Nanotechnology for Natural Medicine: Formulation of Neem Oil Loaded Phospholipid Vesicles Modified with Argan Oil as a Strategy to Protect the Skin from Oxidative Stress and Promote Wound Healing

Exploring the Diverse Biological Properties of Cannabidiol: A Focus on Plant Growth Stimulation

The aim of the current study was to compare some biological activities of edible oils enriched with 10 % of cannabidiol (CBD samples) from the Slovak market. In addition, hemp, coconut, argan, and pumpkin pure oils were also examined. The study evaluated the fatty acids content, as well as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and phytotoxic activities. The CBD samples presented antimicrobial activity against the tested bacterial strains at higher concentrations (10000 and 5000 mg/L) and antifungal activity against Alternaria alternata, Penicillium italicum and Aspergillus flavus. DPPH⋅ and FRAP assays showed greater activity in CBD-supplemented samples compared to pure oils and vitamin E. In cell lines (IPEC-J2 and Caco-2), a reduced cell proliferation and viability were observed after 24 hours of incubation with CBD samples. The oils showed pro-germinative effects. The tested activities were linked to the presence of CBD in the oils.

The effect of oral supplements containing collagen peptides rich in X-Hyp or X-Hyp-Gly compared with normal collagen hydrolysates on skin elasticity and collagen holes: a randomised double-blind clinical study

Collagen peptides enriched with X-Hyp or X-Hyp-Gly have demonstrated resistance to digestive and systemic enzymes, suggesting their potential for improved absorption efficiency and enhancement of skin properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral supplementation with collagen peptides rich in X-Hyp or X-Hyp-Gly on skin properties in a clinical setting. A double-blind, randomized study was conducted on 30 healthy adult participants aged between 22 and 30. Normal collagen hydrolysates were used as the control, and each participant received a daily powdered drink containing either 5 grams of collagen peptides or hydrolysates (n = 15 in each group) for a period of 42 days. Skin elasticity was evaluated using the Cutometer, revealing a significant increase in the intervention group's skin elasticity (R2 values: 0.86 to 0.92, P < 0.001; R7 values: 0.77 to 0.84, P < 0.001). Collagen synthesis in the dermis was assessed using the SIAscope, demonstrating a substantial increase of 30.67 in the intervention group, while the control group exhibited a marginal increase of 0.49. In vitro digestion and cellular transport models were employed to evaluate the absorption and transport of Hyp-containing collagen peptides. LC-MS analysis demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of small peptide oligomers below 500 Da in the CP product compared to the control group (approximately 70% vs. 50%) after digestion. Additionally, the CP product exhibited a greater uptake of peptides (27%) compared to the control group (21%). These findings highlight the potential use of Hyp-containing collagen peptides with a low molecular weight in food supplements for improving skin health.

An Overview of Recent Developments in the Management of Burn Injuries

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 11 million people suffer from burns every year, and 180,000 die from them. A burn is a condition in which heat, chemical substances, an electrical current or other factors cause tissue damage. Burns mainly affect the skin, but can also affect deeper tissues such as bones or muscles. When burned, the skin loses its main functions, such as protection from the external environment, pathogens, evaporation and heat loss. Depending on the stage of the burn, the patient's condition and the cause of the burn, we need to choose the most appropriate treatment. Personalization and multidisciplinary collaboration are key to the successful management of burn patients. In this comprehensive review, we have collected and discussed the available treatment options, focusing on recent advances in topical treatments, wound cleansing, dressings, skin grafting, nutrition, pain and scar tissue management.

