Enhanced barrier functions and anti-inflammatory effect of cultured coconut extract on human skin

A Crossover Trial Evaluating Coconut Oil as an Alternative to Commercial Ultrasound Gel in Obstetrical Ultrasounds

OBJECTIVE

 Our objective was to evaluate the quality of obstetrical ultrasound images obtained with coconut oil compared with commercial ultrasound gel and to assess patient acceptability.

STUDY DESIGN

 This was a randomized two-period crossover study in which 40 pregnant patients had standard biometry images obtained with both coconut oil and commercial ultrasound gel during their growth or anatomy ultrasound. All images were then rated by two blinded maternal-fetal medicine physicians on quality, resolution, and detail using a 0 to 100 scale. Contrasts obtained from linear mixed models were used to estimate the differences in image parameters between the agents. Participant experience was evaluated with an acceptability survey which included five items measured on a five-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

 Image quality, as rated by physicians, was found to be equivalent between commercial ultrasound gel and coconut oil. Additionally, there was not a statistically significant difference in image resolution or detail between the two coupling agents. The overall patient experience was significantly lower for commercial ultrasound gel when compared with coconut oil (mean difference = - 5.48, 95% confidence interval = [-6.89, -4.06]).

CONCLUSION

 Ultrasound images collected with coconut oil as the coupling agent are equivalent in quality to those collected using commercial ultrasound gel. Patients also preferred the use of coconut oil during their ultrasound, making its use a possible way to improve the patient ultrasound experience. Coconut oil has the potential as an alternative coupling agent that could significantly increase access to ultrasound use in resource-limited settings.

KEY POINTS

· Coconut oil produces quality images during obstetrical ultrasounds.. · Patients prefer the use of coconut oil to standard ultrasound gel during obstetrical ultrasounds.. · Coconut oil is a coupling agent that could increase ultrasound use in resource-limited settings..

From gut to skin: exploring the potential of natural products targeting microorganisms for atopic dermatitis treatment

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Recent studies have revealed that interactions between pathogenic microorganisms, which have a tendency to parasitize the skin of AD patients, play a significant role in the progression of the disease. Furthermore, specific species of commensal bacteria in the human intestinal tract can have a profound impact on the immune system by promoting inflammation and pruritogenesis in AD, while also regulating adaptive immunity. Natural products (NPs) have emerged as promising agents for the treatment of various diseases. Consequently, there is growing interest in utilizing natural products as a novel therapeutic approach for managing AD, with a focus on modulating both skin and gut microbiota. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and interplay between the skin and gut microbiota in relation to AD. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive overview of recent clinical and fundamental research on NPs targeting the skin and gut microbiota for AD treatment. We anticipate that our work will contribute to the future development of NPs and facilitate research on microbial mechanisms, based on the efficacy of NPs in treating AD.

Potential of Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum) Oil for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Tamanu oil, derived from the nut of Calophyllum inophyllum L., has been traditionally used to treat various skin-related ailments. In recent years, this oil is increasingly gaining popularity as researchers continue to search for novel natural alternative therapies for various skin diseases. There have been a number of in vitro and in vivo studies investigating various skin-active properties of tamanu oil, and it has been proven to have potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, analgesic, and even wound-healing abilities. These properties make tamanu oil an especially interesting candidate for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). This multifaceted disease is marked by the disruption of the skin barrier function, chronic inflammation, and skin microbiome dysbiosis with limited treatment options, which is free from adverse events and inexpensive, making it desperate for a new treatment option. In this review, we examine previous in vitro and in vivo studies on AD-relevant pharmacological properties of tamanu oil in order to evaluate the potential of tamanu oil as a novel treatment option for AD.

