The Effects of Lavender Essential Oil on Wound Healing: A Review of the Current Evidence

Recent developments in the encapsulation of lavender essential oil

The unregulated and extensive application of synthetic compounds, such as preservatives, pesticides, and drugs, poses serious concerns to the environment, food security, and global health. Essential oils (EOs) are valid alternatives to these synthetic chemicals due to their therapeutic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Lavender essential oil (LEO) can be potentially applied in food, cosmetic, textile, agricultural, and pharmaceutical industries. However, its bioactivity can be compromised by its poor stability and solubility, which severely restrict its industrial applications. Encapsulation techniques can improve the functionality of LEO and preserve its bioactivity during storage. This review reports recent advances in the encapsulation of LEO by different methods, such as liposomes, emulsification, spray drying, complex coacervation, inclusion complexation, and electrospinning. It also outlines the effects of different processing conditions and carriers on the stability, physicochemical properties, and release behavior of encapsulated LEO. Moreover, this review focuses on the applications of encapsulated LEO in different food and non-food products.

Recent progress of electrospun nanofibers as burning dressings

Burns are a global public health problem, which brings great challenges to public health and the economy. Severe burns often lead to systemic infection, shock, multiple organ failure, and even death. With the increasing demand for the therapeutic effect of burn wounds, traditional dressings have been unable to meet people's needs due to their single function and many side effects. In this context, electrospinning shows a great prospect on the way to open up advanced wound dressings that promote wound repairing and prevent infection. With its large specific surface area, high porosity, and similar to natural extracellular matrix (ECM), electrospun nanofibers can load drugs and accelerate wound healing. It provides a promising solution for the treatment and management of burn wounds. This review article introduces the concept of burn and the types of electrospun nanofibers, then summarizes the polymers used in electrospun nanofiber dressings. Finally, the drugs (plant extracts, small molecule drugs and nanoparticles) loaded with electrospun burn dressings are summarized. Some promising aspects for developing commercial electrospun burn dressings are proposed.

Chemical composition and biological activities of Lonicera caprifolium L. (Caprifoliaceae) essential oil

This work aimed to investigate the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, antinociceptive effect, and wound healing activity of the Lonicera caprifolium L. flower essential oil (LCEO). Linalool (16.42%), d-limonene (9.99%), and α-cadinol (10.65%) were the most prevalent components of the LCEO. The LCEO revealed moderate DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging activity. LCEO exhibited potent antinociceptive activity in acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate-induced pain model; LCEO reduced 73.88 ± 2.78% of writhing and significantly increased pain withdrawal latency in the mice, respectively. The LCEO also presented a potent wound healing effect, with 98.08 ± 1.37% wound closure on the 12th day of treatment. The results of the study demonstrate antioxidant and wound healing potential with antinociceptive effect. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the bioactivities of L. caprifolium L. essential oil.

Lavender Plant: Farming and Health Benefits

Natural remedies from a range of sources, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and marine life, have made a significant contribution to the treatment of many ailments. Lavender is a Mediterranean shrub from the Lamiaceae family. Lavender flowers (Lavandula flores) include active ingredients (3%), anthocyanins, sugars, phytosterols, minerals, and tannins and are majorly used for herbal applications. Lavender essential oil's descriptive and analytical composition varies depending on genotype, growing region, climatic circumstances, propagation, and morphological characteristics. There are around 300 chemical components in essential oil. Linalool, terpinen-4-ol, linalyl acetate, ocimene, acetate lavandulol, and cineole are the most prominent constituents. Lavender oil has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. The lavender extract helps to prevent dementia and may slow cancer cell growth, while lavender oil is used to treat skin problems. This review will cover the recent medical, economic and regional advancements in levander propagation and how the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research Indian Institute of Integrative (CSIR IIIM) aroma mission is actively acting as a bridge between farmers and their economic improvement by attracting them to the field of medicinal plant cultivation.