Co-delivering of oleuropein and lentisk oil in phospholipid vesicles as an effective approach to modulate oxidative stress, cytokine secretion and promote skin regeneration

In this work oleuropein and lentisk oil have been co-loaded in different phospholipid vesicles (i.e., liposomes, transfersomes, hyalurosomes and hyalutransfersomes), to obtain a formulation capable of both inhibiting the production of different markers connected with inflammation and oxidative stress and promoting the skin repair. Liposomes were prepared using a mixture of phospholipids, oleuropein and lentisk oil. Tween 80, sodium hyaluronate or their combination have been added to the mixture to obtain transfersomes, hyalurosomes and hyalutransfersomes. Size, polydispersity index, surface charge and stability on storage was evaluated. The biocompatibility, anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing effect were tested using normal human dermal fibroblasts. Vesicles were small (mean diameter ∼ 130 nm) and homogeneously dispersed (polydispersity index ∼ 0.14), highly negatively charged (zeta potential 02053-64 mV) and capable of loading 20 mg/mL of oleuropein and 75 mg/mL of lentisk oil. The freeze-drying of dispersions with a cryoprotectant permitted to improve their stability on storage. The co-loading of oleuropein and lentisk oil in vesicles inhibited the overproduction of inflammatory markers, especially MMP-1 and IL-6, counteracted the oxidative stress induced in cells using hydrogen peroxide, and promoted the healing of a wounded area performed in vitro in a cell monolayer of fibroblasts. The proposed co-loading of oleuropein and lentisk oil in natural-based phospholipid vesicles may hold promising therapeutic value especially for the treatment of a wide variety of skin disorders.

Design and in vitro effectiveness evaluation of Echium amoenum extract loaded in bioadhesive phospholipid vesicles tailored for mucosal delivery

The Echium amoenum Fisch. and C.A. Mey. (E. amoenum) is an herb native from Iranian shrub, and its blue-violet flowers are traditionally used as medical plants. In the present study, an antioxidant phytocomplex was extracted from the flowers of E. amoenum by ultrasounds-assisted hydroalcoholic maceration. The main components, contained in the extract, have been detected using HPLC-DAD, and rosmarinic acid was found to be the most abundant. The antioxidant power of the extract along with the phenolic content were measured using colorimetric assays. The extract was loaded in liposomes, which were enriched adding different bioadhesive polymers (i.e., mucin, xanthan gum and carboxymethyl cellulose sodium salt) individually or in combination. The main physico-chemical properties (i.e. size, size distribution, surface charge) of the prepared vesicles were measured as well as their stability on storage. The viscosity of dispersion and the ability of vesicles to interact with mucus were evaluated measuring their stability in a mucin dispersion and mobility in a mucin film. The biocompatibility and the ability of the formulations to protect keratinocytes from damages caused by hydrogen peroxide and to promote the cell migration were measured in vitro.

Designing Silk-Based Cryogels for Biomedical Applications

There is a need to develop the next generation of medical products that require biomaterials with improved properties. The versatility of various gels has pushed them to the forefront of biomaterials research. Cryogels, a type of gel scaffold made by controlled crosslinking under subzero or freezing temperatures, have great potential to address many current challenges. Unlike their hydrogel counterparts, which are also able to hold large amounts of biologically relevant fluids such as water, cryogels are often characterized by highly dense and crosslinked polymer walls, macroporous structures, and often improved properties. Recently, one biomaterial that has garnered a lot of interest for cryogel fabrication is silk and its derivatives. In this review, we provide a brief overview of silk-based biomaterials and how cryogelation can be used for novel scaffold design. We discuss how various parameters and fabrication strategies can be used to tune the properties of silk-based biomaterials. Finally, we discuss specific biomedical applications of silk-based biomaterials. Ultimately, we aim to demonstrate how the latest advances in silk-based cryogel scaffolds can be used to address challenges in numerous bioengineering disciplines.

Nano-Enabled Chronic Wound Healing Strategies: Burn and Diabetic Ulcer Wounds

The human skin serves as the body’s first line of defense against the environment. Diabetes mellitus (DM) and 2nd–4th degree burns, on the other hand, affect the skin’s protective barrier features. Burn wounds, hypermetabolic state, and hyperglycemia compromise the immune system leading to chronic wound healing. Unlike acute wound healing processes, chronic wounds are affected by reinfections which can lead to limb amputation or death. The conventional wound dressing techniques used to protect the wound and provide an optimal environment for repair have their limitations. Various nanomaterials have been produced that exhibit distinct features to tackle issues affecting wound repair mechanisms. This review discusses the emerging technologies that have been designed to improve wound care upon skin injury. To ensure rapid healing and possibly prevent scarring, different nanomaterials can be applied at different stages of healing (hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, remodeling).

