Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. essential oil slows hair-growth and lightens skin in axillae; a randomised, double blinded trial

Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Effects of Zingiberaceae Oils: A Natural Solution for Oral Health

Essential oils have been recognised for their potential benefits in oral care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antiproliferative activity of essential oils derived from four Zingiberaceae species. A combination of GC/MS and GC-FID was employed to analyse these essential oils. The results showed that β-myrcene (79.77 %) followed by ethyl-cinnamate (40.14 %), β-curcumene (34.90 %), and alloaromadendrene (25.15 %) as the primary constituents of Curcuma mangga, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Kaempferia galanga and Curcuma aeruginosa, respectively. The Zingiberaceae oils were tested for their antibacterial activity against oral bacteria using the disc diffusion test. Curcuma xanthorrhiza oil showed the largest inhibition zones against Streptococcus mitis (19.50±2.22 mm) and Streptococcus sanguinis (15.04±3.05 mm). Similarly, Curcuma mangga oil exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans (12.55±0.45 mm) and mixed oral bacteria (15.03±3.82 mm). Furthermore, the MTT viability assay revealed moderate inhibitory activity of these essential oils against H103 and ORL-204 oral cancer cells. The study findings demonstrate that Curcuma xanthorrhiza and Curcuma mangga essential oils have potent antibacterial properties, suggesting their potential use as natural alternatives to synthetic antibacterial agents in oral care products. However, further investigations are necessary to fully explore their therapeutic applications.

Recent advances in delivering free or nanoencapsulated Curcuma by-products as antimicrobial food additives

Food commodities are often contaminated by microbial pathogens in transit or during storage. Hence, mitigation of these pathogens is necessary to ensure the safety of food commodities. Globally, researchers used botanicals as natural additives to preserve food commodities from bio-deterioration, and advances were made to meet users' acceptance in this domain, as synthetic preservatives are associated with harmful effects to both consumers and environments. Over the last century, the genus Curcuma has been used in traditional medicine, and its crude and nanoencapsulated essential oils (EOs) and curcuminoids were used to combat harmful pathogens that deteriorate stored foods. Today, more research is needed for solving the problem of pathogen resistance in food commodities and to meet consumer demands. Therefore, Curcuma-based botanicals may provide a source of natural preservatives for food commodities that satisfy the needs both of the food industry and the consumers. Hence, this article discusses the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of EOs and curcuminoids derived from the genus Curcuma. Further, the action modes of Curcuma-based botanicals are explained, and the latest advances in nanoencapsulation of these compounds in food systems are discussed alongside knowledge gaps and safety assessment where the focus of future research should be placed.

Stability Profile and Clinical Evaluation of an Innovative Hydrogel Containing Polymeric Micelles as Drug Delivery Systems with Oregano Essential Oil against Fibroepithelial Polyps

Skin tags, also known as fibroepithelial polyps (FPs) or acrochordons, are soft, pigmented excrescences, with a prevalence of 50-60% in the population, occurring especially in the fourth decade of life. To date, FPs have been efficiently eliminated using minimum invasive methods such as surgical removal, cauterization, laser irradiation, and cryosurgery. Over-the-counter treatments are also of interest for patients due to their non-invasive character, but their clinical efficiency has not been clearly demonstrated. This study was designed in order to evaluate the efficacy of a modern-pharmaceutical-formulation-type poloxamer-based binary hydrogel, having Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OEO-PbH) as an active ingredient in the management of FPs. The formulation has been shown to possess good qualities in terms of stability and sterility. Non-invasive measurements revealed changes in some physiological skin parameters. An increase in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and erythema index was noted, while skin surface water content (SWC) decreased during eight weeks of treatment. The macroscopic evaluation revealed that the FPs dried and shrunk after topical treatment with OEO-PbH. Clinically, patients presented a lowering of the number of lesions on the treated area of 20-30% after one month of treatment and around 50% after the second month. Histopathological examination suggests that topical treatment with OEO-PbH may induce histological changes in the epidermis, dermis, and fibrovascular cores of FPs, including a loss of thickness, reduced size and number of blood vessels, and low cellularity. These changes may contribute to the observed reduction in size of FPs after treatment with OEO-PbH.

