Effect of semisolid formulation of persea americana mill (avocado) oil on wound healing in rats

Fatty Oil of Descurainia Sophia Nanoparticles Improve Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats Through PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ Signaling Pathway

Purpose

Fatty oil of Descurainia Sophia (OIL) has poor stability and low solubility, which limits its pharmacological effects. We hypothesized that fatty oil nanoparticles (OIL-NPs) could overcome this limitation. The protective effect of OIL-NPs against monocrotaline-induced lung injury in rats was studied.

Methods

We prepared OIL-NPs by wrapping fatty oil with polylactic-polyglycolide nanoparticles (PLGA-NPs) and conducted in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore its anti-pulmonary hypertension (PH) effect. In vitro, we induced malignant proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (RPASMC) using anoxic chambers, and studied the effects of OIL-NPs on the malignant proliferation of RPASMC cells and phospholipase C (PLC)/inositol triphosphate receptor (IP3R)/Ca2+ signal pathways. In vivo, we used small animal echocardiography, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, western blotting (WB), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and metabolomics to explore the effects of OIL-NPs on the heart and lung pathological damage and PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ signal pathway of pulmonary hypertension rats.

Results

We prepared fatty into OIL-NPs. In vitro, OIL-NPs could improve the mitochondrial function and inhibit the malignant proliferation of RPASMC cells by inhibiting the PLC/IP3R/Ca2+signal pathway. In vivo, OIL-NPs could reduce the pulmonary artery pressure of rats and alleviate the pathological injury and inflammatory reaction of heart and lung by inhibiting the PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ signal pathway.

Conclusion

OIL-NPs have anti-pulmonary hypertension effect, and the mechanism may be related to the inhibition of PLC/IP3R/Ca2+signal pathway.

Prospective Study of Avocado Consumption and Cancer Risk in U.S. Men and Women

Avocados contain nutrients and phytochemicals that make it promising for cancer prevention, and chemopreventive properties have been demonstrated in prior studies. Prospective studies on avocado consumption and cancer risk have yet to be conducted. This study included data from 45,289 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS, 1986-2016) and 67,039 women in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS, 1986-2014). Avocado consumption was assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires every 4 years. Cox proportional hazards models calculated multivariable HRs and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between avocado consumption and risk of total and site-specific cancers in each cohort. In HPFS, consumption of ≥1 weekly serving of avocados was associated with decreased risk of total (HR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.80-0.91), colorectal (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.59-0.85), lung (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57-0.90), and bladder cancer (HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.90). In NHS, avocado consumption was associated with increased risk of breast cancer (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.07-1.37). No associations were observed between avocado consumption and risk of total cancer (HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.98-1.14) or other site-specific cancers in NHS. Considering the surprising breast cancer finding, analyses were repeated using data from 93,230 younger women in the parallel NHSII (1991-2017). In NHSII, avocado consumption was not associated with breast cancer risk (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.76-1.13). Overall, avocado consumption may be associated with reduced risk of total and some site-specific cancers in men. The positive association with breast cancer risk in NHS was not seen in the younger NHSII.

PREVENTION RELEVANCE

The results of this prospective study suggest that avocado consumption may be associated with decreased risk of total and some site-specific cancers in men. See related Spotlight, p. 187.

Dietary intervention with avocado (Persea americana Mill.) ameliorates intestinal inflammation induced by TNBS in rats

Nutritional interventions have been shown to be an interesting approach for the treatment of chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Persea americana Mill. (avocado), is a potential food to be used for the prevention or treatment of intestinal inflammation, due to its nutritional value and pharmacological effects. In this study we evaluated if the dietary intervention with avocado fruit pulp could as an intestinal anti-inflammatory diet using a trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) model of intestinal inflammation in rats. For this purpose, 5, 10 or 20% of avocado fruit pulp was incorporated in the diet of rats, for 21 days before and 7 days after TNBS-induced intestinal inflammation. Dietary intervention with avocado fruit pulp (20%) decreased the extension of colonic lesions (1.38 ± 0.99 vs. 2.67 ± 0.76 cm), weight/length colon ratio (151.03 ± 31.45 vs. 197.39 ± 49.48 cm), inhibited myeloperoxidase activity (891.2 ± 243.2 vs 1603 ± 158.2 U/g), reduced tumor necrosis factor-α (53.94 ± 6.45 vs. 114.9 ± 6.21 pg/mg), interleukin-1β (583.6 ± 106.2 vs. 1259 ± 81.68 pg/mg) and interferon gamma (27.95 ± 2.97 vs. 47.79 ± 3.51 pg/mg) levels and prevented colonic glutathione depletion (2585 ± 77.2 vs 1778 ± 167.2 nmol/g). The consumption of enriched diet with 20% avocado pulp by 28 days did not promote any alterations in the biochemical or behavioral parameters evaluated. Avocado showed intestinal anti-inflammatory activity, modulating immune response, and acting as antioxidant. The dietary intervention with avocado was safe, suggesting its potential as a complementary treatment in intestinal inflammation.

