Novel nanocapsule of α-lipoic acid reveals pigmentation improvement: α-Lipoic acid stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocyte in murine skin by topical application

Alpha-lipoic Acid: An Antioxidant with Anti-aging Properties for Disease Therapy

The anti-aging effects of alpha-lipoic acid (αLA), a natural antioxidant synthesized in human tissues, have attracted a growing interest in recent years. αLA is a short- -chain sulfur-containing fatty acid occurring in the mitochondria of all kinds of eukaryotic cells. Both the oxidized disulfide of αLA and its reduced form (dihydrolipoic acid, DHLA) exhibit prominent antioxidant function. The amount of αLA inside the human body gradually decreases with age resulting in various health disorders. Its lack can be compensated by supplying from external sources such as dietary supplements or medicinal dosage forms. The primary objectives of this study were the analysis of updated information on the latest two-decade research regarding the use of αLA from an anti-aging perspective. The information was collected from PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov. Numerous in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies revealed that αLA shows a protective role in biological systems by direct or indirect reactive oxygen/nitrogen species quenching. αLA demonstrated beneficial properties in the prevention and treatment of many age-related disorders such as neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, different cancers, nephropathy, infertility, and skin senescence. Its preventive effects in case of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases are of particular interest. Further mechanistic and clinical studies are highly recommended to evaluate the wide spectrum of αLA therapeutic potential that could optimize its dietary intake for prevention and alleviation disorders related to aging.

Enhanced stability and reduced irritation of 4-n-butylresorcinol via nanoemulsion formulation: Implications for skin pigmentation treatment

4-n-butylresorcinol (4-nBR) is a valuable ingredient to lighten skin and reduce pigmentation, contributing to an even skin tone and a more youthful appearance. However, its poor solubility, low stability, and strong irritation to the skin limit its application. In this study, 4-nBR was prepared into 4-n-butylresorcinol nanoemulsion (4-nBR-NE) for the first time, enhancing the solubility and stability of 4-nBR while greatly reducing its skin irritation. The relationship between the viscosity of nanoemulsion and the formulation process, as well as the impact of surfactant ratio on the formability of 4-nBR-NE were further studied. This led to the successful development of a nanoemulsion with adjustable viscosity (AV-NE) and with a low surfactant content. The particle size of 4-nBR-NE was 13.34 ± 0.16 nm with a PDI of 0.0853 ± 0.0191, indicating a uniform particle size distribution. The encapsulation rate of 4-nBR-NE was determined to be 80.05 ± 0.75 % via UV-Vis spectrophotometry. In addition, 4-nBR-NE demonstrated excellent stability over several months, with negligible changes in particle size. Cellular and transdermal evaluations confirmed that the preparation of 4-nBR-NE effectively reduced the original irritation cause by 4-nBR on cells and skin. Then, 4-nBR-NE was incorporated into an essence. This advancement enhances the applicability of 4-nBR in treating pigmentation disorders such as melasma and freckles, thereby increasing its applicability in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

Unveiling New Horizons: Advancing Technologies in Cosmeceuticals for Anti-Aging Solutions

In the last years, the landscape of anti-aging cosmetics has been marked by significant advances in cosmeceutical delivery systems. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of these technological innovations, with a focus on anti-aging effects, from 2018 to 2023. The methodology included a thorough search on PubMed and through gray literature, applying rigorous exclusion criteria. The descriptors were selected based on the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). A total of 265 articles were found. Exclusion criteria were applied, and 90 of them were selected for full reading. After reading the full 90 articles, 52 were excluded, leaving 38 articles for final evaluation composing this review. The key findings highlighted a clear prevalence of studies exploring nanotechnology, including nanoparticles, niosomes, and liposomes. Most of the formulations analyzed in this review emphasize antioxidant activities, which play a crucial role in preventing premature aging caused by free radicals. The reviewed studies revealed specific activities, such as the reduction in melanin synthesis, the inhibition of enzymes involved in the skin aging process, and the prevention of morphological changes typical of aging.

Nanotechnological Approaches to Enhance the Potential of α-Lipoic Acid for Application in the Clinic

α-lipoic acid is a naturally occurring compound with potent antioxidant properties that helps protect cells and tissues from oxidative stress. Its incorporation into nanoplatforms can affect factors like bioavailability, stability, reactivity, and targeted delivery. Nanoformulations of α-lipoic acid can significantly enhance its solubility and absorption, making it more bioavailable. While α-lipoic acid can be prone to degradation in its free form, encapsulation within nanoparticles ensures its stability over time, and its release in a controlled and sustained manner to the targeted tissues and cells. In addition, α-lipoic acid can be combined with other compounds, such as other antioxidants, drugs, or nanomaterials, to create synergistic effects that enhance their overall therapeutic benefits or hinder their potential cytotoxicity. This review outlines the advantages and drawbacks associated with the use of α-lipoic acid, as well as various nanotechnological approaches employed to enhance its therapeutic effectiveness, whether alone or in combination with other bioactive agents. Furthermore, it describes the engineering of α-lipoic acid to produce poly(α-lipoic acid) nanoparticles, which hold promise as an effective drug delivery system.

