4 to 40 °C. Histologically, no significant changes in skin composition were observed. (4) Conclusions: The FB-suspension is viable for both pre- and post-perforation application, as it is a sterile formulation. In contrast, the FB-gel is a convenient and easy application, making it a practical alternative for use in both clinical and veterinary settings. Full article

Background: The low solubility and poor skin permeability of sulfasalazine (SLZ) present significant challenges for its effective topical delivery. The objective of the current investigation is to formulate a hydrogel-based SLZ-loaded cyclodextrin nanosponge for topical therapy in psoriasis. Methods: SLZ-loaded nanosponges were prepared by the melt polymerization method and evaluated for physiochemical characteristics, drug release, and cytocompatibility. The selected nanosponges (SLZ-NS4) were transformed to hydrogel and further evaluated for rheology, texture, safety, skin permeability, and in vivo for anti-psoriatic effect in mouse tail and imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation models in mice. Results: Physiochemical data confirms nanoscale architecture, drug inclusion in nanosponges, crystalline structure, and formulation stability. The release profile of SLZ-NS4 revealed sustained release behavior (22.98 ± 2.24% in 3 h). Cytotoxicity assays indicated negligible toxicity against THP1 cells, resulting in higher viability of cells than pure SLZ (p < 0.05). The HET-CAM assay confirmed the safety, while confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated deeper skin permeation of SLZ. In the mouse tail model, a remarkable decline in relative epidermal thickness, potential improvement in percent orthokeratosis, and drug activity with respect to control was observed in animals treated with SLZ-NS4 hydrogel. The efficiency of the developed SLZ-NS4-loaded hydrogel in treating psoriasis was confirmed by the decline in PASI score (81.68 ± 3.61 and 84.86 ± 5.74 with 1 and 2% w/v of SLZ-NS-HG). Histopathological analysis and assessment of oxidative stress markers revealed the profound anti-psoriatic potential of the fabricated SLZ-NS4 hydrogel. Conclusions: These findings highlight the profound potential of the developed delivery system as an effective topical therapy for psoriasis. Full article

The use of nanoparticles improves the stability, solubility, and skin permeability of natural compounds in skincare products. Based on these advantages, this study aimed to incorporate the Phlomis crinita extract into polymeric nanoparticles to improve its topical skin delivery for wound healing purposes. The study involved the preparation of nanoparticles of PLGA and PLGA-PEG (PCE-PLGA-NPs and PCE-PLGA-PEG-NPs) using the solvent displacement method, physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characterization, tolerance studies by the HET-CAM assay and evaluation of skin integrity parameters, and in vitro efficacy via a scratch wound healing experiment. The prepared nanoparticles were nanometer-sized with spherical form and demonstrated an encapsulation efficiency greater than 90%. The major component (luteolin) was released following a kinetic model of hyperbola for PCE-PLGA-PEG-NPs and one-phase exponential association for PCE-PLGA-NPs. Moreover, the important permeability of luteolin skin was observed, especially for PCE-PLGA-PEG-NPs. Both formulations exhibited no irritation and no damaging effects on skin integrity, suggesting their safety. Finally, the results of the scratch wound healing experiment using 3T3-L1 cells revealed significant cell migration and proliferation, with an improved efficacy for PCE-PLGA-PEG-NPs compared to the free extract, demonstrating the potential of this formulation in the treatment of wound healing. Full article

The photosensitizer (PS) in the Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) field represents a key factor, being directly connected to the therapeutic efficacy of the process. Chlorin e6 is a second-generation photosensitizer, approved by the FDA with the most desired clinical properties for PDT applications, presenting high reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and proven anticancer properties. However, hydrophobicity is a major limitation, leading to poor biodistribution. To overcome this condition, the present work developed an up-to-date nanoemulsion incorporating Ce6 in a new nanosystem (Ce6/NE). A comprehensive study of physicochemical properties, stability, fluorescence characteristics, the in vitro release profile, in vivo and ex vivo biocompatibility, and ex vivo efficacy was established. The nanoemulsions showed the desired particle size and stability over six months, with no spectroscopic or photophysical alterations. Uptake studies demonstrated the internalization of the Ce6/NE in monolayers, with biocompatibility at the lowest concentrations. The HET-CAM assay, however, revealed a higher biocompatibility range, also indicating Ce6/NE’s potential for cancer treatment through antiangiogenic studies. These findings highlight the use of a new promising photosensitizer for PDT modulated with nanotechnology that promotes low toxicity, higher bioavailability, and site-specific delivery. Full article

