In vivo antiarthritic activity of the ethanol extracts of stem bark and seeds of Calophyllum inophyllum in Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis

Onosma bracteatum Wall Aqueous-Ethanolic Extract Suppresses Complete Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats via Regulation of TNF-α, IL-6, and C-Reactive Protein

Onosma bracteatum Wall (O. bracteatum) has been used traditionally for the management of arthritis; however, its therapeutic potential warrants further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic effects of the aqueous-ethanolic extract of O. bracteatum leaves (AeOB) in a rat model of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Rats were treated with AeOB (250, 500, and 750 mg/kg), indomethacin (10 mg/kg), or a vehicle control from days 8 to 28 post-CFA injection. Arthritic score, paw diameter, and body weight were monitored at regular intervals. X-ray radiographs and histopathological analysis were performed to assess arthritic severity. Inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were quantified by qPCR and icromatography. Phytochemical analysis of AeOB revealed alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, Saponins, and glycosides. AeOB also exhibited antioxidant potential with an IC50 of 73.22 µg/mL in a DPPH assay. AeOB and diclofenac exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities. Rats treated with AeOB at 750 mg/kg and indomethacin showed significantly reduced arthritic symptoms and joint inflammation versus the CFA control. The AeOB treatment downregulated TNF-α and IL-6 and decreased CRP levels compared with arthritic rats. Radiography and histopathology also showed improved prognosis. These findings demonstrate the anti-arthritic potential of AeOB leaves.

An Integrated Computational and Experimental Approach to Formulate Tamanu Oil Bigels as Anti-Scarring Agent

Tamanu oil has traditionally been used to treat various skin problems. The oil has wound-healing and skin-regenerating capabilities and encourages the growth of new skin cells, all of which are helpful for fading scars and hyperpigmentation, as well as promoting an all-around glow. The strong nutty odor and high viscosity are the major disadvantages associated with its application. The aim of this study was to create bigels using tamanu oil for its anti-scarring properties and predict the possible mechanism of action through the help of molecular docking studies. In silico studies were performed to analyze the binding affinity of the protein with the drug, and the anti-scarring activity was established using a full-thickness excision wound model. In silico studies revealed that the components inophyllum C, 4-norlanosta-17(20),24-diene-11,16-diol-21-oic acid, 3-oxo-16,21-lactone, calanolide A, and calophyllolide had docking scores of -11.3 kcal/mol, -11.1 kcal/mol, -9.8 kcal/mol, and -8.6 kcal/mol, respectively, with the cytokine TGF-β1 receptor. Bigels were prepared with tamanu oil ranging from 5 to 20% along with micronized xanthan gum and evaluated for their pH, viscosity, and spreadability. An acute dermal irritation study in rabbits showed no irritation, erythema, eschar, or edema. In vivo excisional wound-healing studies performed on Wistar rats and subsequent histopathological studies showed that bigels had better healing properties when compared to the commercial formulation (MurivennaTM oil). This study substantiates the wound-healing and scar reduction potential of tamanu oil bigels.

The hepato- and neuroprotective effect of gold Casuarina equisetifolia bark nano-extract against Chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity in rats

BACKGROUND

The bark of Casuarina equisetifolia contains several active phytoconstituents that are suitable for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs). These nanoparticles were subsequently evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing the toxicity induced by Chlorpyrifos (CPF) in rats.

RESULTS

Various hematological and biochemical measurements were conducted in this study. In addition, markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions quantified in liver and brain tissues were evaluated. Histopathological examinations were performed on both liver and brain tissues. Furthermore, the native electrophoretic protein and isoenzyme patterns were analyzed, and the relative expression levels of apoptotic genes in these tissues were determined. The hematological and biochemical parameters were found to be severely altered in the group injected with CPF. However, the administration of Au-C. equisetifolia nano-extract normalized these levels in all treated groups. The antioxidant system markers showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in conjunction with elevated levels of inflammatory and fibrotic markers in both liver and brain tissues of the CPF-injected group. In comparison, the pre-treated group exhibited a reduction in these markers when treated with the nano-extract, as opposed to the CPF-injected group. Additionally, the nano-extract mitigated the severity of histopathological lesions induced by CPF in both liver and brain tissues, with a higher ameliorative effect observed in the pre-treated group. Electrophoretic assays conducted on liver and brain tissues revealed that the nano-extract prevented the qualitative changes induced by CPF in the pre-treated group. Furthermore, the molecular assay demonstrated a significant increase in the relative expression of apoptotic genes in the CPF-injected rats. Although the nano-extract ameliorated the relative expression of these genes compared to the CPF-injected group, it was unable to restore their values to normal levels.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that the nano-extract effectively reduced the toxicity induced by CPF in rats at hematological, biochemical, histopathological, physiological, and molecular levels, in the group pre-treated with the nano-extract.