Influence of Lavender Essential Oil on the Physical and Antibacterial Properties of Chitosan Sponge for Hemostatic Applications

Uncontrollable bleeding continues to stand as the primary cause of fatalities globally following surgical procedures, traumatic incidents, disasters, and combat scenarios. The swift and efficient management of bleeding through the application of hemostatic agents has the potential to significantly reduce associated mortality rates. One significant drawback of currently available hemostatic products is their susceptibility to bacterial infections at the bleeding site. As this is a prevalent issue that can potentially delay or compromise the healing process, there is an urgent demand for hemostatic agents with antibacterial properties to enhance survival rates. To mitigate the risk of infection at the site of a lesion, we propose an alternative solution in the form of a chitosan-based sponge and antimicrobial agents such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and lavender essential oil (LEO). The aim of this work is to provide a new type of hemostatic sponge with an antibacterial barrier against a wide range of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms: Staphylococcus epidermidis 2018 and Enterococcus faecalis VRE 2566 (Gram-positive strains) and Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 10031 and Escherichia coli ATCC 35218 (Gram-negative strains).

Essential Oil of Bursera morelensis Promotes Cell Migration on Fibroblasts: In Vitro Assays

Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures of volatile natural compounds. We have extensively studied the EO of Bursera morelensis, which demonstrates antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of this EO on fibroblast migration in a three-dimensional in vitro model. For the three-dimensional in vitro model, a series of fibrin hydrogel scaffolds (FSs) were built in which fibroblasts were cultured and subsequently stimulated with fibroblast growth factor (FGF) or EO. The results demonstrated that these FSs are appropriate for fibroblast culture, since no decrease in cell viability or changes in cell proliferation were found. The results also showed that this EO promotes cell migration four hours after stimulation, and the formation of cell projections (filopodia) outside the SF was observed. From these results, we confirmed that part of the mechanism of action of the essential oil of B. morelensis during the healing process is the stimulation of fibroblast migration to the wound site.

How to Naturally Support the Immune System in Inflammation-Essential Oils as Immune Boosters

Efficient functionality of the immune system is needed to fight against the development of infectious diseases, including, among others, serious recurrent chronic infections. Research has shown that many modern common diseases, such as inflammatory bowel diseases and cardiovascular diseases, e.g., thromboembolism, cancer, obesity, or depression, are connected with inflammatory processes. Therefore, new, good stimulators of the immune system's response are sought. They include synthetic compounds as well as biological preparations such as lipopolysaccharides, enzymes, bacterial metabolites, and secondary metabolites of plants, demonstrating a multidirectional effect. Essential oils are characterized by many invaluable activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating. Essential oils may stimulate the immune system via the utilization of their constituents, such as antibodies, cytokines, and dendritic cells. Some essential oils may stimulate the proliferation of immune-competent cells, including polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and B and T lymphocytes. This review is focused on the ability of essential oils to affect the immune system. It is also possible that essential oil components positively interact with recommended anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs. Thus, there is a need to explore possible synergies between essential oils and their active ingredients for medical use.

Comparative Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory and Apoptotic Activities of Four Greek Essential Oils: Involvement in the Regulation of NF-κΒ and Steroid Receptor Signaling