The chromatographic constitution of andiroba oil and his healing effects, compared to the LLLT outcomes, in oral mucositis induced in golden Syrian hamsters: a new treatment option

The oral mucositis is a mucosal alteration that usually arises from oncological treatments, such as chemotherapy, and it is characterized as an inflammatory process. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the chromatographic constitution of Andiroba oil, comparing and evaluating Andiroba oil and laser scarring efficiency in treatments of oral mucositis in hamsters. These animals were submitted to 5-Fluorouracil. A total of 122 animals were used, randomized and divided into the following groups: (a) positive control; (b) laser associated to andiroba oil; (c) laser; (d) andiroba oil; (e) negative control; (f) cyclophosphamide (genotoxicity control). The induction of oral mucositis occurred by the administration of intraperitoneal Fluorouracila (60 mg/kg) and trauma to the mucosa. The laser protocol was performed once a day and the andiroba oil applied 3 times a day (1,5 ml/day). The mucosae were photographed and removed for clinical and histopathological analysis on day 4, 8, 12 and 15. The analysis was based in OM severity, in specific scoring for the clinical and histopathological aspect. Toxicity was evaluated on day 15 using comet assay and it was performed by variant DNA damage parameters. The data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) Tukey post-test and Kruskal-Wallis Dunn post-test. The "andiroba oil" and "laser" groups presented better results when compared to the control groups and the treatment associations. The andiroba oil presented the best scarring results, even considering its efficiency proximity to the laser treatment. Andiroba and laser, separately, did not present genotoxicity, however their association evidences damage to DNA.

Chemical Profile and Biological Effects of an Herbal Mixture for the Development of an Oil-in-Water Cream

Three individual hydroalcoholic extracts derived from Hamamelis virginiana leaves, Krameria lappacea root, Salix alba bark, and the resulting herbal mixture (HM) were assessed for the phytochemical profile as well as for antibacterial and cytotoxic potential. The chemical composition of the individual extracts and of their mixture was analyzed by chromatographical (LC-MS) and spectrophotometrical methods. The antimicrobial properties were evaluated by using the agar-well diffusion and the broth microdilution assays, whereas the potential cytotoxicity was investigated on human keratinocyte cell line by MTT method and apoptosis test. The HM composition revealed important amounts of valuable polyphenolic compounds provided from the individual extracts, having synergistic biological effects. All tested extracts displayed in vitro antimicrobial properties, with a significantly higher efficacy noticed for the HM when tested against Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, none of the tested extracts was responsible for in vitro cytotoxicity against the human keratinocytes in the selected concentration range. Furthermore, the HM was included in an oil-in-water cream for the nonpharmacological treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, developed and optimized by using a QbD approach. A D-optimal experimental plan with four factors that varied on two levels was used to investigate the effect of the quantitative variation of the formulation factors (emulsifier, co-emulsifier, thickening agent, oily phase ratio) on the characteristics of the cream in terms of firmness, consistency, adhesiveness, stringiness, spreadability, and viscosity. Based on the experimental results, an optimal formulation containing 2.5% emulsifier and 20% oily phase was prepared and analyzed. The obtained results showed appropriate quality characteristics of this novel cream, which may be used in the future to manage the associated symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

Comparison of the effects of Aloe vera gel and coconut oil on the healing of open wounds in rats

In this study, the effects of Aloe vera gel and coconut oil on wound healing were investigated and compared in rats. Forty-two Wistar albino rats were used during the experiment, in which they were operated on under general anaesthesia to create two full-thickness open skin wounds (created with a 0.5 cm diameter punch biopsy apparatus) on both back sides of the median line. A total of 42 rats were divided into three groups of 14 animals each to receive the topical application of Aloe vera gel (AV group - n = 14), coconut oil (CO group - n = 14) and cold cream (CONT group - n = 14). The medical applications were performed twice a day in all the groups. The wound borders were marked on a transparent sheet every day. Afterwards, this sheet was transferred to the millimetre graph paper. On days 0, 7, and 14, the unhealed wound area was measured in all the groups. On days 7 and 14, seven rats in each group were euthanised. Then, skin samples including the intact skin were taken from the wound sites for histopathological and biochemical evaluations. The topical application of Aloe vera gel showed a significant increase in the healing process of the open wounds in terms of the clinical evaluation, histopathological and biochemical data averages when compared with the coconut oil and cold cream groups of rats (P < 0.05). The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that Aloe vera gel may provide a good alternative for the treatment of open wounds.