Attenuation of CFA-induced arthritis through regulation of inflammatory cytokines and antioxidant mechanisms by Solanum nigrum L. leaves extracts

Solanum nigrum L. is a popular traditional medicine for various inflammatory conditions including rheumatism and joint pain. The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic mechanism of Solanum nigrum L. Four extracts were prepared using n-hexane, methanol, chloroform, and water. The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity was carried out with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body wt. PO of each extract by the hot plate and carrageenan-induced paw oedema methods, respectively. The anti-arthritic study was performed with chloroform and aqueous extracts (300 mg/kg) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Paw size (mm), ankle joint diameter (mm), and latency time (sec) were recorded on day 0 and every 4th day till 28 days. The hematological, inflammatory, and oxidative biomarkers were estimated. Results showed that significant analgesia (p < 0.05) and reduction in paw inflammation were achieved with all extracts. The highest percent inhibition in Carrageenan-induced inflammation was achieved with 300 mg/kg of chloroform (72.19%) and aqueous (71.30%) extracts, respectively. In the CFA model, both extracts showed a significant reduction in paw size and ankle joint diameter (p < 0.05). The RT-qPCR analysis revealed the upregulation of interleukin-4 and interleukin-10, and down-expression of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, cycloxygenase-2, nuclear factor-κB, prostaglandin E synthase 2, and interferon-γ. A significant increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione levels was observed. Hence, it is concluded that Solanum nigrum L. leaf extracts regulate the expression of inflammatory markers and improve oxidative stress resulting in the attenuation of CFA-induced arthritis.

Linalool: Monoterpene alcohol effectiveness in chronic synovitis through lowering Interleukin-17, spleen and thymus indices

Interleukin-17 has a positive role in the initial induction and late chronic phases of many inflammatory disorders like arthritis. This cytokine has a strong option for therapeutic targeting due to the fact that it was found in the inflamed joints of individual with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and persuasive evidence from experimental arthritis models indicating its pro-inflammatory actions. IL-17 suppression lessened the asperity of arthritis. The present study aimed to assess the anti-arthritic potential of linalool in a model of chronic joint inflammation (CFA-mediated rheumatoid arthritis) in rats. Linalool markedly lowered spleen and thymus indices as opposed to arthritic control. The over-formation of IL-17, COX-2, TNF-α IL-1β, iNOS and IL-6 were markedly impaired in all linalool treated rats, but IL-10 was raised as compared to arthritic animals in Real time-PCR. There was reduction in associated parameters like paw volume, arthritic index, mobility score, and flexion pain score and a marked increase in stance score in CFA model as compared to the arthritic control group. Furthermore, there was improvement in body weight, hematological, tissue, and radiological parameters in the CFA-model. Molecular docking study exhibited strong binding interaction of linalool with IL-17, PGE-2, iNOS and COX-2, thus providing a good correlation among experimental and theoretical results. The current findings show that linalool reduces adjuvant arthritis by suppressing pro-inflammatory mediators, arthritic development, and spleen and thymus indices. Thus, linalool may be employed therapeutically to alleviate arthritis in humans.

Cassia absus-mediated upregulation of IL-4, IL-10 and downregulation of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF- α, NF-κB, IFN-γ in CFA-induced arthritis model

Traditional use of Cassia absus as an anti-inflammatory in conjunctivitis and bronchitis is well reported. Owing to its anti-inflammatory potential, the current study appraised in vivo anti-arthritic activity of n-hexane and aqueous extracts of Cassia absus seeds (200 mg/kg) using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) rat model of arthritis. Changes in paw size (mm), joint diameter (mm), and pain response (sec) were recorded at the baseline and then after CFA induction at the interval of 4 days till the 28th day. Blood samples of anesthetized rats were collected for the estimation of hematological, oxidative, and inflammatory biomarkers. Results showed percent inhibition in paw edema (45.09% and 60.79%) with both n-hexane and aqueous extracts, respectively. Significant reduction in paw size and ankle joint diameter (P < 0.01) was seen in extracts treated rats. Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate, C-Reactive Protein, White Blood Cell levels significantly lowered, and Hemoglobin, Platelets and Red Blood Cell count significantly increased post-treatments. Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione were significantly improved (P < 0.0001) in treated groups as compared to CFA induced arthritic control. Real-time polymerase chain reaction investigation showed significant downregulation (P < 0.05) of Interleukin-1β, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-6, Cycloxygenase-2, Nuclear Factor-κB, Prostaglandin E Synthase 2, Interferon Gamma and upregulation of Interleukin-4, Interleukin-10 in both n-hexane and aqueous extract-treated groups. It is thereby concluded that Cassia absus can significantly attenuate CFA-induced arthritis by modulation of oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers.