Cassia alata, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica: Food Ingredients as Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis-A Comprehensive Review

Traditional medicine is critical in disease treatment and management. Herbs are gaining popularity for disease management and treatment. Therefore, they can be utilised as complementary and alternative treatment (CAT) ingredients. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the common non-communicable diseases. It is characterised by chronic inflammatory skin disease with intense pruritus and eczematous lesions. AD is associated with oxidative stress, microbial infection, and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. Both children and adults could be affected by this skin disorder. The prevalence of AD is increasing along with the country’s level of development. This review revisited the literature on four medicinal herbs widely used as complementary medicine to manage AD. These therapeutic herbs are commonly eaten as food and used as spices in Asian cuisine. The four food herbs reviewed are Cassia alata, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa Linn, and Azadirachta indica. Their traditional uses and phytochemical content will be covered. Four relevant pharmacological and biological activities of the plants crucial in AD management have been reviewed and discussed, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and wound recovery.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Low-Energy Assisted Nanohydrogel of Azadirachta indica Oil

Plant-based bioactive compounds have been utilized to cure diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms and as a substitute to reduce the side effects of chemically synthesized drugs. Therefore, in the present study, Azadirachta indica oil nanohydrogel was prepared to be utilized as an alternate source of the antimicrobial compound. The total phenolic compound in Azadirachta indica oil was quantified by chromatography analysis and revealed gallic acid (0.0076 ppm), caffeic acid (0.077 ppm), and syringic acid (0.0129 ppm). Gas chromatography−mass spectrometry analysis of Azadirachta indica oil revealed the presence of bioactive components, namely hexadecenoic acid, heptadecanoic acid, ç-linolenic acid, 9-octadecanoic acid (Z)-methyl ester, methyl-8-methyl-nonanoate, eicosanoic acid, methyl ester, and 8-octadecane3-ethyl-5-(2 ethylbutyl). The nanohydrogel showed droplet size of 104.1 nm and −19.3 mV zeta potential. The nanohydrogel showed potential antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans with minimum inhibitory, bactericidal, and fungicidal concentrations ranging from 6.25 to 3.125 (µg/mL). The nanohydrogel showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher (8.40 log CFU/mL) value for Gram-negative bacteria E. coli compared to Gram-positive S. aureus (8.34 log CFU/mL), and in the case of pathogenic fungal strain C. albicans, there was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in log CFU/mL value (7.79−6.94). The nanohydrogel showed 50.23−82.57% inhibition in comparison to standard diclofenac sodium (59.47−92.32%). In conclusion, Azadirachta indica oil nanohydrogel possesses great potential for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities and therefore can be used as an effective agent.

Fabrication of Zinc loaded silicon carbide Nanocomposite for in vitro cell viability and in vivo wound dressing care

AIM

In this investigation, Zinc-silicon carbide (Zn-SiC) materials were fabricated by a simple approach by using Zn nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) loaded on silicon carbide (SiC) with enhanced antibacterial and healing activity.

METHODS

Zn-NPs loaded on SiC fabricated by the DIY laser melting technique. The TEM and Zeta-sizer confirmed the morphology and size of the nanoparticles. The characterization was done using Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Further, the fabricated nanoparticles were evaluated for their mechanical properties and biocompatibility under storage conditions. In-vivo wound healing was measured by observing a percentage reduction in the wound.

RESULTS

Zn-SiC NPs have 54.6 ± 5.25 nm mean particle size, -15.9 ± 2.35 mV zeta potential with 0.187 ± 0.05 polydispersity index (PD1). The nanoparticles showed good biocompatibility and in-vivo wound healing properties.

CONCLUSIONS

These results strongly support the possibility of using these Zn particles loaded on SiC NPs as a promising wound healing agent after cesarean section.

