Development and evaluation of a vegetable oil blend formulation for cutaneous wound healing

Polysaccharide-Stabilized Semisolid Emulsion with Vegetable Oils for Skin Wound Healing: Impact of Composition on Physicochemical and Biological Properties

Background/Objectives: The demand for natural-based formulations in chronic wound care has increased, driven by the need for biocompatible, safe, and effective treatments. Natural polysaccharide-based emulsions enriched with vegetable oils present promising benefits for skin repair, offering structural support and protective barriers suitable for sensitive wound environments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate semisolid polysaccharide-based emulsions for wound healing, incorporating avocado (Persea gratissima) and blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) oils (AO and BO, respectively). Both gellan gum (GG) and kappa-carrageenan (KC) were used as stabilizers due to their biocompatibility and gel-forming abilities. Methods: Four formulations were prepared (F1-GG-AO; F2-KC-AO; F3-GG-BO; F4-KC-BO) and evaluated for physicochemical properties, spreadability, rheology, antioxidant activity, occlusive and bioadhesion potential, biocompatibility, and wound healing efficacy using an in vitro scratch assay. Results: The pH values (4.74-5.06) were suitable for skin application, and FTIR confirmed excipient compatibility. The formulations showed reduced occlusive potential, pseudoplastic behavior with thixotropy, and adequate spreadability (7.13-8.47 mm2/g). Lower bioadhesion indicated ease of application and removal, enhancing user comfort. Formulations stabilized with KC exhibited superior antioxidant activity (DPPH scavenging) and fibroblast biocompatibility (CC50% 390-589 µg/mL) and were non-hemolytic. Both F2-KC-AO and F4-KC-BO significantly improved in vitro wound healing by promoting cell migration compared to other formulations. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of these emulsions for effective wound treatment, providing a foundation for developing skin care products that harness the therapeutic properties of polysaccharides and plant oils in a natural approach to wound care.

The application prospects of sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis linneo) in rheumatoid arthritis

Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L) (SI) is a traditional natural medicine from tropical rainforests of Amazon region in South America. As a raw material for edible oil, it has various pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemia, and blood pressure lowering, which have attracted increasing attentions of pharmacists. This has prompted researchers to explore its pharmacological effects for potential applications in certain diseases. Among these, the study of its anti-inflammatory effects has become a particularly interesting topic, especially in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a systemic autoimmune disease, and often accompanied by chronic inflammatory reactions. Despite significant progress in its treatment, there is still an urgent need to find effective anti-RA drugs in regard to safety. This review summarizes the potential therapeutic effects of SI on RA by modulating gut microbiota, targeting inflammatory cells and pathways, and mimicking biologic antibody drugs, predicting the application prospects of SI in RA, and providing references for research aimed at using SI to treat RA.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of Sacha inchi oil in atopic dermatitis mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent inflammatory skin condition characterized by a multifaceted pathogenesis, which encompasses immune system signaling dysregulation, compromised skin barrier function, and genetic influencers. Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) oil (SIO) has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, however, the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of SIO on AD remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the anti-AD effect of SIO and its possible molecular mechanism in mice with AD. The results demonstrated that SIO significantly reduced the degree of skin lesions and scratching, and improved the skin thickness and mast cell infiltration in AD mice. Furthermore, SIO significantly reduced the levels of immunoglobulin E, histamine and thymic stromal lymphopoietin in serum of AD mice. Additionally, it inhibited the expression of tumor necrosis factor-γ, interferon-γ, interleukin-2, interleukin-4, interleukin 1β and other inflammatory cytokines in the lesions skin of mice. The Western blotting analysis revealed that SIO exhibited an upregulatory effect on the protein expression of filaggrin and loricrin, while concurrently exerting inhibitory effects on the protein expression and phosphorylation levels of P38, ERK, NF-κB, and IκBα within their respective signaling pathways. Consequently, it can be inferred that SIO exerts a significant anti-atopic dermatitis effect by modulating the P38, ERK, NF-κB, and IκBα signaling pathways. This study contributes to expand the research and development potential of SIO, and provides novel insights and potential therapeutic strategies for AD treatment.