Amazonian fruit residues like piquia shells are often discarded despite their antioxidant potential for sustainable cosmetic use. This study evaluated the photostability, phototoxicity, and photoprotection of hydroalcoholic piquia shell extract (PqSE) combined with UV filters in solutions and cosmetic formulations. PqSE formulations were photostable, even stabilizing photounstable UV filters. Phototoxicity tests (OECD TG 432) showed no phototoxic potential (MPE < 0.15) and reduction in the phototoxic potential of UV filters, while ocular irritation potential via HET-CAM assay indicated no irritant effects. The extract combined with UV filters enhanced protection against UVA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, achieving 60.9% effectiveness, outperforming commercial photostabilizers. Against UVB radiation, it showed cellular viability above 80%, comparable to benzophenone-3. PqSE formulations exhibited a radical protection factor (RPF) nine times higher than controls and reduced radical production by 64% after visible/near-infrared (VIS/NIR) irradiation on porcine skin, compared to 38% for controls. Confocal Raman microspectroscopy showed penetration depths below 12 µm for all time points. This study highlights the potential of reusing fruit residues like PqSE as sustainable, effective ingredients in sunscreen formulations, offering enhanced photoprotection and reduced environmental waste. Full article

Glycyrrhiza glabra L., also known as licorice, belongs to the Fabaceae family and is one of the most commercially valuable plants worldwide, being used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries, both for its therapeutic benefits as well as for the sweetening properties of the extract. This study evaluates the phytochemical composition, the biological activities, and the safety profile of a methanolic extract of licorice root (LRE) obtained from Romania. Ten phytocompounds were quantified by the HPLC-DAD-ESI+, the most abundant being the triterpene glycyrrhizin (13.927 mg/g dry extract.), followed by these flavonoids: liquiritin, liquiritigenin-apiosyl-glucoside, and apigenin-rutinoside liquiritigenin. The total phenolic content of the LRE was found to be 169.83 mg gallic acid/g dry extract. (GAE/g d.e.), and the extract showed a maximum of 79.29% antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Good antimicrobial activity of the LRE was observed for Gram-negative bacteria, especially for S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes. The mineral content of the LRE was indicative of the lack of toxicity; heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and cobalt were below the detection limit. The safety profile of the licorice extract was assessed using the in vivo hen egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM protocol), indicating no irritability, good tolerability, and biocompatibility. The phytochemical and biological characterization of the Romanian licorice root extract reveals a good source of glycyrrhizin and polyphenols with antioxidant and antimicrobial potential, along with a safety profile that may be useful for future therapeutic applications. Full article

The cosmetics industry is undergoing a shift towards sustainability and efficacy, driven by consumer demand for eco-friendly and safe products. This paper introduces SVX, a spider silk-inspired raw material intended to transform cosmetic formulations. Produced through fermentation, SVX is a biopolymer composed of self-assembled proteins characterized by a porous structure for delivering active ingredients safely to the skin. The study utilized in vitro and ex vivo methods to assess SVX’s ability to protect against oxidative stress, enhance skin hydration, and support ingredient delivery. Safety assays, including the HET-CAM, patch test, and HRIPT, demonstrated that SVX is non-irritating and safe for topical application. Additionally, FTIR analysis confirmed SVX’s capacity for sustained release of active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, over an 8 h period. Results showed that SVX significantly improved skin barrier protection and exhibited superior antioxidant properties compared to control formulations. Its biocompatibility, along with a vegan and biodegradable composition, aligns with the principles of sustainability, with over 60% biodegradability achieved within 10 days. Furthermore, SVX displayed antioxidant efficacy approximately 130 times greater than L-ascorbic acid, based on DPPH assay results. These findings suggest that SVX offers a versatile and sustainable solution for skincare formulations, combining environmental responsibility with benefits for skin health and performance. Full article

The present study aimed to analyze the antifungal, antioxidant, and irritant potential of citronella oil, both isolated and combined with caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), for topical oral candidiasis. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using two methods, the DPPH test and the reducing power test (FRAP), while the irritant potential of the solutions was assessed through the hen’s egg chorioallantoic membrane test (HET-CAM). The DPPH test (IC50) values for the CITRO III + CAPE III combination were 32 ± 9 mg/mL, and for isolated CAPE, 13 ± 3 mg/mL. The results from the FRAP method revealed a low iron-reducing power for the combination of 1.25 mg/mL of citronella and 0.0775 mg/mL of CAPE (CITRO III + CAPE III), showing no significant difference compared to the isolated solution of 0.15 mg/mL of CAPE. The antibacterial activity of CAPE and isolated citronella in vitro against microorganisms was evaluated using two methods: microdilution and biofilm assay. The results showed that the MIC and MFC values were 0.5 mg/mL for citronella at both tested times (24 h and 48 h). For CAPE, the MFC values were 0.031 mg/mL. For the biofilm assay, the isolated compounds and combinations at 1 min and 6 h showed significantly different results from the controls (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the HET-CAM results demonstrated the absence of irritability. Based on these premises, the antifungal and antioxidant actions, and absence of irritability were proven. Moreover, this work presents a natural antifungal of interest to the pharmaceutical industry. Full article