Medicinal Plants from Latin America with Wound Healing Activity: Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—A Review

Latin America is a multicultural region with ancient traditional medicine. There is extensive knowledge of the use of medicinal plants for wound healing in this region. Nevertheless, many of these medicinal plants lack pharmacological, toxicological, and chemical studies. This review focuses on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological (preclinical and clinical) studies of medicinal plants with wound healing activity, from Latin America. An electronic database search was conducted by consulting scientific articles and books. A total of 305 plant species with wound healing activity were recorded, based on traditional medicine. Most medicinal plants used in wound healing in Latin America are topically administered; their methods of preparation are mainly by water infusion from aerial parts. Only thirty-five percent of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for wound healing have been experimentally validated for their pharmacological effects, and the wound healing activity of five medicinal plants has been studied in clinical trials. In all, 25 compounds (mostly terpenes and flavonoids) have been isolated from medicinal plants with wound healing activity; therefore, extensive work is necessary for a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the wound healing effects of medicinal plants in Latin America. The mechanism of action of medicinal plants, their toxicological actions on the skin, and their bioactive compounds, have yet to be investigated. This review on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies, of medicinal plants from Latin America with wound healing activity, offers promising data for further studies, as well as providing new insights into their possible role in wound care.

Vegetable Butters and Oils as Therapeutically and Cosmetically Active Ingredients for Dermal Use: A Review of Clinical Studies

While the chemical composition of vegetable butters and oils has been studied in detail, there is limited knowledge about their mechanisms of action after application on the skin. To understand their dermal effects better, 27 clinical studies evaluating 17 vegetable oils (almond, argan, avocado, borage, coconut, evening primrose, kukui, marula, mustard, neem, olive, rapeseed, sacha inchi, safflower, shea butter, soybean and sunflower oils) were reviewed in this research. The reviewed studies focused on non-affected skin, infant skin, psoriasis, xerosis, UVB-induced erythema, atopic dermatitis, molluscum contagiosum, tungiasis, scars, striae and striae gravidarum. We conclude that in inflammation-affected skin, vegetable oils with a high content of oleic acid, together with the lack of or a low linoleic acid content, may cause additional structural damage of the stratum corneum, while oils high in linoleic acid and saturated fatty acids may express positive effects. Non-affected skin, in contrast, may not react negatively to oils high in oleic acid. However, the frequency and duration of an oil's use must be considered an important factor that may accelerate or enhance the negative effects on the skin's structural integrity.

Rapid Detection of Avocado Oil Adulteration Using Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Avocado oil (AO) has been found to be adulterated by low-price oil in the market, calling for an efficient method to detect the authenticity of AO. In this work, a rapid and nondestructive method was developed to detect adulterated AO based on low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR, 43 MHz) detection and chemometrics analysis. PCA analysis revealed that the relaxation components area (S23) and relative contribution (P22 and P23) were crucial LF-NMR parameters to distinguish AO from AO adulterated by soybean oil (SO), corn oil (CO) or rapeseed oil (RO). A Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) model was established to identify the types of adulterated oils with a high calibration (0.98) and validation accuracy (0.93). Compared with partial least squares regression (PLSR) models, the support vector regression (SVR) model showed better prediction performance to calculate the adulteration levels when AO was adulterated by SO, CO and RO, with high square correlation coefficient of calibration (R2C > 0.98) and low root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC < 0.04) as well as root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP < 0.09) values. Compared with SO- and CO-adulterated AO, RO-adulterated AO was more difficult to detect due to the greatest similarity in fatty acids’ composition being between AO and RO, which is characterized by the high level of monounsaturated fatty acids and viscosity. This study could provide an effective method for detecting the authenticity of AO.