Phytochemicals and Nano-Phytopharmaceuticals Use in Skin, Urogenital and Locomotor Disorders: Are We There?

Nanomedicines emerged from nanotechnology and have been introduced to bring advancements in treating multiple diseases. Nano-phytomedicines are synthesized from active phytoconstituents or plant extracts. Advancements in nanotechnology also help in the diagnosis, monitoring, control, and prevention of various diseases. The field of nanomedicine and the improvements of nanoparticles has been of keen interest in multiple industries, including pharmaceutics, diagnostics, electronics, communications, and cosmetics. In herbal medicines, these nanoparticles have several attractive properties that have brought them to the forefront in searching for novel drug delivery systems by enhancing efficacy, bioavailability, and target specificity. The current review investigated various therapeutic applications of different nano-phytopharmaceuticals in locomotor, dermal, reproductive, and urinary tract disorders to enhance bioavailability and efficacy of phytochemicals and herbal extracts in preclinical and in vitro studies. There is a lack of clinical and extensive preclinical studies. The research in this field is expanding but strong evidence on the efficacy of these nano-phytopharmaceuticals for human use is still limited. The long-term efficacy and safety of nano-phytopharmaceuticals must be ensured with priority before these materials emerge as common human therapeutics. Overall, this review provides up-to-date information on related contemporary research on nano-phytopharmaceuticals and nano-extracts in the fields of dermatological, urogenital, and locomotor disorders.

Vesicular Nanocarriers for Phytocompounds in Wound Care: Preparation and Characterization

The need to develop wound healing preparations is a pressing challenge given the limitations of the current treatment and the rising prevalence of impaired healing wounds. Although herbal extracts have been used for many years to treat skin disorders, due to their wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, their efficacy can be questionable because of their poor bioavailability and stability issues. Nanotechnology offers an opportunity to revolutionize wound healing therapies by including herbal compounds in nanosystems. Particularly, vesicular nanosystems exhibit beneficial properties, such as biocompatibility, targeted and sustained delivery capacity, and increased phytocompounds’ bioavailability and protection, conferring them a great potential for future applications in wound care. This review summarizes the beneficial effects of phytocompounds in wound healing and emphasizes the advantages of their entrapment in vesicular nanosystems. Different types of lipid nanocarriers are presented (liposomes, niosomes, transferosomes, ethosomes, cubosomes, and their derivates’ systems), highlighting their applications as carriers for phytocompounds in wound care, with the presentation of the state-of-art in this field. The methods of preparation, characterization, and evaluation are also described, underlining the properties that ensure good in vitro and in vivo performance. Finally, future directions of topical systems in which vesicle-bearing herbal extracts or phytocompounds can be incorporated are pointed out, as their development is emerging as a promising strategy.

Formulation of Neem oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and evaluation of its anti-Toxoplasma activity

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular zoonotic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, which could be lethal in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to synthesize Neem oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (NeO-SLNs) and to evaluate the anti-Toxoplasma activity of this component.

METHODS

The NeO-SLNs were constructed using double emulsification method, and their shape and size distribution were evaluated using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. An MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cell toxicity of the component. The anti-Toxoplasma activity of NeO-SLNs was investigated using vital (trypan-blue) staining. Anti-intracellular Toxoplasma activity of NeO-SLNs was evaluated in T. gondii-infected Vero cells.

RESULTS

The TEM analysis represented round shape NeO-SLNs with clear and stable margins. DLS analysis showed a mean particle size 337.6 nm for SLNs, and most of nanoparticles were in range 30 to 120 nm. The cell toxicity of NeO-SLNs was directly correlated with the concentration of the component (P-value = 0.0013). The concentration of NeO-SLNs, which was toxic for at least 50% of alive T. gondii (cytotoxic concentration (CC50)), was > 10 mg/mL. The ability of NeO-SLNs to kill Toxoplasma was concentration-dependent (P-value < 0.0001), and all concentrations killed at least 70% of alive tachyzoites. Furthermore, the viability of T. gondii- infected Vero cells was inversely correlated with NeO-SLNs concentrations (P-value = 0.0317), and in the concentration 100 μg/mL at least 75% of T. gondii- infected Vero cells remained alive.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our findings demonstrated that the NeO-SLNs was able to kill T. gondii tachyzoites in concentration 100 μg/mL with a cell toxicity lower than 20%. Such results suggest that employing SLNs as carrier for NeO can effectively kill T. gondii tachyzoites with acceptable cell toxicity. Our findings also showed that SLNs capsulation of the NeO can lead to prolonged release of the extract, suggesting that NeO-SLNs could be also employed to clear cyst stages, which should be further investigated in animal models.

