Role of novel delivery systems in developing topical antioxidants as therapeutics to combat photoageing

Unleashing the power of chlorogenic acid: exploring its potential in nutrition delivery and the food industry

In the contemporary era, heightened emphasis on health and safety has emerged as a paramount concern among individuals with food. The concepts of "natural" and "green" have progressively asserted dominance in the food consumption market. Consequently, through continuous exploration and development, an escalating array of natural bioactive ingredients is finding application in both nutrition delivery and the broader food industry. Chlorogenic acid (CGA), a polyphenolic compound widely distributed in various plants in nature, has garnered significant attention. Abundant research underscores CGA's robust biological activity, showcasing notable preventive and therapeutic efficacy across diverse diseases. This article commences with a comprehensive overview, summarizing the dietary sources and primary biological activities of CGA. These encompass antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective activities. Next, a comprehensive overview of the current research on nutrient delivery systems incorporating CGA is provided. This exploration encompasses nanoparticle, liposome, hydrogel, and emulsion delivery systems. Additionally, the article explores the latest applications of CGA in the food industry. Serving as a cutting-edge theoretical foundation, this paper contributes to the design and development of CGA in the realms of nutrition delivery and the food industry. Finally, the article presents informed speculations and considerations for the future development of CGA.

Liposomes in the cosmetics: present and outlook

Liposomes are small spherical vesicles composed of phospholipid bilayers capable of encapsulating a variety of ingredients, including water- and oil-soluble compound, which are one of the most commonly used piggybacking and delivery techniques for many active ingredients and different compounds in biology, medicine and cosmetics. With the increasing number of active cosmetic ingredients, the concomitant challenge is to effectively protect, transport, and utilize these substances in a judicious manner. Many cosmetic ingredients are ineffective both topically and systemically when applied to the skin, thus changing the method of delivery and interaction with the skin of the active ingredients is a crucial step toward improving their effectiveness. Liposomes can improve the delivery of active ingredients to the skin, enhance their stability, and ultimately, improve the efficacy of cosmetics and and pharmaceuticals. In this review, we summarized the basic properties of liposomes and their recent advances of functionalities in cosmetics and and pharmaceuticals. Also, the current state of the art in the field is discussed and the prospects for future research areas are highlighted. We hope that this review will provide ideas and inspiration on the application and development of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Alleviation of ultraviolet-B radiation-induced photoaging using Saussurea medusa Maxim polysaccharide

Saussurea medusa polysaccharide, the polysaccharide extract of Saussurea medusa Maxim, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is used to combat intense ultraviolet radiation, cold, and hypoxia in patients, as well as during drought. This polysaccharide has rich medicinal and ecological values. We aimed to determine whether saussurea medusa polysaccharides can reduce ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin photoaging. Seventy-five male Kunming mice were divided into five groups: control, UVB-only, UVB plus vitamin E (VE group), UVB plus saussurea medusa (2 g/kg), and UVB plus saussurea medusa (6 g/kg). The control group was irradiated with normal light, while the other four groups were subcutaneously administered 10 mL/kg/day D-galactose and irradiated with narrow-spectrum UVB for 40 min daily. From day 11, the VE group was administered 0.25 g/kg/day vitamin E, while the saussurea medusa intervention groups were administered 2 and 6 g/kg/day saussurea medusa polysaccharide. After 30 days of continuous administration, treatment with saussurea medusa polysaccharides was found to reduce UVB-induced skin photoaging in mice by elevating the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and hydroxyproline (HYP), while reducing the level of MDA, and inhibiting the EGFR/MEK/ERK/c-Fos pathway. Overall, our findings suggest that treatment with saussurea medusa polysaccharides positively influences skin photoaging.

Emerging Nanotechnology-based Therapeutics: A New Insight into Promising Drug Delivery System for Lung Cancer Therapy

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is a foremost global health issue due to its poor diagnosis. The advancement of novel drug delivery systems and medical devices will aid its therapy.

OBJECTIVE

In this review, the authors thoroughly introduce the ideas and methods for improving nanomedicine- based approaches for lung cancer therapy. This article provides mechanistic insight into various novel drug delivery systems (DDSs) including nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, dendrimers, niosomes, and nanoemulsions for lung cancer therapy with recent research work. This review provides insights into various patents published for lung cancer therapy based on nanomedicine. This review also highlights the current status of approved and clinically tested nanoformulations for their treatment.

