Formulation and evaluation of gels containing coconut kernel extract for topical application

Advances in Natural Product Extraction Techniques, Electrospun Fiber Fabrication, and the Integration of Experimental Design: A Comprehensive Review

The present review explores the growing interest in the techniques employed for extracting natural products. It emphasizes the limitations of conventional extraction methods and introduces superior non-conventional alternatives, particularly ultrasound-assisted extraction. Characterization and quantification of bioactive constituents through chromatography coupled with spectroscopy are recommended, while the importance of method development and validation for biomarker quantification is underscored. At present, electrospun fibers provide a versatile platform for incorporating bioactive extracts and have extensive potential in diverse fields due to their unique structural and functional characteristics. Thus, the review also highlights the fabrication of electrospun fibers containing bioactive extracts. The preparation of biologically active extracts under optimal conditions, including the selection of safe solvents and cost-effective equipment, holds promising potential in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Integration of experimental design into extraction procedures and formulation development is essential for the efficient production of health products. The review explores potential applications of encapsulating natural product extracts in electrospun fibers, such as wound healing, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant properties, while acknowledging the need for further exploration and optimization in this field. The findings discussed in this review are anticipated to serve as a valuable resource for the processing industry, enabling the utilization of affordable and environmentally friendly, natural, and raw materials.

Moisturized and non-irritating hand gel based on sappan wood (<em>caesalpinia sappan</em> l.) and limau citrus peel (<em>citrus amblycarpa</em> (hassk.) ochse) extracts

Background: Hand gel is a preparation used to protect hand skin from dryness. The antioxidant compounds in sappan wood and limau citrus peel can moisturize hands by preventing the oxidation of oils and fats on the surface of the (sebaceous glands). Objective: This study aims to formulate hand gel from ethanol extract of sappan wood with a combination of limau citrus peel extract that can moisturize hands and not to cause irritation. Methods: Sappan wood and limau citrus peel simplicia were macerated using 96% ethanol. The ethanolic extracts were then formulated into hand gel by varying the concentration of the ethanol extracts. The evaluation of the hand gel involved an organoleptic test, homogeneity test, pH test, spreadability test, viscosity test, and skin moisture test. A primary irritation test was carried out to ensure the hand gel’s safety. Results: The results shows that the three hand gel formulas produce an orange-red color and soft scent of roses and citrus, with a pH of 7.8 and with good homogeneity. The formulas also have a spreading level of FI (5 cm), FII (5.2 cm), and FIII (5, 1 cm), and viscosity values were FI 12000 mPas, F II 12500 mPas, and F III 12400 mPas. The humidity test results on the three formulas shows different moisture values of 45.16%, 46.17%, and 45.09%, respectively (category of normal or moisture). The hand gel formulas have an irritation index of 0 (no irritation category). Conclusion: The hand gel formulas meet the quality requirements of hand gel, have moisturizing agent, and are not irritating.

Preparation and Properties of Anti-Nail-Biting Lacquers Containing Shellac and Bitter Herbal Extract

The purpose of the present investigation was to formulate and evaluate anti-nail-biting lacquers consisting of bitter herbal extracts. The hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from Andrographis paniculata and Tinospora crispa were determined for phytochemical constituents, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory activities, and cytotoxicities. Anti-nail-biting lacquers were prepared by using herbal extracts (bittering agent), shellac (film forming polymer), ethanol (volatile solvent), and other indispensable additives with continuous stirring. Thus, attempts to enhance the film property and bitterness are accomplished by using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) as a copolymer and varying concentrations of herbal extracts. Good accepted formulations were established for drying time, pH, viscosity, smoothness of film, film strength, water resistant, and solubility in simulated saliva and evaluated their bitterness in human volunteers. The results revealed that phytochemical constituents including tannins, glycosides, reducing sugars, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids were found present in both extracts while saponins were only detected in A. paniculata extract. Although T. crispa extract exhibited a significantly higher ( $p<0.05$ ) total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than A. paniculata extract, it showed lower protein denaturation inhibition property than A. paniculata extract. Because of the potentials of both extracts without cytotoxicity, anti-nail-biting lacquers containing either A. paniculata extract or T. crispa extract were developed and evaluated. Drying time of formulations was 6-11 min with visually seen glossiness of formulation. Formulations of the nail lacquer showed good pH, viscosity, smoothness of film, film strength, water resistant, and solubility in simulated saliva. The formulations displaying no significant cytotoxicity effect on CRL-2076 cells were assessed on healthy human volunteers to compare bitterness and film characteristics. The results revealed that the optimized formulation containing A. paniculata extract could successfully achieve good film forming property and bitterness release which is considered promising for stopping nail biting.

Physical characterisation and stability study of formulated Chromolaena odorata gel

AIM

Formulating topical products for skin delivery has always been a challenge for pharmaceutical scientists to fulfil good formulation criteria. Despite the challenges, gel-based drug delivery offers some advantages such that it is non-invasive, painless, avoidance of the first-pass metabolism and has satisfactory patient compliance.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, Chromolaena odorata gel and quercetin gel (bioactive flavonoid compound) were successfully formulated and compared with placebo and conventional wound aid gel. The chromatographic profilling was conducted to screen the presence of phytoconstituents. Subsequently, all formulated gels were subjected to physical characteristic and stability study.