Physicochemical and bioactive properties of avocado (Persea americana Mill. cv. Lorena)

Chemical compounds are of great importance in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Nutritional components, the presence of secondary metabolites with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, and physicochemical properties of pulp, seed and peel of Lorena avocado cultivars were studied. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by ABTS, DPPH and lipid peroxidation in pulp, seed and peel. 26 extracts was evaluated. The results confirmed that the fruit parts stabilize free radicals and inhibit lipid oxidation processes, with the highest values in seed and peel, due to their content of flavonoids, o-diphenols and phenols. The results of phytochemical screening, antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity, showed significant bioprospective advantage for the presence of flavonoids, condensed tannins and total phenols in the seed, peel and pulp of Lorena avocado cultivars. Avocado fruits are rich in bioactive compounds that can be used in functional food applications.

Cosmeceutical Potential of Major Tropical and Subtropical Fruit By-Products for a Sustainable Revalorization

The increasing production of tropical fruits followed by their processing results in tons of waste, such as skins or seeds. However, these by-products have been reported to be rich in bioactive compounds (BACs) with excellent properties of interest in the cosmeceutical industry: antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and photoprotective properties. This review summarizes the tropical fruits most produced worldwide, their bioactive composition and the most important and studied therapeutic properties that their by-products can contribute to skin health, as well as the different approaches for obtaining these compounds using techniques by conventional (Soxhlet, liquid-liquid extraction or maceration) and non-conventional extractions (supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) and two-phase aqueous system), followed by their identification by HPLC-MS or GC-MS analysis. Moreover, this work encompasses several studies that may prove the effects of seeds and skins from tropical fruits against oxidative stress, hyperpigmentation, acne, aging or UV radiation. Therefore, the investigation of functional components present in tropical fruit by-products under a circular bioeconomy model could be of great interest for the cosmeceutical industry and a very promising option for obtaining new cosmeceutical formulations.

Comparative toxicity, phytochemistry, and use of 53 Philippine medicinal plants

The study compares the toxicity of 53 selected medicinal plants commonly used in the Philippines to treat various diseases. It uses as a benchmark Vitex negundo L., which was approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration as an herbal drug for cough and asthma after passing clinical trials for safety and efficacy. The methods were chosen for their simplicity and accessibility even for resource-limited laboratories. Extracts (95 % ethanol) of the medicinal parts of the plants were (1) chemically profiled using qualitative phytochemical tests that detect the presence of key classes of bioactive compounds; and (2) evaluated for toxicity using the brine shrimp (Artemia sp.) lethality assay (BSLA). General phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins in 50 plant extracts, alkaloids in 43, glycosides in 33, flavonoids in 31, steroids in 21, triterpenoids in 20, anthraquinones in 10, and saponins in 8. Extracts from eight plants had LC50 values lower than the potassium dichromate control (approximately 12 μg/mL) and were considered highly toxic; extracts from 21 plants had LC50 values between 12 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL and were considered moderately toxic; extracts from 19 plant extracts, including Vitex negundo and some common vegetables, had LC50 values between 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL, and were considered mildly toxic and likely to have reasonable safety margins; five plant extracts, including common vegetables, had LC50 values above 500 μg/mL and were considered essentially nontoxic. No apparent correlation could be found between toxicity and chemical diversity or a specific class of phytochemicals present. Our findings may serve as a guide for herbal drug and nutraceutical development, especially in prioritizing plants for more detailed safety studies.

Avocado oil: Production and market demand, bioactive components, implications in health, and tendencies and potential uses

Avocado is a subtropical/tropical fruit with creamy texture, peculiar flavor, and high nutritional value. Due to its high oil content, a significant quantity of avocado fruit is used for the production of oil using different methods. Avocado oil is rich in lipid-soluble bioactive compounds, but their content depends on different factors. Several phytochemicals in the oil have been linked to prevention of cancer, age-related macular degeneration, and cardiovascular diseases and therefore have generated an increase in consumer demand for avocado oil. The aim of this review is to critically and systematically analyze the worldwide production and commercialization of avocado oil, its extraction methods, changes in its fat-soluble phytochemical content, health benefits, and new trends and applications. There is a lack of information on the production and commercialization of the different types of avocado oil, but there are abundant data on extraction methods using solvents, centrifugation-assisted aqueous extraction, mechanical extraction by cold pressing (varying concentration and type of enzymes, temperature and time of reaction, and dilution ratio), ultrasound-assisted extraction, and supercritical fluid to enhance the yield and quality of oil. Extensive information is available on the content of fatty acids, although it is limited on carotenoids and chlorophylls. The effect of avocado oil on cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases has been demonstrated through in vitro and animal studies, but not in humans. Avocado oil continues to be of interest to the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries and is also generating increased attention in other areas including structured lipids, nanotechnology, and environmental care.