METHODOLOGY

For finding scholarly related data for the literature search, many search engines were employed including PubMed, Science Direct, Google, Scihub, Google Scholar, Research Gate, Web of Sciences, and several others. Various keywords and phrases were used for the search such as "nanoparticles", "solid lipid nanoparticles", "liposomes", "dendrimers", "niosomes", "nanoemulsions", "lung cancer", "nanomedicine", "nanomaterial", "nanotechnology", "in vivo" and "in vitro". The most innovative and cutting-edge nanotechnology-based approaches that are employed in pre-clinical and clinical studies to address problems associated with lung cancer therapies are also mentioned in future prospects. A variety of problems encountered with current lung cancer therapy techniques that frequently led to inadequate therapeutic success are also discussed in the end.

CONCLUSION

The development of nanoformulations at the pilot scale still faces some difficulties, but their prospects for treating lung cancer appear to be promising in the future. Future developments and trends are anticipated as the evaluation comes to a close.

Current Insights into the Formulation and Delivery of Therapeutic and Cosmeceutical Agents for Aging Skin

“Successful aging” counters the traditional idea of aging as a disease and is increasingly equated with minimizing age signs on the skin, face, and body. From this stems the interest in preventative aesthetic dermatology that might help with the healthy aging of skin, help treat or prevent certain cutaneous disorders, such as skin cancer, and help delay skin aging by combining local and systemic methods of therapy, instrumental devices, and invasive procedures. This review will discuss the main mechanisms of skin aging and the potential mechanisms of action for commercial products already on the market, highlighting the issues related to the permeation of the skin from different classes of compounds, the site of action, and the techniques employed to overcome aging. The purpose is to give an overall perspective on the main challenges in formulation development, especially nanoparticle formulations, which aims to defeat or slow down skin aging, and to highlight new market segments, such as matrikines and matrikine-like peptides. In conclusion, by applying enabling technologies such as those delivery systems outlined here, existing agents can be repurposed or fine-tuned, and traditional but unproven treatments can be optimized for efficacious dosing and safety.

Nano-liposomal zein hydrolysate for improved apoptotic activity and therapeutic index in lung cancer treatment

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world with a high mortality rate. Zein is a protein compound whose protein isolate is not useful and whose protein hydrolysis produces biological activity. By encapsulating this bioactive compound inside the nanoparticles (NPs), it causes itself to reach the tumor site and destroy it rapidly. In this study, the effects of zein hydrolysate (ZH) and nano-liposomal ZH (N-ZH) were investigated on the human A549 cell line. Western blotting and cell cycle analyses showed that ZH and N-ZH caused cytotoxicity. They induced apoptosis via cell cycle arrest at the G0 phase, as well as significant increases in pro-apoptotic genes, such as Bax, caspase-3, -8, -9, and p53, accompanied with significant decreases in the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2. Based on the results, the cytotoxic and anticancer effects of N-ZH were higher than those of free ZH. In conclusion, liposomes improved the performance of ZH and dramatically reduced the IC₅₀ value of ZH. These findings provided the experimental evidence that N-ZH with favorable anticancer activity can be used as a therapeutic agent and strategy for lung cancer treatment in future clinical trials.

Formulation and organoleptic evaluation of Poly Herbal Cream of Punica, Neem, Carrot & Jamun as Active Ingredients

Assuming that herbal preparation is better with fewer side effects than synthetics, natural treatments are more effective than allopathy in terms of side effects for better human body healing. Herbal products have a growing demand in the world market, and the plants have been reported in the literature as having various pharmacological activities such as anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic. The purpose of this study was to develop anti-aging poly-herbal cream by mixing the extract of Punica leaf, Neem Oil, Jamun powder, Carrot powder as the main ingredient, and then creams were developed based on the anti-oxidant ability of herbal extracts and performed their evaluation study. Punica granatam leaves were shade dried and extracted using the Soxhlet method with different solvents such as n-hexane, benzene, and alcohol. Fine extract powder was collected and removed distilled water thoroughly. The cream was formulated into different concentrations, namely F1, F2, F3, and F4. Similar types of research with similar components have been reported, but in this experiment, the formulation is different, and this work is kept cost-efficient and straightforward; it's an attempt to reduce few components and prepare cream and evaluate its potential. According to The International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use ICH guidelines, the cream was stable during stability studies, and F3 turned out to be a better formulation than the other three.

An Overview on Topical Administration of Carotenoids and Coenzyme Q10 Loaded in Lipid Nanoparticles

Carotenoids and coenzyme Q10 are naturally occurring antioxidant compounds that are also found in human skin. These bioactive compounds have been the focus of considerable research due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties. In this review, the current state of the art in the encapsulation of carotenoids and coenzyme Q10 in lipid nanoparticles to improve their bioavailability, chemical stability, and skin absorption is discussed. Additionally, the main findings are highlighted on the cytotoxic and photoprotective effects of these systems in the skin.