African oils in dermatology

Plant and seed oils have been used for centuries and possibly millennia in Nigeria and Africa for the maintenance of healthy skin and the traditional treatment of skin disorders. In recent times, some of these oils have regained popularity due to their availability and affordability coupled with concerns about the side effects of commercially processed skin care products. This is to assess the chemical properties, current knowledge, source of procurement, indications for topical use, benefits, and possible adverse effects of six plant oils and one animal fat commonly used in Nigeria. This is a literature review and interview with traditional healers and alternative health practitioners to document the traditional, medical, cosmetics, and other usage of oils for skin and scalp care in the African context. Literature review was done on the biochemical and pharmacological properties of each of the seven oils. Searches were made from PubMed, African Journal online, Medline, and Google scholar. Medical subject heading terms used in the search include shea butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil, soy oil, Baobab oil, and python oil. Plant and seed oils used locally in Nigeria and other African countries for skin care and treatment have several benefits due to the constituents of the plant oils (free fatty acids, triglycerides, ceramides, phospholipids, vitamins and antioxidants) which have been shown to promote healthy skin barrier function, wound healing and have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. They are however not without adverse effects, which may be mainly due to processing and storage hygiene. Further studies are required on these oils in view of their potential in the development of novel skincare products and dermatological therapies.

Characterization, Stability Assessment, Antioxidant Evaluation and Cell Proliferation Activity of Virgin Coconut Oil-based Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Loaded with Ficus deltoidea Extract

In this study, the Ficus deltoidea extract loaded nanostructured lipid carrier was prepared by using the melt emulsification homogenization method. Virgin coconut oil is used as liquid lipid, while glyceryl monostearate is the solid lipid. Particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug loading and morphology of the obtained nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) were measured. The size of the nanostructured lipid carrier incorporated with Ficus deltoidea (FDNLC) is 158.0 ± 1.3 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.15 ± 0.02. The zeta potential obtained is −42.3 ± 1.5 mV. The encapsulation efficiency and active ingredient loading capacity for FDNLC is 87.4% ± 1.3% and 8.5% ± 1.2%, respectively. The shape of FDNLC is almost spherical and the stability assessment showed that the obtained formulation is at least stable for 40 days. When compared with the positive controls, which are Trolox and ascorbic acid, FDNLC shows the highest antioxidant value. Cell proliferation activity study indicates that FDNLC is not toxic to cells, and FDNLC could potentially treat damage by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation.

Revalorization of bioactive compounds from tropical fruit by-products and industrial applications by means of sustainable approaches

Tropical fruits trade is on the rise due to the claimed health benefits related with their consumption. Functional activities are exerted by the presence of bioactive compounds which could be used for prevention or amelioration diseases. However, the occurrence of bioactive compounds is found mainly in non-edible fraction of tropical fruits which are usually discarded. Therefore, the revalorization of tropical fruits by-products as source of functional compounds is on the cutting-edge research. The implementation of this challenge not only allows the enhancement of the tropical fruits by-products management, but also the production of value-added products. This review compiles the latest comprehensive information about the revalorization of bioactive compounds from tropical fruits by-products. A revision of the sustainable green technologies used for the isolation of valuable compounds has been carried out as well as the current food, functional, cosmeceutical and bioenergetics industrial applications of bioactive compounds extracted from tropical fruits by-products.

Penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose from Paeonia lactiflora Pall. root extract enhances the expression of skin barrier genes via EGR3

ETHNOPHARMACOLIGICAL RELEVANCE

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. has long been used to treat inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The skin acts as a barrier and provides protection against various stresses by expressing skin barrier genes during keratinocyte differentiation. However, the effect of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. root extract on the expression of skin barrier genes has not been investigated. Here, we aimed to show that treatment of keratinocytes with Paeonia lactiflora Pall. root can upregulate genes related to keratinocyte differentiation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine the effect Paeonia lactiflora Pall. root extract, RNA-Seq, gene ontology, and gene set enrichment analysis were performed. Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to confirm the increased expression of skin barrier genes.