Essential oils (EOs) are well-known for their anti-fungal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and relaxing activities. Steroid hormones, especially glucocorticoids, are also well-known for their anti-inflammatory activities and control of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and glucose homeostasis. The biological activities of glucocorticoids render them the most widely prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs, despite their adverse side effects. In this study, comparative studies of the anti-inflammatory activities and interference with glucocorticoids receptor (GR) and estrogen receptor (ER) signaling of EOs from Greek Oregano, Melissa officinalis, Lavender and from the Chios Mastic, produced from the Greek endemic mastic tree, were performed in Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (HEK-293) cells. Chios Mastic (Mastiha) and oregano EOs exhibited the highest anti-inflammatory activities. The former showed a reduction in both NF-κB activity and protein levels. Mastic essential oil also caused a reduction in GR protein levels that may compensate for its boosting effect on dexamethasone (DEX)-induced GR transcriptional activation, ending up in no induction of the gluconeogenic phoshoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) protein levels that constitute the GR target. Oregano, Melissa officinalis and lavender EOs caused the suppression of the transcriptional activation of GR. Furthermore, the most active EO, that taken from Melissa officinalis, showed a reduction in both GR and PEPCK protein levels. Thus, the anti-inflammatory and anti-gluconeogenic activities of the EOs were uncovered, possibly via the regulation of GR signaling. Moreover, cytotoxic actions of Melissa officinalis and lavender EOs via the induction of mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis were revealed. Our results highlight these essentials oils' anti-inflammatory and apoptotic actions in relation to their implication on the regulation of steroid hormones' actions, uncovering their potential use in steroid therapy, with many applications in pharmaceutical and health industries as anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemic and anti-inflammatory supplements.

Enhancing Wound Healing: A Novel Topical Emulsion Combining CW49 Peptide and Lavender Essential Oil for Accelerated Regeneration and Antibacterial Protection

Wound healing is a complex process involving blood cells, extracellular matrix, and parenchymal cells. Research on biomimetics in amphibian skin has identified the CW49 peptide from Odorrana grahami, which has been demonstrated to promote wound regeneration. Additionally, lavender essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Given these considerations, we propose an innovative emulsion that combines the CW49 peptide with lavender oil. This novel formulation could serve as a potent topical treatment, potentially fostering the regeneration of damaged tissues and providing robust antibacterial protection for skin wounds. This study investigates the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and in vitro regenerative capacity of the active components and the emulsion. The results show that the emulsion possesses appropriate rheological characteristics for topical application. Both the CW49 peptide and lavender oil exhibit high viability in human keratinocytes, indicating their biocompatibility. The emulsion induces hemolysis and platelet aggregation, an expected behavior for such topical treatments. Furthermore, the lavender-oil emulsion demonstrates antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Finally, the regenerative potential of the emulsion and its active components is confirmed in a 2D wound model using human keratinocytes. In conclusion, the formulated emulsion, which combines the CW49 peptide and lavender oil, shows great promise as a topical treatment for wound healing. Further research is needed to validate these findings in more advanced in vitro models and in vivo settings, potentially leading to improved wound-care management and novel therapeutic options for patients with skin injuries.

Transforming Wound Management: Nanomaterials and Their Clinical Impact

Wound healing is a complex process that can be further complicated in chronic wounds, leading to prolonged healing times, high healthcare costs, and potential patient morbidity. Nanotechnology has shown great promise in developing advanced wound dressings that promote wound healing and prevent infection. The review article presents a comprehensive search strategy that was applied to four databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, using specific keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria to select a representative sample of 164 research articles published between 2001 and 2023. This review article provides an updated overview of the different types of nanomaterials used in wound dressings, including nanofibers, nanocomposites, silver-based nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric nanoparticles. Several recent studies have shown the potential benefits of using nanomaterials in wound care, including the use of hydrogel/nano silver-based dressings in treating diabetic foot wounds, the use of copper oxide-infused dressings in difficult-to-treat wounds, and the use of chitosan nanofiber mats in burn dressings. Overall, developing nanomaterials in wound care has complemented nanotechnology in drug delivery systems, providing biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterials that enhance wound healing and provide sustained drug release. Wound dressings are an effective and convenient method of wound care that can prevent wound contamination, support the injured area, control hemorrhaging, and reduce pain and inflammation. This review article provides valuable insights into the potential role of individual nanoformulations used in wound dressings in promoting wound healing and preventing infections, and serves as an excellent resource for clinicians, researchers, and patients seeking improved healing outcomes.