Argan Oil: Chemical Composition, Extraction Process, and Quality Control

Argan oil is considered a relatively international product exported from Morocco, although different companies in Europe and North America distribute argan oil around the globe. Argan oil is non-refined vegetable oil, of the more well-known “virgin oil” type, is produced from the argan tree [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels]. The argan tree is deemed to be an important forest species from both social and economic standpoints. Argan oil has rapidly emerged as an important product able to bring more income to the local population. In addition, it also has important environmental implications, owing to its ability to stand against desert progression. Currently, argan oil is mainly produced by women's cooperatives in Morocco using a semi-industrial mechanical extraction process. This allows the production of high-quality argan oil. Depending on the method used to prepare argan kernels, two types of argan oil can be obtained: food or cosmetic grade. Cosmetic argan oil is prepared from unroasted kernels, whereas food argan oil is achieved by cold pressing kernels roasted for a few minutes. Previously, the same food argan oil was prepared exclusively by women according to a laborious ancestral process. Extraction technology has been evolved to obtain high-quality argan oil at a large scale. The extraction process and several accompanying parameters can influence the quality, stability, and purity of argan oil. In view of this, the present review discusses different aspects related to argan oil chemical composition along with its nutritional and cosmetic values. Similarly, it details different processes used to prepare argan oil, as well as its quality control, oxidative stability, and authenticity assessment.

Canthaxanthin Biofabrication, Loading in Green Phospholipid Vesicles and Evaluation of In Vitro Protection of Cells and Promotion of Their Monolayer Regeneration

In the present study, canthaxanthin was produced by biofermentation from Dietzia natronolimnaea HS-1 (D. natronolimnaea) and was loaded in phospholipid vesicles prepared with natural component using an easy and low dissipative method. Indeed, glycerosomes, hyalurosomes, and glycerohyalurosomes were prepared by direct hydration of both phosphatidylcholine and the biotechnological canthaxanthin, avoiding the use of organic solvents. Vesicles were sized from 63 nm to 87 nm and highly negatively charged. They entrapped a high number of the biomolecules and were stable on storage. Canthaxanthin-loaded vesicles incubated with fibroblasts did not affect their viability, proving to be highly biocompatible and capable of inhibiting the death of fibroblasts stressed with hydrogen peroxide. They reduced the nitric oxide expression in macrophages treated with lipopolysaccharides. Moreover, they favoured the cell migration in an in vitro lesion model. Results confirmed the health-promoting potential of canthaxanthin in skin cells, which is potentiated by its suitable loading in phospholipid vesicles, thus suggesting the possible use of these natural bioformulations in both skin protection and regeneration, thanks to the potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiageing effects of canthaxanthin.

Formulation of liposomes loading lentisk oil to ameliorate topical delivery, attenuate oxidative stress damage and improve cell migration in scratch assay