Downregulation of pro-inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α in rheumatoid arthritis using nano-lipidic carriers of a quinone-based phenolic: an in vitro and in vivo study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a joint ailment with multi-factorial immune-mediated degenerative pathogenesis, including genetic and environmental defects. Resistance to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) happens due to excessive drug efflux over time, rendering the concentration insufficient to elicit a response. Thymoquinone (TQ) is a quinone-based phenolic compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that downregulate numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, its pharmaceutical importance and therapeutic utility are underexplored due to intrinsic physicochemical characteristics such as inadequate biological stability, short half-life, low hydrophilicity, and less systemic availability. Tamanu oil-stabilised nanostructured lipid carriers (TQ-NLCs) were prepared and optimised using Box-Behnken design (BBD) with the size of 153.9 ± 0.52 nm and surface charge of -30.71 mV. The % entrapment efficiency and drug content were found to be 84.6 ± 0.50% and 14.75 ± 0.52%, respectively. Furthermore, the TQ-loaded NLCs (TQ-NLCs) assayed for skin permeation for transdermal delivery which significantly (p < 0.05) increased skin enhancement ratio 14.6 times compared to the aqueous solution of TQ. Tamanu oil displayed the synergistic anti-inflammatory potential with TQ in comparison to pure TQ, as evidenced against carrageenan (CRG)-induced paw oedema model and Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic model. The arthritic and X-ray scores significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in TQ-NLCs and standard formulation-treated groups. Moreover, serum pro-inflammatory marker TNF-α and IL-6 levels were also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in TQ-NLCs gel-treated group compared to the arthritic control group.

Therapeutic potential of russelioside B as anti-arthritic agent in Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Caralluma species are traditional edible herbs used in folkloric medicine as antidiabetic, antioxidant, antipyretic, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic agents. C. quadrangula was selected in this study to document the traditional use of the genus as anti-rheumatic treatment and the possible mechanisms of action.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The higher mortality rates and shorter survival among the patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) led to the increased interest on searching for new treatments for RA. Russelioside B (RB), a major pregnane glycoside found in C. quadrangula, was evaluated as a new anti-rheumatic agent.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The n-butanol fraction of C. quadrangula was chromatographed on a silica gel column to isolate RB. The adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model was established in rats by intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) to evaluate its anti-arthritic effect. Ibuprofen was used as a reference drug. Forty rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8): normal (NOR); CFA model (CFA); ibuprofen, 5 mg/kg; RB, 25 mg/kg and RB, 50 mg/kg. The treatments were initiated from day 16 when AIA model was established and continued up to day 40. Serum diagnostic rheumatoid markers, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress biomarkers, cartilage and bone degeneration enzymes were assessed.

RESULTS

RB at 50 mg/kg b. wt., showed significant decreases in the activities of hyaluronidase and β-glucouronidase enzymes as well significant decreases in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines as nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) compared to the CFA group; 11.04 ± 0.61 pg/mg protein, 4.35 ± 0.25 pg/mg protein, 3.32 ± 0.13 pg/mg protein & 2.75 ± 0.14 pg/mg protein for RB, 50 mg/kg b. wt. group vs. 25.33 ± 2.13 pg/mg protein, 25.65 ± 2.1 pg/mg protein, 22.20 ± 1.34 pg/mg protein & 13.27 ± 1.40 pg/mg protein for the arthritic group, respectively. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly restored to normal values in RB, 50 mg/kg treated rats (4.01 ± 0.09 nmol/mL vs. 3.71 ± 0.27 nmol/mL) and the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) reduced by 10-folds of the CFA arthritic group. Bone histomorphometry revealed that RB treatment significantly attenuated the CFA-induced bone loss in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that the anti-arthritic effect of RB was mediated through the reduction of the rheumatoid markers, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, inhibition of cartilage and bone degenerative enzymes as well as attenuation of bone loss and osteoclastogenesis.

Improving the Antioxidant Properties of Calophyllum inophyllum Seed Oil from French Polynesia: Development and Biological Applications of Resinous Ethanol-Soluble Extracts

Tamanu oil from Calophyllum inophyllum L. has long been used in traditional medicine. Ethanol extraction was found the best strategy for recovering bioactive compounds from the resin part of Tamanu oil, yielding two neutral and acidic resins fractions with high phenolics, flavonoids and pyranocoumarins concentrations. A further cascade of LPLC/HPLC separations of neutral and acidic resin fractions allowed identifying fifteen metabolites, and among them, calanolide D and 12-oxocalanolide A (both in neutral fraction) were first identified from a natural source. All these extracts, subfractions and isolated metabolites demonstrated increased free radical scavenging, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activity compared to Tamanu oil and its de-resinated lipid phase. Overall, these results could promote resinous ethanol-soluble Tamanu oil extracts as a useful multifaceted and renewable medicinal resource.

