Search Results (3)

The research objective of this study was to include plant-origin additives of the Boswellia species in the formulation of topical preparations for skin care after radiotherapy. The main factor damaging the skin during radiotherapy is the free radicals that form from water molecules and granulocytes in the inflammatory area; hence, the use of substances with antioxidant properties, including plant extracts rich in antioxidants, seems to be an alternative therapy in radiodermatitis treatment. A series of cosmetic preparations containing plant-origin additives from Boswellia species and corresponding placebo formulations were prepared. In order to assess the applicability of emulgels as oncocosmetics, their stability, physicochemical properties, rheological properties, and antioxidant capacity were determined. Somatosensory analysis was also performed. An attempt was also made to correlate the effect of plant-derived additives on the functional properties of the product determined via instrumental methods and the sensory properties. The most promising preparation was the emulgel containing the Soxhlet extract and essential oil (Em_SO) due to its high antioxidant properties compared to other preparations (% inhibition of 11.69) and polyphenol content (3.63 mg/dm³). Additionally, probands positively assessed all its features, including consistency (4.00), absorption (4.43), and hydration (4.71). The presence of significant correlations for % inhibition and polyphenols content with sensory and physicochemical characteristics of samples was indicated. There were low ratings for placebo preparations by probands, and the demonstrated correlations of odor with moisturization and distribution, oiliness and hydration with the % inhibition of the sample, and the content of polyphenols with the pH and size of the dispersed phase droplets proved the positive effect of the addition of plant-origin additives from Boswellia to the emulgel formulation on the functional and sensory properties. Full article

Due to the still large number of patients diagnosed with pelvic neoplasms (colorectal, gynecological, and urological) in advanced stages right from the initial diagnosis, surgery represents the mainstay of treatment, often implying wide, eventually multi-organ resections in order to achieve negative surgical margins. Perineal wound morbidity, particularly in extralevator abominoperineal excision, leads to complications and local infection rates of up to 40%. Strategies to reduce postoperative wound complications are being pursued to address this issue. The VRAM flap remains the gold standard for autologous reconstruction after pelvic oncological resection; it was initially designed for abdominal wall defects and later expanded for large pelvic tissue defects. The flap’s application is based on its physical characteristics, including abundant tissue and a generous skin paddle, which effectively obliterates dead space after exenterations. The generous skin paddle offers good cosmetic and functional outcomes at the recipient site. This article describes the case of a patient histopathologically diagnosed with stage IIIA squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix who received multimodal onco-surgical treatment. The surgical mainstay of this treatment is pelvic exenteration. Pelvic reconstruction after this major surgery was performed using a vertical flap with the rectus abdominis. Full article

Background: The use of herbal extracts as the source of antioxidant substances capable of neutralizing free radicals and providing protection from ionizing radiation appears to be an alternative therapy for radiodermatitis. As concerns the prevention and treatment of side effects, a lot of recommendations are based on proper experience of radiotherapy centers. We summarize recent research aiming at reducing radiation-induced skin injuries by use of proper skin care, using topical preparations with herbal extracts including onco-cosmetics. Methods: This article is limited to a critical analysis of scientific and professional literature. It concerns preparations in different physicochemical forms, e.g., gels, emulsions, ointments. We stress the connection between the type of applied skin care (type of preparation, its composition, the dose), the properties of the herbal extract and the evaluation of its efficiency in preventing and treating radiation reaction on skin. Conclusions: Herbal extracts can be added to recipes because they are part of a category of cosmeceutical supplements and can be introduced into preparations without prescription. The effectiveness evaluation for herbal extracts in radiotherapy is not an easy task since there are no strict guidelines. Studies should be preceded by the analysis of herbal extracts and recipe in terms of physicochemical, dermatological and performance characteristics. Full article