Pistacia lentiscus L. is a sclerophyllous shrub capable of growing under harsh climatic conditions especially in the Mediterranean Basin. Different products can be obtained from this plant, such as essential oil, mastic gum or even fixed oil. The last is well known for its flavor which is mainly exploited in the food industry. Additionally, it has been traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases, but, at the moment, any suitable formulation for skin delivery has been formulated and its biological effects was not deeply confirmed. Given that, in the present study, the lentisk oil has been formulated in liposomes at different concentrations (10, 20, 30 mg/ml) and their physicochemical, technological and main biological properties have been evaluated. Vesicles were prepared by using natural soy lecithin and a green and organic solvent free method, thus obtaining spherical, small (~ 118 nm), homogeneously dispersed (0.27) and highly negatively charged (~ -62 mV) vesicles. The used amount of oil loaded in liposomes (10, 20, 30 mg/ml) modulated the penetration ability of vesicles in the skin, favoring the deposition of the payload in the deeper strata. The loading in the vesicles potentiated the ability of oil to counteract the damaging effects caused by hydrogen peroxide in keratinocytes and fibroblasts and facilitate their migration in a cell monolayer lesion. Overall findings suggested that the incorporation of lentisk oil in liposomes made from soy lecithin can be an alternative and natural approach to exploit it in pharmaceutical ad cosmetical applications and manufacturing natural products suitable for the treatment of skin lesions.

Phytochemical-Based Nano-Pharmacotherapeutics for Management of Burn Wound Healing

Medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for their various therapeutic activities and are safer compared to modern medicines, especially when properly identifying and preparing them and choosing an adequate dose administration. The phytochemical compounds present in plants are progressively yielding evidence in modern drug delivery systems by treating various diseases like cancers, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, microbial, viral and parasitic infections, psychotic diseases, spasmodic conditions, ulcers, etc. The phytochemical requires a rational approach to deliver the compounds to enhance the efficacy and to improve patients’ compatibility. Nanotechnology is emerging as one of the most promising strategies in disease control. Nano-formulations could target certain parts of the body and control drug release. Different studies report that phytochemical-loaded nano-formulations have been tested successfully both in vitro and in vivo for healing of skin wounds. The use of nano systems as drug carriers may reduce the toxicity and enhance the bioavailability of the incorporated drug. In this review, we focus on various nano-phytomedicines that have been used in treating skin burn wounds, and how both nanotechnology and phytochemicals are effective for treating skin burns.

An integrative review on the uses of plant-derived bioactives formulated in conventional and innovative dosage forms for the local treatment of damaged nasal cavity

Plants and their derivates have been used as medicines for centuries and today is being re-discovered their usefulness for the human health. The therapeutic properties of phytochemicals are re-evaluated under the light of medical and pharmacological research, pushed by a constantly growing market demand, where consumers trust more natural products than synthetic drugs. New studies are enlightening the effectiveness of phytochemicals against a wide range of ailments, nevertheless very few evaluate the efficacy of topical formulations based on natural bioactive molecules in the treatment of nasal mucosal diseases. This review aims at exploring this little covered topic. An overview on the properties and functionality of the nasal mucosa and the different diseases affecting it has been provided. We summarized various nasal dosage forms containing natural bioactive and explored how innovative delivery systems loading phytochemicals can improve the treatment results. Finally, the potential use of novel nanocarriers for the treatment of nasal ailments has been covered as well.

Complementary effect of Zingiber officinalis extract and citral in counteracting non allergic nasal congestion by simultaneous loading in ad hoc formulated phospholipid vesicles

Natural nasal spray formulations were prepared by using Zingiber officinalis (Z. officinalis) extract and citral synergically loaded into specifically designed phospholipid vesicles. Phospholipid vesicles were selected according to their stabilizing effect on the nasal mucosal barrier, and their effectiveness was further potentiated by the co-loading of Z. officinalis extract as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and citral as antibacterial molecule. Cryo-TEM images confirmed the formation of morphologically homogeneous and small vesicles, sized around 100 nm, negatively charged (-44 mV) and highly biocompatible (viability ≥100%) as detected by using epithelial cells. The analysis of size distribution of sprayed droplets, average velocity module and spray cone angle suggested a good aptitude of the vesicles to be nebulized and their effective deposition in the nasal cavity. Moreover, vesicles were effectively capable of inhibiting some nasal pathogenic bacteria (i.e. Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli) and to protect the epithelial cells against oxidative damage. The formulations are natural and safe, and all of them have shown promising technological and biological properties suggesting their possible application in the nasal cavity for the treatment of congestions and non-allergic rhinitis.