Lavandula Species, Their Bioactive Phytochemicals, and Their Biosynthetic Regulation

Lavandula species are one of the most useful aromatic and medicinal plants and have great economic potential. The phytopharmaceutical contribution of the secondary metabolites of the species is unquestionable. Most recent studies have been focusing on the elucidation of the genetic background of secondary metabolite production in lavender species. Therefore, knowledge of not only genetic but especially epigenetic mechanisms for the regulation of secondary metabolites is necessary for the modification of those biosynthesis processes and the understanding of genotypic differences in the content and compositional variability of these products. The review discusses the genetic diversity of Lavandula species in relation to the geographic area, occurrence, and morphogenetic factors. The role of microRNAs in secondary-metabolites biosynthesis is described.

Alginate-Chitosan Membranes for the Encapsulation of Lavender Essential Oil and Development of Biomedical Applications Related to Wound Healing

Biopolymers such as chitosan (CHT) or alginate (ALG) are among the most prominent for health-related applications due to their broad bioactivity. Their combination for the preparation of membranes is hereby proposed as an application for wound healing with the incorporation of lavender essential oil (LEO), widely known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The preparation of CHT, CHT + LEO, ALG, ALG + LEO, and CHT/ALG + LEO membranes was accomplished, and its composition was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The water absorption capacity and oil release profile of the membranes revealed higher water uptake capacity when a lower LEO release was obtained. The combined CHT/ALG + LEO film showed a water uptake percentage of 638% after 48 h and a maximum LEO release concentration of 42 mg/L. Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility of the prepared membranes were studied using a HaCaT cell line, with an assessment of cell viability regarding film leachables, DNA quantification, and DAPI-phalloidin staining. The results revealed that the indirect contact of the prepared membranes via its leachables does not compromise cell viability, and upon direct contact, cells do not adhere or proliferate on the surface of the membranes. Moreover, the CHT/ALG + LEO membrane increases cell proliferation, making it suitable for applications in wound healing.

Bioactive Lavandula angustifolia essential oil-loaded nanoemulsion dressing for burn wound healing. In vitro and in vivo studies

The aim of this study was to develop a dressing with bioactive lavender in a new form of nanoemulsion, and to verify its biosafety and effectiveness in burn wound healing. As part of this research, the composition of the bioactive carrier of lavender oil in the form of a nanoemulsion obtained using ultrasound was optimised. The mean particle size of the internal phase and polydispersity were determined using the dynamic light scattering method using a Zestasizer NanoZS by Malvern and using cryo-transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These studies confirmed that the selected formulation had a particle size of approximately 180 nm and remained stable over time. The preparation was also subjected to rheological analysis (viscosity approximately 480 mPa·s) and a pH test (approximately 6). A macroemulsion (ME) with the same qualitative composition was developed as a reference. Nanoformulations and MEs were tested for skin penetration using Raman spectroscopy in an in vitro model. Research has shown that both formulations deliver oil to living layers of the skin. Subsequently, studies were conducted to confirm the effect of lavender oil in emulsion systems on the mitigation of the inflammatory reaction and its pro-regenerative effect on the wound healing process in an in vitro cell culture model. The safe concentration of the oil in the emulsion preparation was also determined based on preliminary in vivo tests of skin sensitisation and irritation as well as an hemocompatibility test of the preparation.

Lavender essential oil accelerates lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic wound healing by inhibiting caspase-11-mediated macrophage pyroptosis