Nanotechnology in cosmetics pros and cons

The field of nanotechnology is being greatly explored by cosmetic industries in order to improve the efficacy of cosmetic products. The increased use of nanomaterials in the field of cosmetics can have two sides as health-related benefits and detrimental effects. This review mainly seeks the pros and cons of the use of nanomaterials in cosmetics along with some examples of nanomaterials that are widely used in cosmetic industries along with different types of nanotechnology-based cosmetic products. The benefits of nanomaterials in cosmetic formulations are huge. Moreover the study regarding the toxic effects on the health also equally matters. This review gives a brief outline of the advantages as well as disadvantages of nanotechnology in cosmetics.

Polysaccharide nanoparticles: from fabrication to applications

The present review highlights the developments in polysaccharide nanoparticles with a particular focus on applications in biomedicine, cosmetics and food.

Soluble Cyanobacterial Carotenoprotein as a Robust Antioxidant Nanocarrier and Delivery Module

To counteract oxidative stress, antioxidants including carotenoids are highly promising, yet their exploitation is drastically limited by the poor bioavailability and fast photodestruction, whereas current delivery systems are far from being efficient. Here we demonstrate that the recently discovered nanometer-sized water-soluble carotenoprotein from Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 (termed AnaCTDH) transiently interacts with liposomes to efficiently extract carotenoids via carotenoid-mediated homodimerization, yielding violet–purple protein samples. We characterize the spectroscopic properties of the obtained pigment–protein complexes and the thermodynamics of liposome–protein carotenoid transfer and demonstrate the delivery of carotenoid echinenone from AnaCTDH into liposomes with an efficiency of up to 70 ± 3%. Most importantly, we show efficient carotenoid delivery to membranes of mammalian cells, which provides protection from reactive oxygen species (ROS). Incubation of neuroblastoma cell line Tet21N in the presence of 1 μM AnaCTDH binding echinenone decreased antimycin A ROS production by 25% (p < 0.05). The described carotenoprotein may be considered as part of modular systems for the targeted antioxidant delivery.

The Why, Where, Who, How, and What of the vesicular delivery systems

Though vesicular delivery systems have been widely explored and reviewed, no comprehensive review exists that covers their development from the inception of the concept to its culmination in the form of regulated marketed formulations. With the advancement of scientific research in the field of nanomedicine, certain category of vesicular delivery systems have successfully reached the global market. Despite extensive research and highly encouraging results in a plethora of pathological conditions in the preclinical studies, translation of these nanomedicines from laboratory to market has been very limited. Aim of this review is to describe comprehensively the various colloidal delivery systems, focusing mainly on their conventional and advanced methods of preparation, different characterization techniques and main success stories of their journey from bench to bedside of the patient. The review also touches the finer nuances of the use of modern formulation approach of DoE (Design of Experiments) in their formulation and the status of regulatory guidelines for the approval of these nanomedicines.

Beyond sun protection factor: An approach to environmental protection with novel mineral coatings in a vehicle containing a blend of skincare ingredients

Background

Premature skin aging results from exposure to a range of environmental factors, primarily ultraviolet radiation, but also high‐energy visible light in the blue spectrum, infrared radiation, and environmental pollution. These extrinsic factors result in the generation of reactive oxygen species which promote photoaging and DNA damage resulting in skin cancers.

Aims

To formulate skincare products utilizing a new coating applied to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles and complimentary skincare ingredients to provide broad protection against a range of environmental insults.

Methods

A cross‐polymer, multifunctional coating of silicate, polyalkylsilsesquioxane, and polydimethylsiloxane moieties increases the photostability and decreases the reactivity of mineral sunscreen agents when interacting with energy sources. These products are also formulated with antioxidants to minimize free radical propagation. Additionally, this coating improves the esthetic feel of mineral sunscreens, while the appearance is enhanced by formulating products with a blend of iron oxides.

Results

A series of in vitro and ex vivo studies demonstrated the ability of mineral‐based products formulated with the new multifunctional coating to provide protection against ultraviolet radiation, high‐energy visible light, infrared radiation, and environmental pollution.

Conclusion

Newly formulated mineral‐based skincare products provide environmental protection, are ecologically safe, and can replace chemical‐based sunscreen ingredients.