RESULTS

Treatment with Paeonia lactiflora Pall. root enhanced the expression of skin barrier genes, including the filaggrin, loricrin, and involucrin. Moreover, we found that penta-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (PGG), one of the ingredients in Paeonia lactiflora Pall. root, enhanced the expression of skin barrier genes, by upregulating the expression of the transcription factor EGR3.

CONCLUSIONS

PGG and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. root extract have therapeutic potential for the treatment of diseases related to skin barrier disruption and can be used in cosmetics to enhance skin barrier function.

NCM 1921, a Mixture of Several Ingredients, Including Fatty Acids and Choline, Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis in 1-Chloro-2,4-Dinitrobenzene-Treated NC/Nga Mice

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease in humans. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a mixture (NCM 1921) of omega-3 butter, omega-3 beef tallow oil, omega-3 lard oil, caprylic acid, lauric acid, choline, and Fe on AD in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-treated NC/Nga mice. NCM 1921 significantly ameliorated the macroscopic and microscopic signs and reduced skin thickness and mast cell incorporation in the skin lesions of mice with DNCB-induced AD. Furthermore, it reduced serum immunoglobulin E levels; reduced the number of IgE-producing B cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, white blood cells, and differential white blood cells; and increased the number of lymphocytes. NCM 1921 normalized the total cell number in dorsal skin tissue, the axillary lymph node, and spleen following DNCB exposure and reduced the number of CD23+/B220+ cells in the axillary lymph node and CD3+ cells in dorsal skin tissue. Moreover, it reduced the levels of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 but increased the levels of interferon-γ in anti-CD3–stimulated splenocytes. Immunohistofluorescence staining showed that NCM 1921 treatment significantly increased claudin1, filaggrin, and Sirt1 protein expressions in AD skin lesions. These results suggest that NCM 1921 could be a valuable remedy for the treatment of AD.

Deposition of plant lipids after single application of a lip care product determined by confocal raman spectroscopy, corneometry and transepidermal water-loss

OBJECTIVE

Lip treatment products often incorporate oils and waxes in their formulations, and a desired outcome of their use is to prevent lip dryness and roughness as well as help to repair this condition. The objective of this study was to combine confocal Raman spectroscopy with skin capacitance (corneometry) and transepidermal water loss (closed chamber Aquaflux system) measurements, in the evaluation of the degree of moisturization and lip skin penetration of a fruit wax (Rhus vernicula peel cera) and natural oil-based (Cocos nucifera fruit oil and Olea europea oil) lip care product, following a single application.

METHODS

The study was conducted on a total of 15 healthy female volunteers. Instrumental measurements were performed before and 30 min, 2 h and 6 h after a single application of the product.

RESULTS

Lip skin barrier function as well as lip hydration were significantly improved and penetration of olive oil was maintained for at least 6 h post product application. The deposition of the three component lipids (berry fruit wax, coconut oil and olive oil) into the stratum corneum after a single application of the lip care product was maintained and data significant for 2-6 h post product application. Lipid deposition was regarded as a positive long-lasting skin care (depot-) effect combined with a profound hydrating effect for about 6 h.

CONCLUSION

The tri-method approach taken in this study is deemed relevant and valid for measuring lip hydration offering a complimentary assessment of the barrier function of lip skin and interactive effects of cosmetic ingredients.

Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils

Plant oils have been utilized for a variety of purposes throughout history, with their integration into foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. They are now being increasingly recognized for their effects on both skin diseases and the restoration of cutaneous homeostasis. This article briefly reviews the available data on biological influences of topical skin applications of some plant oils (olive oil, olive pomace oil, sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, safflower seed oil, argan oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, sesame oil, avocado oil, borage oil, jojoba oil, oat oil, pomegranate seed oil, almond oil, bitter apricot oil, rose hip oil, German chamomile oil, and shea butter). Thus, it focuses on the therapeutic benefits of these plant oils according to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin, promotion of wound healing and repair of skin barrier.