Chronic wounds seriously affect the quality of life of the elderly, obese people, and diabetic patients. The excessive inflammatory response is a key driver of delayed chronic wound healing. Although lavender essential oil (EO [lav]) has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and accelerate wound curative effects, the specific molecular mechanism involved is still ambiguous. The results showed that the wounds treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) not only had delayed healing, but also the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the inflammatory mediator protein, high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB-1), in the wound tissues were significantly increased. However, treatment of LPS-induced chronic wounds with EO (lav) accelerated wound healing and decreased IL-1β and HMGB-1 expression levels. It was further found that LPS induced macrophage pyroptosis to produce IL-1β. After treatment with EO (lav), the expression level of macrophage pyroptosis marker Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and pyroptosis-related cytotoxic effects were significantly reduced. Immunofluorescence results also directly indicate that EO (lav) can protect macrophages from LPS-induced pyroptosis. Moreover, EO (lav) can down-regulate expression levels of IL-1β, GSDMD, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) in the caspase-11-related pyroptotic signaling pathway. This study demonstrates that EO (lav) can reduce proinflammatory factor production and ameliorate inflammatory response by inhibiting macrophage pyroptosis, which accelerates LPS-induced chronic wound healing.

Immune Defences: A View from the Side of the Essential Oils

The use of essential oils is increasingly being investigated among new therapeutic approaches based on medicinal plants and their extracts. With the wide use of synthetic and semi-synthetic antimicrobial drugs, the spread of drug-resistant clinical isolates has increased, and research is directed towards natural products, such as essential oils, as useful antimicrobial resources. In the context of a prospective infection, we compared the impact of essential oils and common antimicrobial agents on the microbicidal activity of human phagocytes. Here, we present the results of our decades-long investigation into the effectiveness of thyme red oil (26.52% thymol chemotype), tea tree oil (TTO), and Mentha of Pancalieri [(Mentha x piperita (Huds) var. officinalis (Sole), form rubescens (Camus) (Lamiaceae)] essential oils on human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) capacity to kill clinical strains of Candida albicans and C. krusei when compared to three antifungal drugs used to treat candidiasis (fluconazole, anidulafungin, and caspofungin) These essential oils demonstrate antifungal drug-like and/or superior efficacy in enhancing intracellular killing by PMNs, even at subinhibitory concentrations. Our results are compared with data in the literature on essential oils and immune system interactions. This comparison would aid in identifying therapeutic solutions to the increasingly prevalent antibiotic resistance as well as filling in any remaining knowledge gaps on the bioactivity of essential oils.

Cedrus deodara: In Vivo Investigation of Burn Wound Healing Properties

Objective

Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Ex Lamb.) G. Don possesses various biological activities, which have been documented in modern and traditional medicine. In this study, burn wound healing activity of the methanol extract of C. deodara wood was evaluated via a burn wound model in Wistar rats.

Methods

The methanol extract of C. deodara was evaluated for the contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. Also, its antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay. Then, a topical ointment containing the methanol extract of C. deodara (10%) was used to evaluate the healing effects on a model of second-degree thermal burn in 4 groups of 7 rats within 21 days. In this respect, average wound surface area, wound closure, and various histological features were examined.

Results

Our findings revealed that the wounds treated with the methanol extract of C. deodara showed higher wound contraction (33.6, 87.1, and 93.4% on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively) compared with the positive control (27.6, 80.7, and 88.3% on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively) and the negative control (20.1, 77.9, and 80.2% on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively). According to the results from epitheliogenesis score, the number of inflammatory cells, neovascularization, and collagen density, good burn wound healing activity of the methanol extract of C. deodarawas demonstrated.

Conclusion

Using the methanol extract of C. deodara in an ointment formulation can be developed to prevent or reduce burn injury progression.

Medicinal Herbs in the Relief of Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Respiratory Symptoms after COVID-19 Infection A Literature Review