METHODS

Reverse Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC) of C.odorata methanolic leaves extract shows a distinct compound separation at retention time 8.4min to 34.8 min at 254nm. All gels were characterised by evaluating their rheological properties including storage modulus, loss modulus and plastic viscosity. Besides, texture analysis was performed to measure the gels' firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and viscosity index.

RESULTS

From the observation, C. odorata gel demonstrated better spreadability as compared to the other gels, which acquired less work and favourable to be applied onto the skin. Moreover, C. odorata gel showed no changes in organoleptic properties and proven to be stable after 30 days of accelerated stability study at 40°C ± 2°C with relative humidity (RH) of 75%± 5%.

CONCLUSION

C. odorata gel has shown to be stable, reflecting the combination of materials used in the formulation, which did not degrade throughout the study. This work suggests the potential of this gel as a vehicle to deliver the active ingredients of C. odorata to the skin, which can be further explored as a topical application in antimicrobial wound management or other skin diseases study.

Chemical Constituents, Antioxidant Activities, and Element Concentrations of Rusa Deer Velvet Antler Extracts

The objective of this study was to analyze hexane extract (HE), 75% $v/v$ ethanol extract (EE), and water extract (WE) of rusa deer velvet antlers, obtained through a three-solvent sequential extraction, for determining their chemical constituents, antioxidant activities, element concentrations, and microbial contamination. In TLC, FTIR, 1H NMR, and HPLC analysis, HE and EE showed the presence of oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and testosterone. EE showed the highest concentration of testosterone and the strongest antioxidant activity in DPPH and FRAP assays. In addition, the concentration of testosterone in EE was higher than in sika deer and red deer velvet antler extracts found in other studies. All extracts were composed of essential elements and had levels of toxic elements and microbial contaminants lower than the acceptable criteria set by ASEAN guidelines. Thus, EE was considered to be a safe and useful source of antioxidants and testosterone.

Phytochemical analysis of baby corn silk extracts

Background

Baby corn silk extract can be used as an antioxidant dietary supplement. However, insufficient data exists for this extract to guarantee its quality, efficacy and safety.

Objective

To determine phytochemical constituents, contents of phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant activities, heavy metal concentrations, and microbial contamination of baby corn silk extracts.

Material and methods

Baby corn silks including Pacific 271 and Zeba SG 17 hybrids were individually extracted with 40% v/v ethanol and distilled water to obtain Pacific 271 ethanol extract (PE), Zeba SG 17 ethanol extract (ZE), Pacific 271 aqueous extract (PA), and Zeba SG 17 aqueous extract (ZA). The analysis of phytochemical constituents was carried out using phytochemical tests, TLC screening, UV-visible, FTIR, and ¹H NMR experiments. The contents of phenolics and flavonoids were determined using the modified Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminium chloride colorimetric procedures, respectively. Antioxidant activities were investigated using DPPH and FRAP assays. The concentrations of heavy metals were analyzed by ICP-MS. Microbial enumeration tests were carried out according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 41.

Results

PE and ZE were composed of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids while PA and ZA contained flavonoids and tannins. PE and ZE exhibited higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents and significantly stronger antioxidant activities than PA and ZA. All extracts conformed to the microbiological and heavy metal requirements according to Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) guidelines.

Conclusion

PE and ZE were considered appropriate to use as natural extracts of phenolics and flavonoids with antioxidant activities and safety.

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Baby corn silk including Pacific 271 and Zeba SG 17 hybrids at the silking stage were separately extracted with 40% v/v ethanol and distilled water to obtain Pacific 271 ethanol extract (PE), Zeba SG 17 ethanol extract (ZE), Pacific 271 aqueous extract (PA), and Zeba SG 17 aqueous extract (ZA).

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PE and ZE were composed of flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and steroids while PA and ZA contained flavonoids and tannins. Additionally, antioxidants, flavone glycosides, and unsaturated and aromatic compounds were also found in all extract.

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PE and ZE exhibited higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents and significantly stronger antioxidant activities than PA and ZA.