Poly (ε-caprolactone)-Based Scaffolds with Multizonal Architecture: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Tests

Tissue engineering is vital in treating injuries and restoring damaged tissues, aiming to accelerate regeneration and optimize the complex healing process. In this study, multizonal scaffolds, designed to mimic tissues with bilayer architecture, were prepared using the rotary jet spinning technique (RJS scaffolds). Polycaprolactone and different concentrations of alginate hydrogel (2, 4, and 6% m/v) were used. The materials were swollen in pracaxi vegetable oil (PO) (Pentaclethra macroloba) and evaluated in terms of surface morphology, wettability, functional groups, thermal behavior, crystallinity, and cytotoxicity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the disappearance of the diffraction peak 2θ = 31.5° for samples from the polycaprolactone/pracaxi/alginate (PCLOA) group, suggesting a reduction of crystallinity according to the presence of PO and semi-crystalline structure. Wettability gradients (0 to 80.91°) were observed according to the deposition layer and hydrogel content. Pore diameters varied between 9.27 μm and 37.57 μm. Molecular interactions with the constituents of the formulation were observed via infrared spectra with Fourier transform (FTIR), and their influence was detected in the reduction of the maximum degradation temperature within the groups of scaffolds (polycaprolactone/alginate (PCLA) and PCLOA) about the control. In vitro tests indicated reduced cell viability in the presence of alginate hydrogel and PO, respectively.

Liposomal stem cell extract formulation from Coffea canephora shows outstanding anti-inflammatory activity, increased tissue repair, neocollagenesis and neoangiogenesis

Coffea canephora plant stem cells can have bioactive compounds with tissue repairing and anti-inflammatory action. This study aimed to develop a liposomal stem cell extract formulation obtained from the leaves of C. canephora (LSCECC) and to investigate its capacity to contribute to the dynamic mechanisms of tissue repair. The liposome cream was developed and characterized through the dynamic light scattering technique, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The excisional full-thickness skin wound model was used and daily topically treated with the LSCECC formulation or vehicle control. On days 2, 7, 14, and 21 after wounding, five rats from each group were euthanized and the rates of wound closure and re-epithelialization were evaluated using biochemical and histological tests. LSCECC resulted in faster re-epithelialization exhibiting a significant reduction in wound area of 36.4, 42.4, and 87.5% after 7, 10, and 14 days, respectively, when compared to vehicle control. LSCECC treated wounds exhibited an increase in granular tissue and a proper inflammatory response mediated by the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6 and an increase of IL-10. Furthermore, wounds treated with LSCECC showed an increase in the deposition and organization of collagen fibers at the wound site and improved scar tissue quality due to the increase in transforming growth factor-beta and vascular endothelial growth factor. Our data showed that LSCECC improves wound healing, the formation of extracellular matrix, modulates inflammatory response, and promotes neovascularization being consider a promising bioactive extract to promote and support healthy skin. The graphical presents the action of LSCECC in all four phases of wound healing and tissue repair. The LSCECC can reduce the inflammatory infiltrate in the inflammatory phase by decreasing the pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, in addition to maintaining this modulation through lesser activation and recruitment of macrophages. The LSCECC can also increase the release of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, decreasing local edema. The increase in VEGF provides neovascularization and the supply of nutrients to newly repaired tissue. Finally, signaling via TGF-β increases the production and organization of collagen fibers in the remodeling phase.

Development and Evaluation of Virola oleifera Formulation for Cutaneous Wound Healing

In regions adjacent to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Virola oleifera (VO) resin extract has been popularly used for decades as a skin and mucosal healing agent. However, this antioxidant-rich resin has not yet been investigated in wound healing, whose physiological process might also be aggravated by oxidative stress-related diseases (e.g., hypertension/diabetes). Our aim, therefore, was to investigate whether VO resin presents healing effects through an innovative cream for topical applications. For this, adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Then, four 15 mm excisions were performed on the shaved skin. All treatments were applied topically to the wound area daily. At the end of experiments (0, 3rd, and 10th days) macroscopic analysis of wound tissue contraction and histological analysis of inflammatory cell parameters were performed. The group treated with VO cream showed the best wound contraction (15%, p < 0.05) and reduced levels of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation (118% and 110%, p < 0.05, respectively) compared to the control group. Our results demonstrated the healing capacity of a new formulation prepared with VO, which could be, at least in part, justified by antioxidant mechanisms that contribute to re-epithelialization, becoming a promising dermo-cosmetic for the treatment of wound healing.