COVID-19 infection causes complications, even in people who have had a mild course of the disease. The most dangerous seem to be neurological ailments: anxiety, depression, mixed anxiety-depressive (MAD) syndromes, and irreversible dementia. These conditions can negatively affect the respiratory system, circulatory system, and heart functioning. We believe that phytotherapy can be helpful in all of these conditions. Clinical trials confirm this possibility. The work presents plant materials (Valeriana officinalis, Melissa officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Piper methysticum, Humulus lupulus, Ballota nigra, Hypericum perforatum, Rhodiola rosea, Lavandula officinalis, Paullinia cupana, Ginkgo biloba, Murraya koenigii, Crataegus monogyna and oxyacantha, Hedera helix, Polygala senega, Pelargonium sidoides, Lichen islandicus, Plantago lanceolata) and their dominant compounds (valeranon, valtrate, apigenin, citronellal, isovitexin, isoorientin, methysticin, humulone, farnesene, acteoside, hypericin, hyperforin, biapigenin, rosavidin, salidroside, linalool acetate, linalool, caffeine, ginkgolide, bilobalide, mihanimbine, epicatechin, hederacoside C,α-hederine, presegenin, umckalin, 6,7,8-trixydroxybenzopyranone disulfate, fumaroprotocetric acid, protolichesteric acid, aucubin, acteoside) responsible for their activity. It also shows the possibility of reducing post-COVID-19 neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular complications, which can affect the functioning of the nervous system.

Could Lavender Farming Go from a Niche Crop to a Suitable Solution for Romanian Small Farms?

Lavender crops have had an impressive continuous development in recent years, being currently a suitable alternative to other traditional crops because they can yield a high profit per hectare. This can be especially useful in Romania, with its high prevalence of subsistence and semi-subsistence farms. This study aims to analyse the issue of small emergent lavender farms in the context of the current Romanian agricultural background, including the framework mechanisms for implementing the Common Agricultural Policy at a national level. The research uses the qualitative survey method to provide broad, synthetic, analytical insights into small lavender farms/businesses in Romania, considering the perspective of the following two target groups: farm owners and civil servants with agricultural expertise. The main results show that both sample groups agree that lavender farms can be successful and satisfactory solutions. Increasing participation in information and training sessions may improve farmers’ access to financing mechanisms, but both small farmers and civil servants with agricultural expertise identify a series of problems, mainly regarding the absence of a dedicated market for lavender-based products and a lack of labour force, both essential for maintaining the farming–processing–commercialising chain. The authors also conclude that a more flexible and future harmonisation between Romania’s agricultural realities, the Common Agricultural Policy, and the National Rural Development Programme would improve lavender farming’s social and economic impact. Follow-up research may envisage more in-depth market analyses for this emerging sector in Romania, facing obvious competition, but which could also benefit from good practice exchanges in the region.

Potential Wound Healing Effect of Gel Based on Chicha Gum, Chitosan, and Mauritia flexuosa Oil

Wounds are considered a clinically critical issue, and effective treatment will decrease complications, prevent chronic wound formation, and allow rapid healing. The development of products based on naturally occurring materials is an efficient approach to wound healing. Natural polysaccharides can mimic the extracellular matrix and promote cell growth, thus making them attractive for wound healing. In this context, the aim of this work was to produce a gel based on chicha gum, chitosan, and Mauritia flexuosa oil (CGCHO) for wound treatment. TG and DTG analyzed the thermal behavior of the materials, and SEM investigated the surface roughness. The percentages of total phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants were determined, presenting a value of 81.811 ± 7.257 µmol gallic acid/g Mauritia flexuosa oil, 57.915 ± 0.305 µmol quercetin/g Mauritia flexuosa oil, and 0.379 mg/mL, respectively. The anti-inflammatory was determined, presenting a value of 10.35 ± 1.46% chicha gum, 16.86 ± 1.00% Mauritia flexuosa oil, 10.17 ± 1.05% CGCHO, and 15.53 ± 0.65% chitosan, respectively. The materials were tested against Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and a fungus (Candida albicans). The CGCHO formulation showed better antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. In addition, an in vivo wound healing study was also performed. After 21 days of treatment, the epidermal re-epithelialization process was observed. CGCHO showed good thermal stability and roughness that can help in cell growth and promote the tissue healing process. In addition to the good results observed for the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities and providing wound healing, they provided the necessary support for the healing process, thus representing a new approach to the wound healing process.

