Derivatives of L-Ascorbic Acid in Emulgel: Development and Comprehensive Evaluation of the Topical Delivery System

Arginine Hydrochloride Reduce Rectal Mucosal Irritation of Sodium Aescinate: Molecular Docking, Physical Properties, Anti-Hemorrhoidal Activity, Safety and Topical Gel Formulations Investigation

Background/Objectives: Sodium aescinate (SA) is commonly used topically due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, and anti-swelling properties. However, the clinical application of SA is limited by strong irritation, and cannot be used on the damaged skin and mucous membrane. This study aimed to investigate whether arginine hydrochloride (Arg·HCl) could reduce the rectal mucosal irritation of SA through the formation of a gel. Methods: Molecular docking was first used to explore potential interactions between SA and Arg·HCl. Gels for rectal administration were then formulated by combining SA with various ratios of Arg·HCl (from 1:0 to 1:10). In vitro tests, including pH, centrifuge stability, viscosity, and spreadability analysis, were conducted. The optimal gel formulation was determined based on rectal mucosal irritation tests and anti-inflammatory experiments. Additionally, the anti-hemorrhoidal characteristics and safety of the optimal gel in terms of acute toxicity and dermal sensitivity were evaluated. Results: The optimal SA to Arg·HCl ratio of 1:6 (F5-SA gel) was identified, significantly reducing rectal mucosal irritation while enhancing anti-inflammatory activity. The F5-SA gel demonstrated high efficacy against hemorrhoids, notably promoting anal ulcer healing. When administered rectally to rabbits at a dose of 132 mg·kg-1·d-1 (198 times the recommended therapeutic dose), no other obvious side effects were observed except a significant reduction in food intake on the day of administration. In addition, the gel did not induce dermal sensitivity. Conclusions: The F5-SA gel is a promising formulation that can reduce irritation and toxic side effects, and enhance the therapeutic effect to some extent, ultimately achieving a safer and more effective rectal delivery system for SA.

Newly Developed Semi-Solid Formulations Containing Mellilotus officinalis Extract: Characterization, Assessment of Stability, Safety, and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Melilotus officinalis has been traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory agent; nevertheless, a comprehensive evaluation of its efficacy and safety and comparison with standard drugs are lacking. Taking into consideration concerns with current therapies, like efficacy limitations, side effects, and resistance, we aimed to develop a natural gel and cream based on Melilotus officinalis extract and explore their anti-inflammatory potential. After the chemical analysis of the extract confirmed the presence of coumarin, p-coumaric acid, gallic acid, and quercetin, formulations were prepared and subjected to physical and chemical stability evaluations over 6 months. The safety potential was tested in rats, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed both via in silico tests and in a rat model of inflammation. The examined formulations showed stable physical characteristics at the defined storage conditions and did not exert any sign of adverse skin reaction. The gel formulation exhibited a remarkable effect in inflammation reduction comparable with hydrocortisone. The in silico results suggest that coumarin, p-coumaric, and gallic acid bind to COX-1 and COX-2 with a lower affinity compared to diclofenac. On the other hand, quercetin demonstrated comparable inhibitory activity and stronger interaction compared to the control drug. Our results indicate that the examined formulations are stable and safe and may be promising dermal products for the alleviation of inflammatory skin conditions.

Liposomal Encapsulation of Ascorbyl Palmitate: Influence on Skin Performance

L-ascorbic acid represents one of the most potent antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-aging, and anti-pigmentation cosmeceutical agents, with a good safety profile. However, the main challenge is the formulation of stable topical formulation products, which would optimize the penetrability of L-ascorbic acid through the skin. The aim of our research was to evaluate the performance of ascorbyl palmitate on the skin, incorporated in creams and emulgels (2%) as carriers, as well as to determine the impact of its incorporation into liposomes on the penetration profile of this ingredient. Tape stripping was used to study the penetration of ascorbyl palmitate into the stratum corneum. In addition, the sensory and textural properties of the formulations were determined. The liposomal formulations exhibited a better penetration profile (p < 0.05) of the active substance compared to the non-liposomal counterpart, leading to a 1.3-fold and 1.2 fold-increase in the total amount of penetrated ascorbyl palmitate in the stratum corneum for the emulgel and cream, respectively. Encapsulation of ascorbyl palmitate into liposomes led to an increase in the adhesiveness and density of the prepared cream and emulgel samples. The best spreadability and absorption during application were detected in liposomal samples. The obtained results confirmed that liposomal encapsulation of ascorbyl palmitate improved dermal penetration for both the cream and emulgel formulations.

Modeling, the Optimization of the Composition of Emulgels with Ciclopirox Olamine, and Quality Assessment

The design and development of pharmaceutical products require specific knowledge, time, and investment. Response surface methodology (RSM) is a widely used technique in the design of experiments (DoE) to optimize various processes and products. The aim of this study was to model and produce experimental emulgels containing 1% ciclopirox olamine and to evaluate their physical, rheological, and mechanical properties and their ability to release ciclopirox olamine. The objective was to optimize the composition of the experimental emulgel containing 1% ciclopirox olamine by applying a central composite design based on selected criteria. The surfactant (polysorbate 80) had the greatest influence on the physical, rheological, and mechanical properties of the emulgels, as well as on the release of ciclopirox olamine from these systems. During the optimization process, an emulgel of optimal composition was generated containing 38.27% mineral oil, 6.56% polysorbate 80, and 55.17% hydrogel containing 1% ciclopirox olamine, meeting specified criteria (dependent variables) including the maximum flux of ciclopirox olamine, the minimum sol-gel transition temperature (Tsol/gel), and the minimum particle size of the oil phase. The oil phase particle size (D50) of this emulgel was determined to be 0.337 µm, the system Tsol/gel was 9.1 °C, and the flux of ciclopirox olamine from this gel matrix was calculated to be 1.44 mg/cm2. This emulgel of optimal composition could be used to treat fungal skin diseases.