Analysis of Volatile Constituents in Curcuma Species, viz. C. aeruginosa, C. zedoaria, and C. longa, from Nepal

The genus Curcuma, composed of 93 species mainly originating from Asia, Australia, and South America, has been used for medicinal purposes, aromatic, and nutritional values as well as cosmetic. It plays a vital role in flavoring and coloring as well as exhibiting therapeutic agents against different diseases. Nepalese farmers are unaware of the essential oil compositions of Curcuma species, viz. C. aeruginosa, C. zedoaria, and C. longa. The investigation of these three essential oils provides insight into their potential as cash crops and earns a reasonable return from their production. The essential oils were obtained from the rhizomes of each plant by hydrodistillation and subjected to Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC−MS) analysis to identify its volatile chemical constituents as well as chiral GC-MS to identify the enantiomeric distribution of chiral terpenoids. The order of extraction yields were C. longa (0.89%) > C. zedoaria (0.74%) > C. aeruginosa (0.37%). In total, the presence of 65, 98, and 84 compounds were identified in C. longa, C. zedoaria, and C. aeruginosa, representing 95.82%, 81.55%, and 92.59% of the total oil, respectively. The most abundant compounds in C. longa essential oils were ar-turmerone (25.5%), α-turmerone (24.4%), β-turmerone (14.0%), terpinolene (7.2%), β-sesquiphellandrene (5.1%), α-zingiberene (4.8%), β-caryophyllene (2.9%), ar-curcumene (1.6%) and 1,8-cineole (1.3%). The most dominant compounds in C. zedoaria were curzerenone (21.5%), 1,8-cineole (19.6%), curzerene (6.2%), trans-β-Elemene (5.1%), camphor (2.6%), and germacrone (2.3%). The major components in C. aeruginosa were curzerenone (59.6%), germacrone (5.3%), curzerene (4.7%), camphor (3.6%), trans-β-Elemene (2.6%), and β-eudesmol (1.6%). C. zedoaria, and C. aeruginosa essential oil from Nepal for the very first time. This study reports for the first time chiral terpenoids from C. aeruginosa, C. zedoaria, and C. longa essential oil. A chemical blueprint of these essential oils could also be used as a tool for identification and quality assessment.

Essential oils used in dermocosmetics: Review about its biological activities

INTRODUCTION

Currently, the demand for the use of constituents of natural origin in cosmetic formulations in detriment of synthetic compounds is noticeable. Several studies assess the potential of essential oils when incorporated into various cosmetic formulations and study their biological activities. This work intends to prepare a literature review on essential oils tested in dermocosmetic formulations and whose biological activities were evaluated through in vitro and/or in vivo tests. The main objectives for this study were as follows: to identify the essential oils that have been used in cosmetic formulations; and compile information on the main biological activities tested in cosmetic formulations.

METHODS

A search was carried out until 2021 in the scientific databases PubMed and Web of Science, using different search terms, and several scientific articles from in vitro and in vivo studies in animals and clinical trials were selected and analyzed of involving development dermocosmetic formulations containing essential oils and the analysis of their biological activities.

RESULTS

These studies demonstrate that the antimicrobial activity (antibacterial and antifungal) is the one most studied, mainly through in vitro tests. In vivo studies were also carried out either in animals or in clinical studies showing different effects, such as repellent action, inhibition of hair growth, and action against migraine. Regarding formulations, it was evident that creams are the most used.

CONCLUSIONS

There is enormous potential for the use of essential oils in future formulations in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry, in particular as preservatives, exploring their other biological activities.

Dermatological effects of Curcuma species: a systematic review

Curcuma and its derivatives are associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in the skin. They exhibit beneficial effects in wound healing and prevention of chronic ultraviolet B damage and may prevent facial redness such as rosacea and flushing. This review aims to provide an up-to-date and rigorous synthesis of studies that demonstrated the clinical efficacy of curcuminoids in the skin. We evaluated studies published in the MEDLINE-PubMed/PMC (National Library of Medicine) databases, and followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for this review. This search included papers published in the past 10 years in controlled clinical trials, double-blind and randomized controlled studies, and case studies. The search resulted in 12 studies published in the past 10 years. Curcuma species (Curcuma longa and Curcuma aeruginosa) and curcumin were found to produce various dermatological effects, including influencing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory processes in the production of hyaluronan, increasing skin moisture, and reducing axillary hair growth. Curcuma was also found to reduce thickness, erythema, pruritus, burning and pain in psoriasis lesions and to improve radiodermatitis lesions. Our review results show that Curcuma species may play a role in skin health management and may exhibit various dermatological effects, thus it could be a new therapeutic arsenal for dermatology professionals. Nevertheless, more clinical trials should be conducted with humans to establish the optimum delivery method and dosages for different dermatological conditions.