A Review on Hepatoprotective Effects of Some Medicinal Plant Oils

Background:

The liver is the second largest organ inside the human body. It can be damaged by several toxic molecules and medicinal agents taken in overdoses. Indeed, there are some oils obtained from different herbs that can be used to protect the liver injury.

Objective:

This review aims to give details on some oils that have been tested for their hepatoprotective effect.

Methods:

We reviewed 79 articles published between 1980 and 2019 in English language using three databases Sciencedirect, Web of Science and PubMed. So, we have used the keywords related to hepatoprotective activity: Hepatoprotective, liver disease, plant and oil and we have classified the plants in alphabetical order as a list containing their scientific and family names, as well as the experimental assay and the results obtained from these studies.

Results:

As a result, we have described 18 species belonging to 18 families: Altingiaceae, Apiaceae, Arecaceae, Asteraceae, Cactaceae, Caryocaraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminoseae, Malvaceae, Moringaceae, Myrtaceae, Oleaceae, Pinaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, Theaceae and Vitaceae. Among the most common fatty acids present in hepatoprotective oils are palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid.

Conclusion:

These oils have shown beneficial properties regarding the hepatoprotective activity.

Ameliorative potentials of Persea americana leaf extract on toxicants - induced oxidative assault in multiple organs of wistar albino rat

Background

Persea americana (PA) is a popular medicinal plant in folkloric medicines. The present study therefore investigates the ameliorative potentials of its leaves extract on carbon tetrachloride and rifampicin-induced toxicity in the liver, kidney and heart of albino rat. This was aimed at assessing the potentials of the plant in the management of liver, kidney and heart diseases.

Methodology

Forty (40) rats were randomly divided into eight (8) groups of five animals each. Groups I and II were administered with only distilled water and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) respectively. Groups III and IV animals received 3.0 ml/kg bw of CCl4 and were treated with the extract at 50 mg/kg bw and 100 mg/kg respectively, while group V received 100 mg/kg bw. of silymarin orally for 14 days. Groups VI animals were administered with rifampicin (250 mg/kg bw.) only, while groups VII and VIII animals received rifampicin and were treated with 50 mg and 100 mg/kg bw of the extract respectively. Activities of creatine kinase, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, catalase as well as levels of urea, uric acid, bilirubin and malonidialdehyde (MDA) were assayed. Lipid profiles and histopathological examination of liver and kidney slices were also performed.

Result

Treatment with P. americana significantly (p < 0.05) restored all deranged biochemical parameters (creatine kinase, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, uric acid, bilirubin, MDA, lipid profile as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase) in a dose-dependent manner. Normal hepatic and renal histoarchitecture were also restored following treatment with P. americana.

Conclusion

Amelioration of distorted cardiac, hepatic and renal histoarchitecture as well as restoration of lipid profile, biomarkers of liver and kidney injury and antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) affirm the potential usefulness of P. americana in the management of liver, kidney and heart diseases.

Fatty Acid Derivatives Isolated from the Oil of Persea americana (Avocado) Protects against Neomycin-Induced Hair Cell Damage

Avocado oil is beneficial to human health and has been reported to have beneficial effects on sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). However, the compounds in avocado oil that affect SNHL have not been identified. In this study, we identified 20 compounds from avocado oil, including two new and 18 known fatty acid derivatives, using extensive spectroscopic analysis. The efficacy of the isolated compounds for improving SNHL was investigated in an ototoxic zebrafish model. The two new compounds, namely (2R,4R,6Z)-1,2,4-trihydroxynonadec-6-ene and (2R,4R)-1,2,4-trihydroxyheptadecadi-14,16-ene (compounds 1 and 2), as well as compounds 7, 9, 14, 17 and 19 showed significant improvement in damaged hair cells in toxic zebrafish. These results led to the conclusion that compounds from avocado oil as well as oil itself have a regenerative effect on damaged otic hair cells in ototoxic zebrafish.

The Odyssey of Bioactive Compounds in Avocado (Persea americana) and Their Health Benefits

Persea americana, commonly known as avocado, has recently gained substantial popularity and is often marketed as a "superfood" because of its unique nutritional composition, antioxidant content, and biochemical profile. However, the term "superfood" can be vague and misleading, as it is often associated with unrealistic health claims. This review draws a comprehensive summary and assessment of research performed in the last few decades to understand the nutritional and therapeutic properties of avocado and its bioactive compounds. In particular, studies reporting the major metabolites of avocado, their antioxidant as well as bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties, are summarized and assessed. Furthermore, the potential of avocado in novel drug discovery for the prevention and treatment of cancer, microbial, inflammatory, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases is highlighted. This review also proposes several interesting future directions for avocado research.