Dermal anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effects of Compritol ATO-based Resveratrol colloidal carriers prepared using mixed surfactants

In this study, Compritol ATO-based Resveratrol colloidal carriers (CCCs) were prepared and subjected to characterization and evaluation. In most formulae, the use of a binary-mixture of surfactants improved the physicochemical properties. CCC6 (containing P407/P188 as bi-surfactants) attained the highest drug loading, release efficiency during 24 h and occlusive effect for 48 h; in addition, it showed a uniform particle size distribution within the desired range. In-vivo studies were done based on the analysis of anti-oxidant markers [catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], anti-inflammatory markers [interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and rat Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)] and anti-wrinkling markers [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-1) and Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)], after UVB-irradiation. Results were significantly different when comparing the positive control and the negative control groups (p < 0.05). Rats pre-treated with CCC6 showed a great amelioration, and the level of the biochemical markers was significantly different compared to those of the positive control group and those pre-treated with the drug suspension (p < 0.05). Also, the high skin protective effect of CCC6 was proved by visual and histopathological examination of the rats' skin. Therefore, the current study proves the beneficial effects of the designed dermal Resveratrol-loaded colloidal system.

Effects of VitabridC12 on Skin Inflammation

Background

VitabridC¹² is newly developed and composed of vitamin C and Vitabrid (lamellar, hydrated zinc oxide).

Objective

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of VitabridC¹² on psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Methods

Mice with imiquimod-induced psoriasis or Dermatophagoides farinae-induced atopic dermatitis were applied with VitabridC¹². The effects of VitabridC¹² were evaluated by clinical features, histology, and immunologic features by examining cytokines and chemokines.

Results

In psoriasis model, VitabridC¹² decreased epidermal thickness and reduced inflammatory cell infiltration. In atopic dermatitis model, VitabridC¹² decreased dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells, epidermal hyperplasia, and hyperkeratosis. VitabridC¹² reduced the expression levels of proinflammatory mediators such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, IL-22, tumor necrosis factor-α, CXCL1, CCL17, and CCL20 as well as COX-2 in imiquimod-induced psoriatic skin lesions. Likewise, VitabridC¹² reduced the expression levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, thymic stromal lymphopoietin, and CCL4 in D. farinae-induced skin lesions, and decreased the serum immunoglobulin E level in the atopic dermatitis mouse model. Particularly, the VitabridC¹²-treated mice showed downregulated expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and MAPK/ERK kinase, as well as inhibited phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB p65.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings indicate that VitabridC¹² exhibits anti-inflammatory activities and is a promising candidate as a treatment option for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.

Diosmin/essential oil combination for dermal photo-protection using a lipoid colloidal carrier

Solar irradiation induces skin inflammatory processes causing deleterious effects like premature ageing. In this study, the designed lipoid colloidal carrier (LCC) was loaded with Diosmin in combination with different essential oils, to be used as a topical photo-protective preparation. To investigate the ability of the essential oils to potentiate Diosmin effects, the Diosmin/essential oil-loaded LCCs (LCC2, LCC3 and LCC4) were compared to the Diosmin-loaded LCC (LCC1). The incorporated essential oils were those of Rosmarinus officinalis, Zingiber officinale or Vitis vinifera in LCC2, LCC3 and LCC4, respectively. All the LCCs had particle size (PS) values ranging from 121.1 to 144.3nm with uniform distribution and, zeta potential (Z) values around 30mV. Also, they all had high drug encapsulation efficiencies. LCC1 had the lowest anti-oxidant and in-vitro sun-blocking effect (p<0.05). In-vivo photo-protective studies showed that all the formulated LCCs had a skin protective effect when compared to the positive control (p<0.05); however LCC1 had the lowest anti-erythemal and anti-wrinkling effect. Histological studies proved the efficacy of the designed LCCs as skin anti-photoageing, with LCC1 showing the lowest anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkling effect, while LCC2 had the highest anti-wrinkling effect. These results indicated that the suggested Diosmin/essential oil combinations improved the anti-oxidant, sun-blocking and anti-photoageing effects of Diosmin. After one year of storage, the LCCs showed satisfactory physical stability. This study presents the designed LCCs as safe and effective nano-structured dermal care products containing 'all-natural' components.