The Effects of Curcumin on Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an ensemble of metabolic conditions that have reached pandemic proportions worldwide. Pathology's multifactorial nature makes patient management, including lifelong drug therapy and lifestyle modification, extremely challenging. Currently, there is growing evidence about the effectiveness of using herbal supplements in preventing and controlling DM. Curcumin is a bioactive component found Curcuma longa, which exhibits several physiological and pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic activities. For these reasons, our objective is to systematically review the effects of Curcuma longa or curcumin on DM. Databases such as PUBMED and EMBASE were searched, and the final selection included sixteen studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The results showed that curcumin's anti-diabetic activity might be due to its capacity to suppress oxidative stress and inflammatory process. Also, it significantly reduces fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and body mass index. Nanocurcumin is also associated with a significant reduction in triglycerides, VLDL-c, total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, serum C reactive protein, and plasma malonaldehyde. Therefore, it can be considered in the therapeutic approach of patients with DM.

Assessment of the skin efficacy and acceptability of a cosmetic product in the treatment of the forearm hypertrichosis in female patients

BACKGROUND

Treatment of unwanted body hair is a challenging area in cosmetic dermatology. Topical soy isoflavones and derivatives or eflornithine have been utilized in dermatocosmetology for their estrogenic and antiandrogenic activity.

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of a formulation containing capryloyl glycine 4% in decreasing hair growth on the forearms after topical application for 120 days vs placebo.

METHODS

A total of 69 female patients entered the study (age 37 ± 6). Hair growth was quantified using TrichoScan software on both forearms at 20-fold magnification (analyzed area 0.651 cm2). Hair density (number of hairs/cm² ), density vellus hair, density terminal hair, and median length of hairs were evaluated. The data were analyzed using ANOVA for repeated measures to evaluate changes during the treatment (T0, T60, and T120) and Student's t test (placebo vs active).

RESULTS

There was a significant decrease on hair density, median, and terminal hair at the end of the treatment in the active-treated site (P < .001) as measured by TrichoScan software. Direct comparison between active and placebo-treated sites showed no significant differences at T0, but highly significant differences at T120 (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study shows that a cosmetic formulation based on capryloyl glycine 4% is highly effective in reducing several parameters related to hair growth and hair thickness vs placebo, thus showing efficacy in the treatment of hypertrichosis.

Herbal preparations for the treatment of hair loss

Though hair does not serve any crucial physiological function in modern humans, it plays an important role in our self-esteem. Androgenic baldness (androgenic alopecia) and circular/spot baldness (alopecia areata) are the most common forms of hair loss. Many active ingredients of synthetic origin are available for treatment; however, they have a number of limitations. Their effectiveness and safety are questionable and the amount of time needed to achieve the effect is both long and unclear. This has increased interest in finding an alternative approach against hair loss using preparations containing plants and/or their isolated active ingredients. A number of studies (mostly randomized, placebo-controlled) of plants and preparations made of plants have been performed to confirm their effectiveness in treating hair loss. The plants with the most evidence-based effect against alopecia are Curcuma aeruginosa (pink and blue ginger), Serenoa repens (palmetto), Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), Trifolium pratense (red clover), and Panax ginseng (Chinese red ginseng). The assumed mechanism of action is predominately inhibition of 5α-reductase, with enhanced nutritional support and scalp blood circulation playing a role as well.

Discovery of Natural Steroid 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors

Human steroid 5 alpha-reductases (S5αRs) and NADPH irreversibly reduce testosterone to the more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT). S5αR inhibitors are useful treatments for DHT-dependent diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, androgenic alopecia and hair growth, and acne. There are three S5αR isozymes, and there is a need for safer and more isozyme selective inhibitors than finasteride and dutasteride currently licensed. In this study, we review the methods used to screen for S5αR inhibitory activity and describe studies that characterize the ability of herbal preparations and their constituents to inhibit S5αRs. We identified enormous variations between studies in IC₅₀s for finasteride and dutasteride used as standards. Accordingly, we make several recommendations: Stable isozyme specific transfection systems need creating a standardized enzyme/microsome preparation and all three isozymes, as well as androgen receptor binding, should be tested; agreed reaction conditions, especially the substrate concentrations, and separation/quantitation method optimized for high throughput screening; systematic screening of herbal compounds and most extensive use of leads to develop more potent and isozyme specific inhibitors.

Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Essential Oils of Curcuma Species

Members of the genus Curcuma L. have been used in traditional medicine for centuries for treating gastrointestinal disorders, pain, inflammatory conditions, wounds, and for cancer prevention and antiaging, among others. Many of the biological activities of Curcuma species can be attributed to nonvolatile curcuminoids, but these plants also produce volatile chemicals. Essential oils, in general, have shown numerous beneficial effects for health maintenance and treatment of diseases. Essential oils from Curcuma spp., particularly C. longa, have demonstrated various health-related biological activities and several essential oil companies have recently marketed Curcuma oils. This review summarizes the volatile components of various Curcuma species, the biological activities of Curcuma essential oils, and potential safety concerns of Curcuma essential oils and their components.