Carrier oils in dermatology

Wounds are a common medical infliction. With the increase in microbial resistance and a shift of interest towards complementary medicines, essential oils have been shown to be beneficial in suppressing microbial growth. However, in practice, essential oils are more often diluted into a base due to the risk of topical adverse effects, such as dermatitis. There is a lack of collated evidence-based information on toxicity and efficacy of carrier oils. The current information on the subject matter is restricted to generic, aroma-therapeutic books and pamphlets, based on anecdotal evidence rather than an experimental approach. Therefore, this review aimed at identifying the recommended carrier oils used in dermatology and thereafter collating the scientific evidence to support the use of carrier oils together with essential oils recommended for dermatological use. Aloe vera gel had multiple studies demonstrating the ability to enhance wound healing; however, several other carrier oils have been largely neglected. It was observed that the extracts for certain plant species had been used to justify the use of the carrier oils of the same plant species. This is an inaccurate cross assumption due to the difference in chemical composition and biological activities. Lastly, despite these carrier oils being recommended as a base for essential oils, very little data was found on the interactive profile of the carrier oil with the essential oil. This review provides a platform for further studies, especially if essential oils are to receive credence in the scientific field.

Formulation and characterization of some oil in water cosmetic emulsions based on collagen hydrolysate and vegetable oils mixtures

The present study was focused on the preparation and characterization of different topical oil in water emulsions based on natural ingredients such as collagen hydrolysate and vegetable oils mixtures. As oil phases, mixtures of coconut, almond, jojoba, avocado oils (in different ratios) were used while the water phase consisted in lavender water. As emulsifier, a plant based product containing glyceryl stearate and potassium stearate was incorporated (in the concentration range 4–5 %), while as rheology modifier xanthan gum was used (in the concentration range 0.2–1 %). As preservatives, Cosgard (containing benzyl alcohol, salicylic acid, glycerol, ascorbic acid) and mixtures of two essential oils (lemon and lavender) were selected. The designed formulations were assessed by means of their physico-chemical properties (pH, viscosity, thixotropic behavior), optical microscopy analysis and sensorial characteristics. The obtained emulsions were found to present pseudoplastic and thixotropic behaviors, adequate for cosmetic skin care product formulations.

Avocado Oil: Characteristics, Properties, and Applications

Avocado oil has generated growing interest among consumers due to its nutritional and technological characteristics, which is evidenced by an increase in the number of scientific articles that have been published on it. The purpose of the present research was to discuss the extraction methods, chemical composition, and various applications of avocado oil in the food and medicine industries. Our research was carried out through a systematic search in scientific databases. Even though there are no international regulations concerning the quality of avocado oil, some authors refer to the parameters used for olive oil, as stated by the Codex Alimentarius or the International Olive Oil Council. They indicate that the quality of avocado oil will depend on the quality and maturity of the fruit and the extraction technique in relation to temperature, solvents, and conservation. While the avocado fruit has been widely studied, there is a lack of knowledge about avocado oil and the potential health effects of consuming it. On the basis of the available data, avocado oil has established itself as an oil that has a very good nutritional value at low and high temperatures, with multiple technological applications that can be exploited for the benefit of its producers.

Prophylactic NS-21 maintains the skin moisture but does not reduce the severity of radiation dermatitis in patients with head and neck cancer: a randomized control trial

Background

To evaluate the practicality of NS-21 cream with regard to its skin-related toxicity in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who are undergoing concurrent chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) or radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

Between July 2015 and November 2017, 30 HNC patients who underwent RT or CCRT were randomly allocated to receive either NS-21 or control treatment on their irradiated skin three times per day, starting at the initiation of RT or CCRT and ending 2 weeks after the completion of RT or until the appearance of grade 3 acute radiation dermatitis (ARD). Dermatitis was recorded weekly according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. Skin humidity was monitored by a digital moisture meter. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) and logit link function method were used for statistical analysis.