Effect of topical ozonated sunflower oil on second intention wound healing in turtles: a randomised experimental study

Background

Ozone is an antimicrobial agent that in experimental and case-control studies has been found to exert a positive effect on wound healing. Wild and pet chelonians frequently present insidious wounds exhibiting secondary infections and/or delayed healing.

Objectives

Evaluate the effects of topical ozonated sunflower oil on second-intention healing of acute experimental skin wounds in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans).

Methods

Randomised within-subject controlled study; Group 1 (n = 24) was used to assess clinical healing features; Group 2 (n = 12) was used for histological evaluation in which two sets of wounds were biopsied at 2, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days over the course of the cicatrisation process. A single 6 mm diameter wound was made on each rear limb and topical ozonated (950 peroxide value) and non-ozonated sunflower oil were applied daily for one week on treated and contralateral control wounds, respectively.

Results

Mean wound size was significantly lower in the ozone-treated group at day 28 (p < 0.0001) with differences of clinical relevance (74.04% vs. 93.05% reduction of initial wound size). Histologically, the acute inflammatory reaction was enhanced in treated wounds, with significantly higher numbers of heterophils (p = 0.0016), lymphocytes (p < 0.001) and fibroblasts (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Daily topical application of ozonated sunflower oil over the course of one week improved the healing of acute, full-thickness skin wounds in chelonians. This clinical outcome was histologically correlated with an enhanced acute inflammatory reaction, as well as the production and remodelling of collagen fibres.

Oleogel Formulations for the Topical Delivery of Betulin and Lupeol in Skin Injuries-Preparation, Physicochemical Characterization, and Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluation

The skin integrity is essential due to its pivotal role as a biological barrier against external noxious factors. Pentacyclic triterpenes stand as valuable plant-derived natural compounds in the treatment of skin injuries due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and healing properties. Consequently, the primary aim of the current investigation was the development as well as the physicochemical and pharmaco-toxicological characterization of betulin- and lupeol-based oleogels (Bet OG and Lup OG) for topical application in skin injuries. The results revealed suitable pH as well as organoleptic, rheological, and textural properties. The penetration and permeation of Bet and Lup oleogels through porcine ear skin as well as the retention of both oleogels in the skin were demonstrated through ex vivo studies. In vitro, Bet OG and Lup OG showed good biocompatibility on HaCaT human immortalized cells. Moreover, Bet OG exerted a potent wound-healing property by stimulating the migration of the HaCaT cells. The in ovo results demonstrated the non-irritative potential of the developed formulations. Additionally, the undertaken in vivo investigation indicated a positive effect of oleogels treatment on skin parameters by increasing skin hydration and decreasing erythema. In conclusion, oleogel formulations are ideal for the local delivery of betulin and lupeol in skin disorders.

Comparison of mechanical, chemical and physical human models of in vivo skin damage: Randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Human in vivo models of skin damage were often used in research of cutaneous disorders. The most commonly used models were tape-stripping as mechanical, sodium lauryl sulphate-induced irritation as chemical and ultraviolet radiation as physical damage model. In regard to differences between models, they were expected to have different responses to damage and recovery, with unique skin parameters' changes over time.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to compare skin parameters in three different skin damage models on the same anatomical location, with and without topical treatment.

METHODS

Four test sites on each forearm were randomly assigned to three skin damage models with the fourth sites on each forearm chosen as a control, undamaged site. Skin parameters were assessed using non-invasive methods.

RESULTS

Sodium lauryl sulphate irritation caused the strongest damage with delayed reaction to the irritant. Tape stripping leads to highest initial skin barrier disruption but afterwards it showed the fastest skin recovery. Ultraviolet radiation did not affect skin barrier function, but it elevated skin erythema and melanin level. Tested preparation did not lead to changes in measured parameters.

CONCLUSION

The skin of the participants had different response to three skin damage models with distinct changes of skin parameters and recovery. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT03783819.