Developing Eco-Friendly Skin Care Formulations with Microemulsions of Essential Oil

With the rising public awareness of environmental issues, consumers are increasingly demanding skin care products that create less environmental impact but still provide the same or even greater efficacy. In the skin care arena, microemulsions have been receiving increased attention as the promising delivery technology of skin care actives. Essential oils such as peppermint oil, lavender oil and eucalyptus oil are purported to have excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that could be used as the eco-friendly alternatives for synthetic antioxidants and preservatives in the skin care formulations. This work therefore seeks to develop eco-friendly skin care formulations based on microemulsions of essential oil. Peppermint oil, lavender oil and eucalyptus oil were used as the oil phase to formulate naringin-loaded microemulsions, which demonstrated similar or better antioxidant and antimicrobial properties compared to the synthetic ones. When formulated into gel form, naringin-loaded microemulsion-gel formulations showed enhanced stability and release profile over their unformulated counterpart. Hence, microemulsions of essential oil developed in this work conferred a 4-fold benefits to the skin care formulations: (1) improved release (membrane permeation) of skin care active, (2) improved stability of skin care active, (3) as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic antioxidant, and (4) a self-preserving system.

Influence of Lavandula angustifolia, Melissa officinalis and Vitex angus-castus on the organism of rats fed with excessive fat-containing diet

Plant food additives are becoming more and more popular and broadly applied products, though the information on risks they poses to the organism is limited and contradictive. Obesity and overeating are some of the commonest health issues around the world, and people are increasingly consuming workability-enhancing preparations as a simple and fast method of weight control. The plant-based preparations are considered less harmful than the synthetic chemical ones. Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Melissa officinalis L. and Vitex angus-castus L. are broadly used as food additives and medicinal plants, despite the fact that their complex physiological assessment on model animals in the conditions of obesity has not yet been performed. We carried out a 30-day experiment on white male rats. All the animals were given high-fat diet, and the experimental animals, in addition to this diet, received 5% crumbled dry herbs of L. angustifolia, M. officinalis or V. angus-castus. Taking into account the overall amount of consumed food, the mean daily gain in body weight; at the end of the experiment, we determined the index of the weight of the internal organs, biochemical and morphological blood parameters. At the beginning and the end of the experiment, the rats were examined for motor and orienting activities, and emotional status. Rats on high-fat diet gained up to 112% body weight by the end of the experiment, while rats that had received V. angus-castus gained up to 119%, M. officinalis – 135%, L. angustifolia – 139%, compared with the initial body weight. Addition of medicinal plants to the diet led to increase in average daily weight increment, significantly and reliably after consuming lavender and lemon balm, less significantly and unreliably after eating Vitex. L. angustifolia and M. officinalis reduced the relative brain weight, and ingestion of L. angustifolia and M. officinalis caused notable decrease in the relative mass of the thymus (down to 58% and 47% of the relative weight of thymus in animals of the control group respectively). Also, these plants decreased the motor and orienting activities of the rats by the end of the experiment. As for the biochemical parameters of blood, the activity of alkaline phosphatase significantly increased to 406% following consumption of Melissa, to 350% after consuming lavender, and to 406% after Vitex, compared to the control group. Furthermore, all the groups were observed to have increased AST and ALT activities. Intake of lavender led to increases in cholesterol (to 125%) and LDL cholesterol (to 228%), whereas the groups that consumed lemon balm were observed to have decreases in urea nitrogen (to 79%), totalbilirubin (to 63%) and triglycerides (to 63%). Addition of Vitex led to increase in the index of aterogenecity against the background of notable fall in HDL cholesterol (to 52% of the control group). The medicinal plants also contributed to the normalization of the glucose level. Morphological analysis of blood revealed no significant changes, except heightened content of monocytes in blood, which is characteristic of all groups, including the control. Effects of L. angustifolia, M. officinalis and V. angus-castus on the organism of rats on excessive-fat diet require additional histological, histochemical and immunological surveys.