Results

No serious adverse events were observed in either group. Itching dermatitis occurred on the right lower neck in one patient of the NS-21 group during the 3rd week of CCRT, but the severity was mild. The median skin moisture value at the time of the final treatment was significantly different between the study and control groups (30.6 vs. 27.3, p = 0.013). Additionally, there was an inverse relationship between skin moisture and ARD grade (B = -0.04, p = 0.005). The incidence of ARD at the time of the last treatment was not significantly different between the study and control groups (6.7% vs 26.7%, p = 0.165). The risk of grade 3 ARD for skin that had received an irradiation dose of 47–70 Gy was higher than that of skin that had received an irradiation dose ≤46 Gy (OR = 31.06, 95% CI =5.95–162.21, p < 0.001). Nevertheless, the risk of ARD was not significantly different between the groups (OR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.08–1.74, p = 0.212).

Conclusions

NS-21 was well tolerated and effective for the maintenance of skin moisture; however, there was no statistically significant reduction in the risk of ARD in HNC patients undergoing RT or CCRT when compared with HNC patients in the control group.

Trial registration

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH-IRB, 104048-F), Registered 1st June 2015,

Tunisian Clematis flammula Essential Oil Enhances Wound Healing: GC-MS Analysis, Biochemical and Histological Assessment

The aerial part of Clematis flammula (Ranunculaceae) has been traditionally used in the treatment of skin diseases including mycotic infection in the Tunisian traditional medicine. The study was undertaken to extract and determine the essential oil chemical composition of Clematis flammula aerial parts and to assess the potential of anemonin in wound healing on mechanically wounded wistar rats. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Anemonin was isolated and then incorporated as active in a cream for which the cytotoxicity was evaluated by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT)-based colorimetric assay. Then, its potential in wound healing on mechanically wounded wistar rats was assessed. The GC-MS analysis showed that the major compound was protoanemonin (86.74%) which spontaneously dimerised in part to form the anemonin. The wound healing activity of anemonin cream exhibited a non toxic potential of anemonin at a concentration of 25 µg/mL with a cell migration efficiency that reaches more than 80% after 48 hours of treatment. Wound healing efficiency was evaluated by monitoring morphological and skin histological analyses. Comparable wound surface reduction of the group treated by anemonin cream (p ≥ 0.05) when compared to the reference treated group. The skin histological analysis showed the completely wound closure. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the malondialdehyde (MDA) rates and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase) determination. The results provided strong support for the effective wound healing activity of anemonin cream, making it a promising candidate as a therapeutic agent in tissue repairing processes.

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.

The Effects of Punica granatum Flower Extract on Skin Injuries Induced by Burn in Rats

Background. We compared the efficacy of P. granatum (P) flower extract with that of silver sulfadiazine (SSD) for treating thermal burn injuries in rats. Methods. Ten Wistar rats in each group were topically given base cream, normal saline, cream containing 1% SSD, or creams containing 5% or 10% Punica granatum flower extract. The treatments were administered once daily until complete wound healing was observed. The wound area and healing time were assessed. In addition, percentage wound contraction and histopathological characteristics such as neovascularization and collagen formation were determined. The tannin content in P. granatum extract was determined. Results. The decrease in the average size of wounds on day 15 of the treatment was higher in rats treated with creams containing P. granatum extract than in rats treated with cream containing SSD (2.8 ± 0.9 cm² versus 8.4 ± 3.2 cm²). The wounds completely healed on day 25 of the treatment in rats treated with creams containing P. granatum flower extract compared with those in rats treated with the other agents. Conclusion. These results indicated that P. granatum flower extract promoted wound healing in rats and could be used for managing burn injuries.

Antioxidant and wound healing activity of Lavandula aspic L. ointment

Lavandula aspic L. is a strongly aromatic shrub plant of the Lamiaceae family and traditionally used in herbal medicine for the treatment of several skin disorders, including wounds, burns, and ulcers. The present study aimed to investigate the composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of lavender essential oil. In addition, it aimed to evaluate the excision wound healing activity and antioxidant property of a Lavandula aspic L. essential oil formulated in ointment using a rat model. The rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. The test groups were topically treated with the vehicle, lavender ointment (4%) and a reference drug, while the control group was left untreated. Wound healing efficiency was determined by monitoring morphological and biochemical parameters and skin histological analysis. Wound contraction and protein synthesis were also determined. Antioxidant activity was assessed by the determination of MDA rates and antioxidant enzymes (GPx, catalase and superoxide dismutase). The treatment with lavender ointment was noted to significantly enhance wound contraction rate (98%) and protein synthesis. Overall, the results provided strong support for the effective wound healing activity of lavender ointment, making it a promising candidate for future application as a therapeutic agent in tissue repairing processes associated with skin injuries.