Solid lipid nanoparticles as oral delivery systems of phenolic compounds: Overcoming pharmacokinetic limitations for nutraceutical applications

Drug delivery systems, accompanied by nanoparticle technology, have recently emerged as prominent solutions to improve the pharmacokinetic properties, namely bioavailability, of therapeutic and nutraceutical agents. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have received much attention from researchers due to their potential to protect or improve drug properties. SLNs have been reported to be an alternative system to traditional carriers, such as emulsions, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles. Phenolic compounds are widespread in plant-derived foodstuffs and therefore abundant in our diet. Over the last decades, phenolic compounds have received considerable attention due to several health promoting properties, mostly related to their antioxidant activity, which can have important implications for health. However, most of these compounds have been associated with poor bioavailability being poorly absorbed, rapidly metabolized and eliminated, which compromises its biological and pharmacological benefits. This paper provides a systematic review of the use of SLNs as oral delivery systems of phenolic compounds, in order to overcome pharmacokinetic limitations of these compounds and improved nutraceutical potential. In vitro studies, as well as works describing topical and oral treatments will be revisited and discussed. The classification, synthesis, and clinical application of these nanomaterials will be also considered in this review article.

Current application of phytocompound-based nanocosmeceuticals for beauty and skin therapy

Phytocompounds have been used in cosmeceuticals for decades and have shown potential for beauty applications, including sunscreen, moisturizing and antiaging, and skin-based therapy. The major concerns in the usage of phyto-based cosmeceuticals are lower penetration and high compound instability of various cosmetic products for sustained and enhanced compound delivery to the beauty-based skin therapy. To overcome these disadvantages, nanosized delivery technologies are currently in use for sustained and enhanced delivery of phyto-derived bioactive compounds in cosmeceutical sectors and products. Nanosizing of phytocompounds enhances the aseptic feel in various cosmeceutical products with sustained delivery and enhanced skin protecting activities. Solid lipid nanoparticles, transfersomes, ethosomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, fullerenes, and carbon nanotubes are some of the emerging nanotechnologies currently in use for their enhanced delivery of phytocompounds in skin care. Aloe vera, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, vitamins C and E, genistein, and green tea catechins were successfully nanosized using various delivery technologies and incorporated in various gels, lotions, and creams for skin, lip, and hair care for their sustained effects. However, certain delivery agents such as carbon nanotubes need to be studied for their roles in toxicity. This review broadly focuses on the usage of phytocompounds in various cosmeceutical products, nanodelivery technologies used in the delivery of phytocompounds to various cosmeceuticals, and various nanosized phytocompounds used in the development of novel nanocosmeceuticals to enhance skin-based therapy.

Chemical characterization of Citrus limon var. pompia and incorporation in phospholipid vesicles for skin delivery

The components of pompia, a hybrid Citrus species cultivated only in Sardinia (Italy), were extracted using an environmentally-friendly method and food-grade solvents. Taking into account that only few data are available on pompia composition, the phytochemical fingerprint of its rind extract was obtained by accurate component separation and identification, combining HPLC and mass spectrometry. Different flavones such as naringin (23.77μg/mg), neoeriocitrin (46.53μg/mg) and neohesperidin (44.57μg/mg) were identified. Additionally, the antioxidant activity and phenolic content were confirmed by DPPH and Folin-Ciocalteu assays. The whole extract was incorporated in innovative phospholipid vesicles, namely glycerosomes, hyalurosomes and glycerol containing hyalurosomes, which were prepared using a high ratio of extract/phospholipid (1/3.5w/w). The in vitro biocompatibility of the nanoincorporated extract and its ability to potentiate the aptitude of the extract to counteract oxidative stress in skin cells were evaluated. The vesicles, especially glycerol containing hyalurosomes, were able to prevent oxidative damage and death of both keratinocytes and fibroblasts, promoting their viability.

Influence of vehicles on antioxidant efficacy in hair

Microspheres are the best vehicle to increase the antioxidant efficacy of gallic acid in hair.

Encapsulation of cosmetic active ingredients for topical application--a review

Microencapsulation is finding increasing applications in cosmetics and personal care markets. This article provides an overall discussion on encapsulation of cosmetically active ingredients and encapsulation techniques for cosmetic and personal care products for topical applications. Some of the challenges are identified and critical aspects and future perspectives are addressed. Many cosmetics and personal care products contain biologically active substances that require encapsulation for increased stability of the active materials. The topical and transdermal delivery of active cosmetic ingredients requires effective, controlled and safe means of reaching the target site within the skin. Preservation of the active ingredients is also essential during formulation, storage and application of the final cosmetic product. Microencapsulation offers an ideal and unique carrier system for cosmetic active ingredients, as it has the potential to respond to all these requirements. The encapsulated agent can be released by several mechanisms, such as mechanical action, heat, diffusion, pH, biodegradation and dissolution. The selection of the encapsulation technique and shell material depends on the final application of the product, considering physical and chemical stability, concentration, required particle size, release mechanism and manufacturing costs.