Antiarthritic Potential of Calotropis procera Leaf Fractions in FCA-Induced Arthritic Rats: Involvement of Cellular Inflammatory Mediators and Other Biomarkers

Calotropis procera (commonly known as Swallow wort) is described in the Ayurvedic literature for the treatment of inflammation and arthritic disorders. Therefore, in the present work, the antiarthritic activity of potential fractions of Swallow wort leaf was evaluated and compared with standards (indomethacin and ibuprofen). This study was designed in Wistar rats for the investigation of antiarthritic activity and acute toxicity of Swallow wort. Arthritis was induced in Wistar rats by injecting 0.1 mL of Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) on the 1st and 7th days subcutaneously into the subplantar region of the left hind paw. Evaluation of our experimental findings suggested that antiarthritic activity of methanol fraction of Swallow wort (MFCP) was greater than ethyl acetate fraction of Swallow wort (EAFCP), equal to standard ibuprofen, and slightly lower than standard indomethacin. MFCP significantly reduced paw edema on the 17th, 21st, 24th, and 28th days. It also showed significant effect (p < 0.01) on arthritic score, paw withdrawal latency, and body weight. The inhibition of serum lysosomal enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines along with improvement of radiographic features of hind legs was also recorded with MFCP. Finally, it was concluded that MFCP can be a feasible therapeutic candidate for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis.

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles from Manilkara zapota L. extract and the evaluation of its intrinsic in vivo antiarthritic potential

The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vivo acute and sub-acute antiarthritic activity of aqueous extract of M. zapota and its biosynthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs).

Evaluation of anti rheumatic activity of Piper betle L. (Betelvine) extract using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, and systemic autoimmune disease, it affects elders worldwide. Herbal medicines have been used for the treatment of various ailments from ancient times. Betelvine (Piper betle L.) leaves have long been used in Asian countries as a medicine to relieve pain and some metabolic diseases. The present study of methanolic extract of phytochemical analysis confirms the presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, total flavonoids and total phenols. GC-MS analysis of MeOH extract of Piper betle (PBME) revealed the presence of 40 bioactive compounds. In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory assays showed greater inhibitory effect. The anti-arthritic effects of PBME at 250 and 500 mg/kg concentration showed recovery from joint damage in in vivo rat model. Among the 40 GC-MS derived bioactives, 4-Allyl-1,2-Diacetoxybenzene exhibited the higher interactions with minimized binding energy to the RA targets of MMP 1 (-6.4 kcal/mol), TGF-β (-6.9 kcal/mol), IL-1β (-5.9 kcal/mol). Further, the effect of PBME extract against RA molecular disease targets (IL-1β, MMP1 and TGF- β) were studied using Real-time PCR. These results substantiate that P. betle leaves could be a source of therapeutics for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Polystichum braunii extracts inhibit Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis via upregulation of I-κB, IL-4, and IL-10, downregulation of COX-2, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, and TNF-α, and subsiding oxidative stress

Polystichum braunii (Spenn.) Fée is a traditional remedy for rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder of polygenetic origin. The current project was intended to demonstrate the role of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in the anti-arthritic activity of the P. braunii extracts. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of the plant roots were prepared by triple maceration. The phytochemical evaluation of the plant extracts was carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The plant extracts at 150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day and piroxicam (10 mg/kg/day) were orally administered to Wistar rats for 21 days that were previously immunized with Complete Freund's adjuvant (150 µl on right hind paw) except normal and arthritic control rats. Both plant extracts mitigated the paw oedema, restored the immune organ and body weights, and ameliorated the level of blood parameters such as haemoglobin, red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), C-reactive proteins, and rheumatoid factor. The evaluation of gene expression using quantitative-real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) revealed the substantial downregulation of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and upregulation of IL-4, IL-10 and I-κB in polyarthritic rats treated with the plant extracts. Methanolic plant extract exhibited the maximum effect on upregulation of IL-4 (79 ± 3%), IL-10 (62.66 ± 4.93%), and I-κB (73.66 ± 3.05%) at 600 mg/kg/day. Treatment with the plant extracts also reduced the level of prostaglandin E2 and TNF-α in the serum of arthritic rats' dose dependently. It was also found that the plant extracts and piroxicam increased (p < 0.05) the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver tissue while reduced the level of malondialdehyde in arthritic rats. Histological examination of ankle joints revealed that the plant extracts decreased the pannus formation, inflammation, and synovial hyperplasia in arthritic animals. HPLC analysis depicted that the plant extracts had contained kaempferol, quercetin, gallic acid, and other phenolic acids. It can be elucidated from the results that the extracts of P. braunii roots exhibited anti-arthritic activity in Wistar rats through modulation of inflammatory cytokines and boosting the antioxidant defense mechanism.