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40% v/v Ethanol is suitable for extraction of phenolic compounds and flavonoids with antioxidant activities from baby corn silk.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and antimicrobial potentials of the Citrus sinensis seed oil for sustainable cosmeceutical production

There are growing concerns about the chronic and acute effects of synthetic additives such as antibacterial, fragrances, colourants and stabilizing agents used in the production of various household products. Many household products and materials including cosmetic products are reportedly suspected to be carcinogenic with some acting as endocrine disruptors among other effects. Thus, environmental-friendly alternatives such as products that are rich in bioactive phytochemicals are becoming consumers' preferred choice especially in the beauty and cosmetic sector. 'Green' preparation of medicinal soaps devoid of any synthetic additives was made from underutilized tropical seed of Citrus sinensis seed oil and some natural additives comprising of natural honey, Ocimum gratissimum leaves extract, Moringa oleifera seed oil and coconut oil. Precisely, the seed oil of the underexplored C. sinensis was obtained via soxhlet extraction and saponified with natural lye solution at different ratios to produce soaps of varying characteristics. The incorporation of honey and Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract provided additional antimicrobial, antioxidant and fragrance properties. Physico-chemical parameters of the oil and soaps were determined following standard procedures while the fatty acid profile of the trans-esterified oil was determined using GC-MS. The antimicrobial potential of the oil and soaps were assessed using agar diffusion method at concentrations 200 mg/mL and below. Linoleic acid (36%) and oleic acid (27%) were the most prominent in C. sinensis seed oil. The soap had antimicrobial potential comparable to commercial product. The soap samples recorded highest anti-bacteria activities (22.0 ± 1.0-23.0 ± 1.0) against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and notable anti-fungi activities (18.0 ± 1.0) against Penicillium notatum and Candida albicans. Additionally, the oil showed moderate anti-parasite (anit-toxoplasma gondii) activity (EC50 ≤ 500 μg/mL) but with improved selectivity that precludes oxidative stress while the prepared medicinal soaps exhibited remarkable antioxidant property. The utilization of these locally sourced resources will prevent the daily introduction of synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant chemicals into the environment. The initiative avail a sustainable production of environmentally-benign cosmetic products besides conversion of waste to wealth agrees which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Techno-biofunctionality of mangostin extract-loaded virgin coconut oil nanoemulsion and nanoemulgel

Techno-biofunctional characteristics of nanoemulsion and (nano)emulgel loaded with mangostin extracts were elucidated. Crude mangostins from mangosteen peels recovered by virgin coconut oil (VCO), mixed VCO and propylene glycol (PG), and pure PG were used. The extracts were loaded in the dispersed phase in the presence of mixed surfactants (Tween20/Span20) with a varying hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) from 10.2 to 15.1. Results showed that globular and uniformly distributed droplets of the nanoemulsion were observed. The small particle sizes (typically 18-62 nm) with the zeta potential of -39 to -54.5 mV were obtained when mixed emulsifiers with HLB values of 12.6 and 15.1 were employed. With HLB values of 12.6 and 15.1, nanoemulsions loaded with mangostin extracts prepared with mixed VCO-PG and pure PG-based extracts showed approximately a 2 to 3-fold lower droplet size diameter when compared with the VCO-based extract. For the stability test, all nanoemulsions were stable over three freeze-thaw cycles with some changes in pH, zeta potential, and droplet size. The DPPH● scavenging activity, H2O2 scavenging activity, reducing power and antibacterial activities (E. coli and S. aureus) of the nanoemulsions were greater than their corresponding bulk extracts. Nanoemulgels produced by embedding the nanoemulsions in a hydrogel matrix was homogeneous and creamy yellow-white in appearance. The nanoemulgels had a higher mangostin release (87-92%) than their normal emulgels (74-78%). Therefore, this study presented the feasibility of nanoemulsions and nanoemulgels loaded with mangostin extracts as a promising delivery system for bioactive polyphenol in food supplements, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Amphotericin B-Loaded Emulgel: Effect of Chemical Enhancers on the Release Profile and Antileishmanial Activity In Vitro

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected parasitic disease. Treatment is preferably performed with pentavalent antimony associated or not with amphotericin B (AmB). This study aimed to develop an emulgel with different chemical enhancers of cutaneous release. Initially, AmB emulsions were obtained with the chemical promoters, oleic acid and geraniol and without promoter, then for the evaluation of the formulations, a preliminary stability study was carried out where the formulations were submitted to centrifugation, before and after the freeze-thaw cycle and analyzed appearance, color, pH, spreadability, viscosity, conductivity, droplet size, assay, in vitro release study, in vitro antileishmania activity in Leishmania major promastigotes, and macrophage toxicity in the MTT test. The emulsions were yellowish, with no signs of instability after the centrifugation test. The pH range corresponded to that of the skin, which is 4.6 to 5.8, before and after the freeze-thaw cycle, the formulations had good spreadability and did not present significant viscosity differences before and after the freeze-thaw cycle, presenting a non-Newtonian characteristic. AmB content was within the kinetic model of zero order release, the formulation of 3% AmB and 5% oleic acid (formulation 1) was chosen to proceed with the antileishmania activity test and showed potential activity against the in vitro parasite with significant reduction of cytotoxicity on murine macrophages, indicating that the formulation is promising for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Special issue: Pharmaceutical innovation

"Pharmaceutical innovation" is an interdisciplinary area of the pharmaceutical sciences including drug development with a focus on manufacturing, process control, and technology, among many other subfields of research. In this special issue, we have invited all participants attended the International Conference and Exhibition on Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology 2018 under the theme of pharmaceutical innovation and translational research for human health, held in Bangkok during January 24-25, 2018, to submit the research papers and after peer-review process, 10 of them were selected.