Development and evaluation of curcumin-loaded elastic vesicles as an effective topical anti-inflammatory formulation

Curcumin has diverse biological activities including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. However, its clinical use for topical application is limited due to its poor aqueous solubility and thus, minimal cutaneous bioavailability. Elastic vesicles (EVs) of curcumin were prepared to improve its cutaneous bioavailability and to use it for topical anti-inflammatory effect. Ex vivo skin permeation and retention studies were performed to check if incorporation of curcumin into EVs could improve its permeation into and retention in the skin. Evaluation of acute and chronic anti-inflammatory effect was done using xylene-induced acute ear edema in mice and cotton pellet-induced chronic inflammation in rats, respectively. A significant improvement in flux (nine times) across murine skin was observed when aqueous dispersion of curcumin (flux - 0.46 ± 0.02 μg/h/cm(2)) was compared with curcumin-loaded EVs (flux - 4.14 ± 0.04 μg/h/cm(2)). Incorporation of these curcumin-loaded EVs into a hydrophilic ointment base resulted in higher skin retention (51.66%) in contrast to free curcumin ointment (1.64%) and a marketed formulation (VICCO® turmeric skin cream). The developed ointment showed an effect similar (p < 0.05) to the marketed diclofenac sodium ointment (Omni-gel®) in suppression of acute inflammation in mouse; a significant inhibition (28.8% versus 3.91% for free curcumin) of cotton pellet-induced chronic inflammation was also observed. Thus, curcumin-loaded EVs incorporated in hydrophilic ointment is a promising topical anti-inflammatory formulation.

Topical retinoids in skin ageing: a focused update with reference to sun-induced epidermal vitamin A deficiency

Vitamin A is an important constituent of the epidermis, where it plays a crucial role in epidermal turnover. A deficiency of epidermal vitamin A may be the consequence of nutritional vitamin A deficiency, exposure to sunlight or any UV source, oxidative stress or chronological ageing. As a consequence, any treatment aiming at increasing epidermal vitamin A would exert a protective effect against these deleterious conditions. Retinoids may counteract some deleterious actions of UV radiation by physical and biological mechanisms. Topical natural retinoic acid precursors such as retinaldehyde or retinol are less irritant than acidic retinoids and may prevent epidermal vitamin A deficiency due to nutritional deficiency, exposure to sunlight or any condition leading to free radical production. Retinoids may be combined with other compounds with complementary actions against ageing, nutritional deficiency and cancer, such as antioxidants, to potentiate their beneficial effects in the skin.

Active ingredients against human epidermal aging

The decisive role of the epidermis in maintaining body homeostasis prompted studies to evaluate the changes in epidermal structure and functionality over the lifetime. This development, along with the identification of molecular mechanisms of epidermal signaling, maintenance, and differentiation, points to a need for new therapeutic alternatives to treat and prevent skin aging. In addition to recovering age- and sun-compromised functions, proper treatment of the epidermis has important esthetic implications. This study reviews active ingredients capable of counteracting symptoms of epidermal aging, organized according to the regulation of specific age-affected epidermal functions: (1) several compounds, other than retinoids and derivatives, act on the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes, supporting the protective barrier against mechanical and chemical insults; (2) natural lipidic compounds, as well as glycerol and urea, are described as agents for maintaining water-ion balance; (3) regulation of immunological pathogen defense can be reinforced by natural extracts and compounds, such as resveratrol; and (4) antioxidant exogenous sources enriched with flavonoids and vitamin C, for example, improve solar radiation protection and epidermal antioxidant activity. The main objective is to provide a functional classification of active ingredients as regulatory elements of epidermal homeostasis, with potential cosmetic and/or dermatological applications.

Matrix metalloproteinase enzymes and their naturally derived inhibitors: novel targets in photocarcinoma therapy

The continuous exposure of skin to ultraviolet radiations generates reactive oxygen species leading to photoaging in which degradation of dermal collagen and degeneration of elastic fibers occurs. Matrix metalloproteinase [MMP] enzymes are the proteolytic enzymes which have significant potentiality of cleaving extracellular matrix [ECM] against Ultraviolet [UV] radiation. The important MMPs are MMP1, MMP2 and MMP7 which promote skin cancer when irradiated by UV rays. In lieu of this, the investigation of MMPs and their inhibitors are constantly being studied for successive results. Recent researches have focused on some traditionally used bioactive moieties as natural matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors (MMPIs) and emphasized on the need of more extensive and specific studies on MMPIs, so that a good combination of natural or synthetic MMPIs with the conventional drugs can be evolved for cancer chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the current view on the feasibility of MMPs as targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer. This review also summarizes the role of small molecular weight natural MMPIs and a clinical update of those natural MMPIs that are under clinical trial stage.