NRF2 in dermo-cosmetic: From scientific knowledge to skin care products

The skin is the organ that is most susceptible to the impact of the exposome. Located at the interface with the external environment, it protects internal organs through the barrier function of the epidermis. It must adapt to the consequences of the harmful effects of solar radiation, the various chemical constituents of atmospheric pollution, and wounds associated with mechanical damage: oxidation, cytotoxicity, inflammation, and so forth. In this biological context, a capacity to adapt to the various stresses caused by the exposome is essential; otherwise, more or less serious conditions may develop accelerated aging, pigmentation disorders, atopy, psoriasis, and skin cancers. Nrf2-controlled pathways play a key role at this level. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that controls genes involved in oxidative stress protection and detoxification of chemicals. Its involvement in UV protection, reduction of inflammation in processes associated with healing, epidermal differentiation for barrier function, and hair regrowth, has been demonstrated. The modulation of Nrf2 in the skin may therefore constitute a skin protection or care strategy for certain dermatological stresses and disorders initiated or aggravated by the exposome. Nrf2 inducers can act through different modes of action. Keap1-dependent mechanisms include modification of the cysteine residues of Keap1 by (pro)electrophiles or prooxidants, and disruption of the Keap1-Nrf2 complex. Indirect mechanisms are suggested for numerous phytochemicals, acting on upstream pathways, or via hormesis. While developing novel and safe Nrf2 modulators for skin care may be challenging, new avenues can arise from natural compounds-based molecular modeling and emerging concepts such as epigenetic regulation.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid as an Antioxidant Strategy for Managing Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain (NP) is the most prevalent and debilitating form of chronic pain, caused by injuries or diseases of the somatosensory system. Since current first-line treatments only provide poor symptomatic relief, the search for new therapeutic strategies for managing NP is an active field of investigation. Multiple mechanisms contribute to the genesis and maintenance of NP, including damage caused by oxidative stress. The naturally occurring antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a promising therapeutic agent for the management of NP. Several pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical trials demonstrate the analgesic potential of ALA in the management of NP. The beneficial biological activities of ALA are reflected in the various patents for the development of ALA-based innovative products. This review demonstrates the therapeutic potential of ALA in the management of NP by discussing its analgesic effects by multiple antioxidant mechanisms as well as the use of patented ALA-based products and how technological approaches have been applied to enhance ALA's pharmacological properties.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid Supplementation Restores Early Age-Related Sensory and Endothelial Dysfunction in the Skin

Many changes characterize skin aging, and the resulting dysfunctions still constitute a real challenge for our society. The aim of this study was to compare the skin aging of two rat strains, Wistar and Brown Norway (BN), considered as "poorly aging" and "healthy aging" models, respectively, and to assess the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (LPA), especially on skin microcirculation. To this purpose, various skin characteristics were studied at 6, 12, and 24 months and compared to the results of LPA treatment performed at 12 or 24 months. Skin aging occurred in both strains, but we showed an early occurrence of different age-related disorders in the Wistar strain compared to BN strain, especially regarding weight gain, glycemia dysregulation, basal skin perfusion, endothelial function, and skin resistance to low pressure. LPA treatment tended to improve skin resistance to low pressure in BN but not in Wistar despite the improvement of basal skin perfusion, endothelial function, and skin sensory sensitivity. Overall, this study confirmed the healthier aging of BN compared to Wistar strain and the positive effect of LPA on both general state and skin microcirculation.

Recent Updates on Nanocosmeceutical Skin Care and Anti-Aging Products

Nanotechnology is an innovative area of science that deals with things smaller than 100 nanometers. The influence of nanotechnology in the cosmetic industry is overwhelming since it can enhance the properties attained by the particles at the nano level which includes color, solubility, etc, and also promotes the bioavailability of API. A plethora of nanomaterials can be employed in cosmetics including organic and inorganic nanoparticles. Unlike orthodox carriers, they facilitate easy penetration of the product into the skin and thereby increasing the stability and allowing a controlled drug release so that they can permeate deeper into the skin and start revitalizing it. Nanomaterials rejuvenate the skin by forming an occlusive barrier to inhibit the loss of water from the skin's surface and thereby moisturize the skin. Nano-cosmeceuticals are used to provide better protection against UV radiation, facilitate deeper skin penetration, and give long-lasting effects. Although they still have some safety concerns, hence detailed characterization or risk assessments are required to fulfill the standard safety requirements. In this review, an attempt is made to make a brief overview of various nanocosmeceutical skincare and anti-aging products.

Implications of Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Hyperpigmentation Disorders

Oxidative stress represents an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and the ability of antioxidant systems to decompose those products. Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, melanoma, and other skin diseases. Regulatory networks involving oxidative stress and related pathways are widely represented in hypopigmentation diseases, particularly vitiligo. However, there is no complete review into the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of hyperpigmentation disorders, especially regarding associations involving oxidative stress and cellular signaling pathways. Here, we review oxidative and antioxidant systems, oxidative stress-induced signal transduction mechanisms, and effects of antioxidant drugs used in preclinical and clinical settings in hyperpigmentation disorders.

Development and Characterization of New Topical Hydrogels Based on Alpha Lipoic Acid—Hydrotalcite Hybrids

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a well-known anti-aging compound. The activity of this molecule is limited by two important factors: (i) The low stability to oxidation and thermal processes and (ii) the low solubility. Particularly the latter limits ALA formulation in hydrophilic bases. The purpose of this paper is to present a new technological approach to stabilize lipoic acid in topical hydrogels for cosmetic use. With this aim, ALA was intercalated in two different lamellar anionic clays (hydrotalcites), MgAl and ZnAl, obtaining the hybrids MgAl-ALA and ZnAl-ALA. The intercalation allows to obtain a more manageable product in comparison to raw ALA. After the preliminary characterization, hydrogels containing the hybrids were prepared and characterized, also in comparison to the commercial product Tiobec® in terms of rheological properties, stability to temperature and centrifugation, release, and cytotoxicity. The obtained results highlighted that the hydrogel containing MgAl-ALA is a suitable alternative to the products currently available on the market.