Betulinic acid is a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpene mostly found in birch bark and thoroughly explored for its wide range of pharmacological activities. Despite its impressive biological potential, its low bioavailability has challenged many researchers to develop different formulations for achieving better in vitro and in vivo effects. We previously reported the synthesis of fatty acid esters of betulinic acid using butyric, stearic, and palmitic acids (But-BA, St-BA, and Pal-BA) and included them in surfaced-modified liposomes (But-BA-Lip, St-BA-Lip, Pal-BA-Lip). In the current study, we evaluated the cytotoxic effects of both fatty acid esters and their respective liposomal formulations against MCF-7, HT-29, and NCI-H460 cell line. The cytotoxic assessment of BA derivatives revealed that both the fatty esters and their liposomal formulations acted as cytotoxic agents in a dose- and time-dependent manner. But-BA-Lip exerted stronger cytotoxic effects than the parent compound, BA and its liposomal formulation, and even stronger effects than 5-FU against HT-29 cells (IC₅₀ of 30.57 μM) and NCI-H460 cells (IC₅₀ of 30.74 μM). BA’s fatty esters and their respective liposomal formulations facilitated apoptosis in cancer cells by inducing nuclear morphological changes and increasing caspase-3/-7 activity. The HET-CAM assay proved that none of the tested compounds induced any irritative effect, suggesting that they can be used safely for local applications. Full article

Determining the safety of a newly developed experimental product is a crucial condition for its medical use, especially for clinical trials. In this regard, four hydrogel-type formulations were manufactured, all of which were based on carbomer (Blank-CP940) and encapsulated with caffeine (CAF-CP940), phosphorus derivatives (phenyl phosphinic (CAF-S1-CP940) and 2-carboxyethyl phenyl phosphinic acids (CAF-S2-CP940)). The main aim of this research was to provide a comprehensive outline of the biosafety profile of the above-mentioned hydrogels. The complex in vitro screening (cell viability, cytotoxicity, morphological changes in response to exposure, and changes in nuclei morphology) on two types of healthy skin cell lines (HaCaT—human keratinocytes and JB6 Cl 41-5a—murine epidermal cells) exhibited a good biosafety profile when both cell lines were treated for 24 h with 150 μg/mL of each hydrogel. A comprehensive analysis of the hydrogel’s impact on the genetic profile of HaCaT cells sustains the in vitro experiments. The biosafety profile was completed with the in vivo and in ovo assays. The outcome revealed that the developed hydrogels exerted good biocompatibility after topical application on BALB/c nude mice’s skin. It also revealed a lack of toxicity after exposure to the hen’s chicken embryo. Further investigations are needed, regarding the in vitro and in vivo therapeutic efficacy and safety for long-term use and potential clinical translatability. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were successfully synthesized via the biological route using a 1 M silver nitrate (AgNO₃) aqueous solution and an ethanolic peel extract of Punica granatum (Pg), at 60 °C. The physicochemical analysis revealed the formation of green synthesized Pg-AgNPs with a semi-spherical shape, non-uniformly distributed, and a particle size distribution between 5 and 100 nm. As regards the preliminary in vitro toxicological screening, the green synthesized Pg-AgNPs did not significantly affect the neonatal BALB/c epidermal cells’ viability (JB6 Cl 41-5a) at lower concentrations and did not produce visible changes in the morphology of the JB6 Cl 41-5a cells. In contrast, at higher concentrations (>50 μg/mL), the green Pg-AgNPs exhibited an important decrease in cell viability and confluency. In addition, the impact of Pg-AgNPs on cell membrane integrity suggests a potential cytotoxic effect. Contrary to the in vitro assays, after the evaluation of the anti-irritant effect in ovo, the lower concentration of Pg-AgNPs (10 μg/mL) produced hemorrhage and lysis when applied to the chorioallantoic membrane, while at 50 μg/mL, only slight coagulation was observed. Therefore, regarding the in ovo toxicological screening, the higher concentration of the Pg-AgNPs exhibited a better safety profile compared to the lower concentration, as indicated by the irritation score. Full article