Niosomes as a propitious carrier for topical drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

Topical delivery is defined as drug targeting to the pathologic sites of skin with the least systemic absorption. Drug localization in this case is a crucial issue. For these purposes vesicular drug delivery systems including niosomes, proniosomes, liposomes and transferosomes have been developed.

AREAS COVERED

This review first highlights the role of niosome in dermatology focusing on localized skin delivery and then reviews the most recent literatures regarding specific applications of niosomal drug delivery systems in clinics.

EXPERT OPINION

Niosomes are becoming popular in the field of topical drug delivery due to their outstanding characteristics like enhancing the penetration of drugs, providing a sustained pattern of drug release, increasing drug stability and ability to carry both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs.

Lipoidal soft hybrid biocarriers of supramolecular construction for drug delivery

Lipid-based innovations have achieved new heights during the last few years as an essential component of drug development. The current challenge of drug delivery is liberation of drug agents at the right time in a safe and reproducible manner to a specific target site. A number of novel drug delivery systems has emerged encompassing various routes of administration, to achieve controlled and targeted drug delivery. Microparticulate lipoidal vesicular system represents a unique technology platform suitable for the oral and systemic administration of a wide variety of molecules with important therapeutic biological activities, including drugs, genes, and vaccine antigens. The success of liposomes as drug carriers has been reflected in a number of liposome-based formulations, which are commercially available or are currently undergoing clinical trials. Also, novel lipid carrier-mediated vesicular systems are originated. This paper has focused on the lipid-based supramolecular vesicular carriers that are used in various drug delivery and drug targeting systems.

Lipoidal soft hybrid biocarriers of supramolecular construction for drug delivery

Lipid-based innovations have achieved new heights during the last few years as an essential component of drug development. The current challenge of drug delivery is liberation of drug agents at the right time in a safe and reproducible manner to a specific target site. A number of novel drug delivery systems has emerged encompassing various routes of administration, to achieve controlled and targeted drug delivery. Microparticulate lipoidal vesicular system represents a unique technology platform suitable for the oral and systemic administration of a wide variety of molecules with important therapeutic biological activities, including drugs, genes, and vaccine antigens. The success of liposomes as drug carriers has been reflected in a number of liposome-based formulations, which are commercially available or are currently undergoing clinical trials. Also, novel lipid carrier-mediated vesicular systems are originated. This paper has focused on the lipid-based supramolecular vesicular carriers that are used in various drug delivery and drug targeting systems.

Resveratrol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles versus nanostructured lipid carriers: evaluation of antioxidant potential for dermal applications

Background

Excessive generation of radical oxygen species (ROS) is a contributor to skin pathologies. Resveratrol (RSV) is a potent antioxidant. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) can ensure close contact and increase the amount of drug absorbed into the skin. In this study, RSV was loaded into SLN and NLC for dermal applications.

Methods

Nanoparticles were prepared by high shear homogenization using Compritol 888ATO, Myglyol, Poloxamer188, and Tween80. Particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), drug entrapment efficiency (EE), and production yield were determined. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis and morphological transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination were conducted. RSV concentration was optimized with cytotoxicity studies, and net intracellular accumulation of ROS was monitored with cytofluorimetry. The amount of RSV was determined from different layers of rat abdominal skin.

Results

PS of uniform RSV-SLN and RSV-NLC were determined as 287.2 nm ± 5.1 and 110.5 nm ± 1.3, respectively. ZP was −15.3 mV ± 0.4 and −13.8 mV ± 0.1 in the same order. The drug EE was 18% higher in NLC systems. TEM studies showed that the drug in the shell model was relevant for SLN, and that the melting point of the lipid in NLC was slightly lower. Concentrations below 50 μM were determined as suitable RSV concentrations for both SLN and NLC in cell culture studies. RSV-NLC showed less fluorescence, indicating less ROS production in cytofluorometric studies. Ex vivo skin studies revealed that NLC are more efficient in carrying RSV to the epidermis.

Conclusion

This study suggests that both of the lipid nanoparticles had antioxidant properties at a concentration of 50 μM. When the two systems were compared, NLC penetrated deeper into the skin. RSV-loaded NLC with smaller PS and higher drug loading appears to be superior to SLN for dermal applications.