Anti-inflammatory potential of chia seeds oil and mucilage against adjuvant-induced arthritis in obese and non-obese rats

Background Natural anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals may be useful in suppressing the incessant aggravation of rheumatoid arthritis. Chia seeds as a natural source of antioxidants help prevent several oxidative stress-mediated diseases. The current study was focused on arthritis combined with obesity and evaluated the validation of oil and mucilage extracted from chia seeds as anti-inflammatory nutraceuticals in obese and non-obese adjuvant arthritic rat model. Methods Chia seeds oil was extracted by pressing method, whereas the mucilage was extracted using water (50 °C for 30 min). Oil and freeze-dried mucilage were tested for their anti-inflammatory effects using 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats. Obesity was developed in rats after 8 weeks of feeding on high-fat high-sucrose diet; on the first day of the ninth week, chia seeds oil and mucilage were administrated for 21 days, and arthritis was induced either in obese or non-obese rats via the injection with Freund's complete adjuvant. Swelling of the paw was then measured. Plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), lipid profile, liver and kidney functions, serum lipid peroxidation, and erythrocyte catalase activity were determined. Results Results emphasized that arthritis with obesity resulted in the elevation of the swelling of the paw, TNF-α, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress. Chia seeds oil and mucilage, more promisingly the oil, attenuated TNF-α and the swelling of the paw, improved lipid profile, and diminished the oxidative stress both in obese and non-obese arthritic rats. Conclusions Results showed that chia seeds oil and mucilage exhibited anti-inflammatory effects against adjuvant-induced arthritis in obese and non-obese rats.

Wogonin ameliorate complete Freund's adjuvant induced rheumatoid arthritis via targeting NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and accelerated autoimmune illness with proliferative and damaging synovitis, resulting in joint death and cartilage and bone erosion. This study focused on the potential therapeutic effect of wogonin on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced RA in rats and the underlying mechanisms. Arthritis was experimentally caused in rats by subcutaneously injecting 0.1 mL of CFA into the subplantar area of the left hind paw under moderate anesthesia on day zero. The regular oral doses of indomethacin/wogonin began on day zero and proceeded after injection to day 35. Wogonin reduced arthritic score considerably, enhanced body weight, and reduced paw thickness. Wogonin also boosted red blood cell considerably along with hemoglobin and reduced white blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Wogonin substantially improved an altered level of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant proteins, and inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent way. Wogonin inhibited p38 phosphorylation triggered by CFA and p65 nuclear translocation.

A selection of eleven plants used as traditional Polynesian cosmetics and their development potential as anti-aging ingredients, hair growth promoters and whitening products

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In French Polynesia, embellishment of the hair and skin is an important cultural and everyday practice. Yet, little research has focused on traditional preparations used for beautification in this region and their potential development as innovative cosmetic ingredients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this present study we aim to assess and compile the ethnocosmetic potential of plants of French Polynesia to select and further study plants showing the most promise to be developed as anti-aging, anti-blemish and hair care products.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature analysis of plants of the IECIC list, present in French Polynesia was conducted. The most interesting plants from a cosmetic development standpoint were selected based on four main criteria, i.e. their traditional use in Polynesian cosmetic-related preparations, their biogeographical status, their phytochemistry of cosmetic interest, and lastly their availability and absence from the UICN list. Furthermore, a preliminary screening of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities was also performed on several extracts obtained.

RESULTS

Eleven plants were chosen, and a compilation of multidisciplinary data emphasized each selected plant's potentiality. Traditional allegations showed uses ranging from dermatology such as wound healing or anti-inflammatory properties, to hair growth promoting preparations or even skin ligthening ones. Preliminary screenings were useful in narrowing the number of extracts to study. Literature-based data associated to traditional uses depicted how the remaining plants and plant parts could be developed for targeted cosmetic applications.

CONCLUSIONS

A prospective approach of plants used traditionally for cosmetic purposes in French Polynesia gave insight on their development potential when paired with the appropriate multidisciplinary data. The eleven plants presented show promise in being developed sustainably as natural anti-aging or hair care products and as skin brightening agents.