From Nature to Healing: Development and Evaluation of Topical Cream Loaded with Pine Tar for Cutaneous Wound Repair

Despite the numerous efforts to find an appropriate therapeutic modality, diabetic wounds remain a global unsolved problem. Therefore, our study aimed to develop a topical formulation loaded with pine tar and to investigate its wound-healing capacity. After phytochemical profiling of pine tar, an oil-in-water emulsion with 1% pine tar was prepared. The physical, chemical, and microbiological stability of prepared pine tar cream (PTC) was assessed during six months. Additionally, safety potential was examined in healthy rats, while wound-healing potential was accessed by creating excision wounds in diabetic rats. Diabetic animals were divided into four groups: untreated or topically treated with either the cream base, PTC, or silver sulfadiazine cream. Wound healing was monitored at the following time points (0, 7, 14, and 21 days) through macroscopic, biochemical, and histological examinations. Our PTC formula showed good physicochemical properties and remained stable and compatible for cutaneous application. PTC showed a remarkable increase in wound closure rate and led to attenuation of morphological alterations in skin samples. These findings were associated with significantly improved redox status and enhanced hydroxyproline levels in PTC relative to the untreated and cream base groups. Our results demonstrated that PTC might serve as a promising tool for the management of diabetic wounds.

Novel Arena of Nanocosmetics: Applications and their Remarkable Contribution in the Management of Dermal Disorders, Topical Delivery, Future Trends and Challenges

Nanocosmetics have attracted a considerable audience towards natural care due to their low cost, target-specific delivery, and reduced toxicity compared to chemical-based cosmetics. Nanofomulations, including nanoemulsions, nanotubes, and polymeric carriers, have become next-generation products explored for the multifaced applications of nanotechnology in skin care. The rise in the cosmetic industry demands innovative and personalized products designed using nanocarriers for better targeting and improving patient compliance. Furthermore, nanocosmetics increase the efficiency of skin permeation active ingredient entrapment, providing better UV protection. Moreover, it offers controlled drug release, targeting active sites and enhancing physical stability. Further, overcoming the drawback of penetration problems makes them sustainable formulations for precision medicine. Skincare nourishment with nanocosmetics using Indian spices helps to maintain, beautify, and rejuvenate human skin. Nanophytopharmaceuticals extracted from plants, including alkaloids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and volatile oils, are essential phyto-products for skin care. Nano herbals and nanocosmetics are a growing market and gift of nature that nourishes and cures skin ailments like acne, pemphigus, anti-aging, albinism, psoriasis, and fungal infections. The emerging concern is highlighted in the investigation of nanoformulation toxicity and safety concerns in skin care. Further, it helps to manifest research, development, and innovation in expanding the scope of herbal industries.

Balsam Poplar Buds Extracts-Loaded Gels and Emulgels: Development, Biopharmaceutical Evaluation, and Biological Activity In Vitro

Balsam poplar buds have been used for wound healing and treating irritated skin in traditional medicine. Balsam poplar buds extracts exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. In recent years, scientific research has begun to validate some of these traditional uses, leading to an increased interest in balsam poplar buds as a potential source of natural remedies in modern medicine. The study aims to simulate semi-solid pharmaceutical forms with balsam poplar buds extract and evaluate their quality through biopharmaceutical research. The active compounds identified in Lithuanian poplar buds were p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, galangin, pinocembrin, pinobanksin, and salicin. In gels, pH values ranged from 5.85 ± 0.05 to 5.95 ± 0.07. The determined pH values of emulgels ranged from 5.13 ± 0.05 to 5.66 ± 0.15. After 6 h, the release of active compounds from gels and emulgels ranged from 47.40 ± 2.41% to 71.17 ± 3.54. p-coumaric acid dominates in the balsam poplar buds extracts. The pH values of the prepared sem-solid pharmaceutical forms are suitable for use on the skin. The viscosity of the formulations depends on the amount of gelling agent. All formulations showed antioxidant activity. It is relevant to conduct a more extensive study on the influence of the chosen carrier on the release of active compounds from semi-solid formulations with an extract of balsam poplar buds.

Development and quality assessment of glutathione tripeptide loaded niosome containing carbopol emulgels as nanocosmeceutical formulations

This study focuses on the preparation, physicopharmaceutical and mechanical characterization of reduced glutathione tripeptide loaded niosome containing emulgels as a novel nanocosmeceutical product. Prepared emulgel formulations were mainly composed of oily phase containing different lipids such as glycerine dibehenate, cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, etc., and aqueous phase containing Carbopol934® as gelling agent. Niosomal lipidic vesicles prepared from Span 60 and cholesterol were subsequently incorporated into optimum emulgel formulations. The pH, viscosity, and textural/mechanical properties of emulgels were examined before and after the incorporation of niosomes. The viscoelasticity and morphological characterization were performed on the final formulation before the packed formulation's microbiological stability test. The hardness and compressibility results ensured easy removal of the emulgel from the container. Due to the carboxyl groups of Carbopol934®, moderate adhesiveness with good cohesiveness was achieved. The rheological characteristics of the emulgels were estimated by oscillatory testing and the data fitted with the Herschel-Bulkley model. Thus, the viscoelastic properties and shear-thinning flow of emulgels were demonstrated. The final formulation was microbiologically stable, and pathogens or skin-irritating allergens were not detected. An anti-aging cosmeceutical preparation containing glutathione tripeptide loaded lipid-based niosome dispersion, suitable for topical use due to its textural and viscosity properties, was successfully produced.