Transdermal absorption enhancement of rice bran bioactive compounds entrapped in niosomes

Niosomes composed of Tween 61 and cholesterol at 1:1 molar ratio were entrapped with the mixture of the three semi-purified rice (Oryza sativa L., Family Gramineae) bran bioactive compounds [ferulic acid (F), γ-oryzanol (O), and phytic acid (P)] at 0.5%, 1.5%, and 1.5%, respectively, by the supercritical CO(2) technique. The transdermal absorption by vertical Franz diffusion cells of the compounds entrapped in niosomes (Nio FOP), the unentrapped compounds (Mixed FOP), the compounds incorporated in gel and cream (Gel FOP and Cream FOP), and the compounds entrapped in niosomes and incorporated in gel and cream (Gel nio and Cream nio) was investigated. At 6 h, F and P from Nio FOP gave lower cumulative amount in viable epidermis and dermis (VED) than from Mixed FOP of 1.1 and 1.6 times, respectively, while O from Nio FOP exhibited higher cumulative amount in VED than from Mixed FOP of 2.4 times. The highest cumulative amount in VED of F, O, and P were from Gel nio, Cream nio, and Mixed FOP at 1.564 ± 0.052, 15.972 ± 0.273, and 25.857 ± 0.025 ng/cm(2), respectively. Niosomes enhanced the transdermal absorption of the hydrophobic compound O, while retarded the hydrophilic compounds F and P indicating the less systemic risk of F and P than O when entrapped in niosomes. Thus, transdermal absorption of F, O, and P appeared to depend on niosomal size, lipophilicity of the bioactive compounds, and types of formulations. These preclinical results can be applied for the design of the clinical study of the developed rice bran niosomal topical products.

Anti-aging efficacy of topical formulations containing niosomes entrapped with rice bran bioactive compounds

CONTEXT

Rice [Oryza sativa L. (Gramineae)] bran is a rich source of phytochemicals. Its oil also contains several bioactive components that exhibit antioxidative properties such as ferulic acid (F), γ-oryzanol (O), and phytic acid (P) which can be a new source of cosmetic raw materials.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anti-aging effects of the gel and cream containing niosomes entrapped with the rice bran bioactive compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The semi-purified rice bran extracts containing F, O, and P which indicated the growth stimulation of human fibroblasts and the inhibition of MMP-2 by sulforhodamine B and gelatin zymography, respectively, were entrapped in niosomes by supercritical carbon dioxide fluid (scCO(2)) and incorporated in gel and cream formulations. The skin hydration, elasticity, thickness and roughness, and pigmentation in human volunteers after treated with these gel and creams were investigated by corneometer, cutometer, visiometer, and mexameter, respectively.

RESULTS

Gel and cream containing the semi-purified rice bran extracts entrapped in niosomes gave no sign of erythema and edema detected within 72 h on the shaved rabbit skin by the closed patch test investigated by mexameter and visual observation, respectively. These formulations also demonstrated higher hydration enhancement and improvement of skin lightening, thickness, roughness, and elasticity on the skin of 30 human volunteers within the 28-day treatment not more than 9, 27, 7, 3, and 3 times, respectively.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The formulations containing niosomes entrapped with the rice bran bioactive compounds gave superior clinical anti-aging activity which can be applied as a novel skin product.

Main approaches for delivering antioxidant vitamins through the skin to prevent skin ageing

INTRODUCTION

One of the major contributions to skin photoageing and diseases is oxidative stress, caused by UV radiation inducing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Successful prophylaxis and therapy would necessitate control of the oxidant/antioxidant balance at the affected site, which can be achieved through the external supply of endogenous antioxidants.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses possible strategies for dermal delivery of the antioxidant vitamins E and C, as oral supplementation has proved insufficient. These antioxidants have low skin bioavailability, owing to their poor solubility, inefficient skin permeability, or instability during storage. These drawbacks can be overcome by various approaches, such as chemical modification of the vitamins and the use of new colloidal drug delivery systems. New knowledge is included about the importance of: enhancing the endogenous skin antioxidant defense through external supply; the balance between various skin antioxidants; factors that can improve the skin bioavailability of antioxidants; and new delivery systems, such as microemulsions, used to deliver vitamins C and E into the skin simultaneously.

EXPERT OPINION

A promising strategy for enhancing skin protection from oxidative stress is to support the endogenous antioxidant system, with antioxidants containing products that are normally present in the skin.