Poly (3-hydroxyalkanoates)-co-(6-hydroxyhexanoate) hydrogel promotes angiogenesis and collagen deposition during cutaneous wound healing in rats

Wound management and healing in several physiological or pathological conditions, particularly when comorbidities are involved, usually proves to be difficult. This presents complications leading to socio-economic and public health burdens. The accelerative wound healing potential of biocompatible poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates)-co-(6-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHA-PCL) composite hydrogel is reported herein. The biosynthesized PHA-PCL macromer was cross-linked with PEGMA to give a hydrogel. Twenty-four rats weighing 200-250 g each were randomly assigned to four groups of six rats. Rats in group I (negative control) were dressed with sterilized gum acacia paste in 10% normal saline while PEGMA-alone hydrogel (PH) was used to dress group II (secondary control) rats. Group III rats were dressed with PHAs-PCL cross-linked PEGMA hydrogel (PPH). For the positive control (group IV), the rats were dressed with Intrasite(®) gel. Biochemical, histomorphometric and immunohistomorphometric analyses revealed a significant difference in area closure and re-epithelialization on days 7 and 14 in PPH or Intrasite(®) gel groups compared to gum acacia or PEGMA-alone groups. Furthermore, wounds dressed with PPH or Intrasite(®) gel showed evident collagen deposition, enhanced fibrosis and extensively organized angiogenesis on day 14 compared to the negative control group. While improvement in wound healing of the PH dressed group could be observed, there was no significant difference between the negative control group and the PH dressed group in any of the tests. The findings suggested that topical application of PPH accelerated the rats' wound healing process by improving angiogenesis attributed to the increased microvessel density (MVD) and expressions of VEGF-A in tissue samples. Thus, PPH has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of cutaneous wounds in rats, and could be a potential novel agent in the management and acceleration of wound healing in humans and animals.

Effect of Malva sylvestris cream on burn injury and wounds in rats

OBJECTIVES

Burn injury is one of the most health-threatening problems in the world. Malva sylvestris (M. sylvestris) flowers have a high mucilage content and are used as a remedy for cut wound and dermal infected wounds in Iranian folklore Medicine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of M. sylvestris cream on the second degree burn injury in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five groups of 10 rats per group were burned with hot metal plate. Animals were administrated divided as control, normal saline, standard silver sulfadiazine 1% (SSD), 5% M. sylvestris, and 10% M. sylvestris into separate groups. Wound area, percentage of wound contraction, and histological and bacteriological assessments were evaluated.

RESULTS

Wound sizes were not significantly different among groups on 1(st) and 3(rd) days after burn injury, while they were significantly different among groups after 7(th) day post-burn injury. The average areas of wounds on the 15(th) day were 7.5±2.9, 6.7±2, 10.5±1.6, 4.7±2, and 4.5±2 cm(2) for base cream, normal saline, SSD, 5% M. sylvestris, and 10% M. sylvestris, respectively. The results of histology exhibited well-formed horizontally-oriented collagen fibers in MS topical treatment groups. Microorganisms existed in the SSD group were most probably Staphilococcus epidermitis and for NS group were staphylococcus saprophiteccus.

CONCLUSION

M. sylvestris cream improved histological changes of tissue components in the process of healing when compared with SSD cream. Therefore, it can be used as a topical treatment agent for burn wound.

Seed oil of Joannesia princeps improves cutaneous wound closure in experimental mice

Joannesia princeps (Cotieira) is a well known medicinal plant in Brazil, however, the therapeutic effects of oil obtained from its seeds have still not been demonstrated. The beneficial effects of J. princeps seed oil on cutaneous wound healing on the back of experimental mice were investigated. An excisional lesion in male Swiss mice (n=20 per group) was topically treated with mineral oil or J. princeps seed oil once a day beginning on the day of lesion until the third day after wounding. Animals were killed and lesions collected after 14 days. Murine skin fibroblast cultures were treated with J. princeps seed oil and fibroblast activity was evaluated. In the in vivo assay, J. princeps seed oil increased wound contraction and migratory tongue length, but reduced neutrophil and macrophage number when compared with the control group. Blood vessel number, collagen deposition, and VEGF levels were increased in treated lesions when compared with control lesions. However, J. princeps seed oil reduced myofibroblast density and carbonyl protein levels when compared with the control group. In the in vitro assay, treatment with J. princeps seed oil increased fibroblast migration and proliferation, but reduced myofibroblastic differentiation in vitro. In conclusion, J. princeps seed oil accelerates wound closure increasing angiogenesis, keratinocyte migration, and fibroblast activity while reducing inflammatory response and oxidative damage.