Water soluble microparticles of Sambucus nigra L. (elderberry) as a potential herbal medicine

Although traditional use of elderberry flowers is recognized by Medical Agencies, there are not suitable products on the Brazilian market. To overcome poor stability of tinctures of Sambucus nigra flowers, we aimed to develop spray dried microparticles. Statistical experimental design was applied taking inlet temperature and maltodextrin% at five different levels. Next, we applied a stability study for 60 days under accelerated conditions (40 °C/75% RH) and 180 days at room temperature (15-30 °C). We monitored flavonoid content as markers. The best drying condition was 188 °C and 65% of carrier and enabled microparticles with more than 90% of markers recovery. After 180 days, the dried extract remained with 90.8% at room temperature. The markers were released from microparticles in two minutes. In conclusion, the spray drying process and formulation enabled elderberry flowers to be easier to apply in solid pharmaceutical forms.

Investigation of the long-term stability of various tinctures belonging to the lamiaceae family by HPLC and spectrophotometry method

The aim of the current study was to analyze the stability of rosmarinic acid in ethanolic tinctures of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), peppermint (Mentha x piperita), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). High-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC–DAD) was employed to monitor the concentration of the marker compound over a six month period. Furthermore, the tinctures were also evaluated for caffeic acid, total phenolic content, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity. We observed that the concentration of rosmarinic acid in tincture stored in closed amber glasses at ambient temperature decreased significantly during 6-month storage. Furthermore, our study squarely confirms the fact that a part of rosmarinic acid is converted to caffeic acid. The tested tinctures can be listed in the following order according to the greatest stability of the marker compound: rosemary > peppermint > oregano > lemon balm > thyme > sage. The results of the study indicated a linear relationship between DPPH values and total phenolic (R2 = 0.92) or rosmarinic acid (R2 = 0.85) contents.

A Newfangled Collagenase Inhibitor Topical Formulation Based on Ethosomes with Sambucus nigra L. Extract

Sambucus nigra L. (S. nigra) is a shrub widespread in Europe and western Asia, traditionally used in medicine, that has become popular in recent years as a potential source of a wide range of interesting bioactive compounds. The aim of the present work was to develop a topical S. nigra extract formulation based on ethosomes and thus to support its health claims with scientific evidence. S. nigra extract was prepared by an ultrasound-assisted method and then included in ethosomes. The ethosomes were analyzed in terms of their size, stability over time, morphology, entrapment capacity (EC), extract release profile, stability over time and several biological activities. The prepared ethosomes were indicated to be well defined, presenting sizes around 600 nm. The extract entrapment capacity in ethosomes was 73.9 ± 24.8%, with an interesting slow extract release profile over 24 h. The extract-loaded ethosomes presented collagenase inhibition activity and a very good skin compatibility after human application. This study demonstrates the potential use of S. nigra extract incorporated in ethosomes as a potential cosmeceutical ingredient and on further studies should be performed to better understand the impact of S. nigra compounds on skin care over the time.