Poly herbal formulation with anti-elastase and anti-oxidant properties for skin anti-aging

Volatiles from French and Croatian Sea Fennel Ecotypes: Chemical Profiles and the Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antiageing Activity of Essential Oils and Hydrolates

Sea fennel is a halophytic plant rich in valuable nutritional components and is characterized by pleasant organoleptic properties. While its essential oils (EOs) are well investigated, there are no reports on the volatiles from their corresponding hydrolates, which are the main by-products of EO isolation, as well as on their biological activity. Therefore, the composition and biological activities of EOs and corresponding hydrolates of sea fennel from Atlantic (French, FRA) and Mediterranean (Croatian, CRO) ecotypes were investigated and compared. The EO from the CRO sample was characterized by an abundance of sabinene and limonene, while that from the FRA ecotype was rich in dillapiol and carvacryl methyl ether. The CRO hydrolate was rich in terpinen-4-ol and 10-(acetylmethyl)-3-carene, while dillapiol, thymyl methyl ether and γ-terpinene were the main compounds in the FRA sea fennel hydrolate. The biological activities of the EOs and hydrolates were evaluated for their antioxidant (with DPPH, NO, FRAP and ORAC bioassays), antimicrobial (against some Gram+ and Gram- spoilage bacteria) and antiageing (tyrosinase, elastase and collagenase inhibition) activities. Both EOs showed low reducing powers and antiradical activities while the ability of both hydrolates to quench NO was slightly higher (35-39% if inhibition). The FRA EO showed low activity against Staphylococcus aureus (8 mm), while CRO moderately inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa (8 mm), but strongly inhibited the other two bacterial strains. While the French EO showed no antityrosinase and anticollagenase activity, the Croatian oil significantly inhibited both enzymes (IC50 of 650 µg/mL and IC50 of 2570 µg/mL, respectively) probably due to the dominance of limonene and sabinene. Neither EO exhibited antielastase properties, while the hydrolates from both ecotypes showed no antiageing activity, regardless of the enzyme tested. The EOs from the aerial parts of sea fennel from FRA and CRO differed greatly in composition, resulting in different activities. The Croatian samples appeared to have better biological properties and are therefore good candidates for applications as preservatives or antiageing agents.

The efficacy of antiaging cream with Oxalis dehradunensis R. ethanolic extract as skin aging care among woman agriculture workers

Skin damage and aging are potential health problems for woman agriculture workers. This study aimed to test the efficacy of Oxalis dehradunensis ethanol extract formulated in antiaging cream preparations as an aging treatment in women agriculture workers. The method carried out was an experimental study on woman agriculture workers who were willing to volunteer. The experimental scenario conducted related to the physical quality of antiaging cream products and the efficacy of creams on the skin as an antiaging treatment. Physical quality parameters of antiaging cream include organoleptic assessment, cream emulsion, homogeneity, viscosity, pH, distribution, and skin irritation test to evaluate potential side effects. Skin aging efficacy assessments were conducted on 12 subjects divided into four formula concentration groups. The physical skin identification parameters measured are moisture, pore size, pigmentation or spots, and wrinkles using a skin analyzer. The results found that O. dehradunensis leaf extract formulated as an antiaging cream can neutralize free radicals and is an effective countermeasure against premature skin aging. There were significant differences in the skin characteristics of woman agriculture workers who participated as samples. The formula with 5% concentrate and 7% extract of O. dehradunensis has provided a reaction and is more effective in continuous treatment. It provides skin moisture changes of more than 300%, disguises pore size and good pigmentation, and reduces wrinkles of farmers who are constantly exposed to chemicals and free radicals in their agricultural activities. The leaf extracts antiaging cream showed more significant changes in moisture and skin pigmentation. It was concluded that the use of O. dehradunensis leaf extract as the core ingredient of antiaging cream can be an innovation that is beneficial to the health of the farming community, especially among women agriculture workers.

Environmental toxicants and health adversities: A review on interventions of phytochemicals

Toxicity arising from environmental contaminants has attracted global interest in the last few decades, due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with them. Efforts have been made to combat the consequential outcomes of environmental toxicity in humans through traditional remediation techniques and therapeutic measures which have been hampered by one or more limitations. Consequently, this scenario has triggered interest in the medicinal properties of phytochemicals. Thus, this review gives a succinct and in-depth elucidation of the various environmental contaminants and their toxicity effects on humans. It delves into the various classes of phytochemicals and their intervention roles. The study adopted a desk review of existing literatures from scientific reports and peer reviewed articles through triangulation of data sources. "Phytochemicals" are group of secondary metabolites obtained from plants with medicinal properties. These groups of compounds are included but not limited to flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, cardenoloids, terpenoids, and phytosteroids. This review corroborates the prophylactic and therapeutics efficacy of these phytochemicals as anti-metastatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and live saving substances with empirical findings from several laboratory, clinical trials and epidemiologic studies. It conclude that given the wide range of medicinal properties of phytochemicals, there is an urgent need for its full optimization in the pharmaceutical industry and future studies should focus on identifying the bioactive molecules in these compounds and its effectiveness against mixer toxicity.

In Vivo and In Silico Assessment of the Cardioprotective Effect of Thymus linearis Extract against Ischemic Myocardial Injury

Myocardial infarction is irreversible cardiac tissue necrosis due to the blockage of one of the arteries. It leads to an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients, creating muscular damage in the affected regions. In the present study, aqueous methanolic extract of Thymus linearis was prepared to evaluate its activity against ischemic stress due to free radical production. GC-MS analysis was performed to evaluate the phytochemicals present in the plant extract. A chemical database of 30 compounds was virtually screened against NF-κB, COX2, and MCL, where γ-cadinene, β-bisabolene, and β-caryophyllene were found to be the best interacting ligands. To systematically assess cardioprotective activity against ischemia, isoproterenol and doxorubicin were used to induce cardiotoxicity in rats. The prepared extract of T. linearis (100 mg/kg) was given daily to animals for 21 days before injecting isoproterenol (85 mg/kg of animal weight) subcutaneously in two doses on the 20th and 21st days. In the case of doxorubicin, cardiotoxicity was induced in rats by a single injection (15 mg/kg) on the seventh day, and the extract was given to animals for 10 consecutive days. Animals' blood samples were used to monitor cardiac, liver, and other marker enzymes, including LDH, CPK, and AST. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also assayed in blood plasma to determine the degree of oxidative stress. H&E staining was performed to evaluate cardioprotection by plant extract, showing significant preventive effects in reducing cardiac injury induced by isoproterenol and doxorubicin.

Recent Advances in Herbal-Derived Products with Skin Anti-Aging Properties and Cosmetic Applications

Although aesthetic benefits are a desirable effect of the treatment of skin aging, it is also important in controlling several skin diseases, mainly in aged people. The development of new dermocosmetics has rapidly increased due to consumers' demand for non-invasive products with lower adverse effects than those currently available on the market. Natural compounds of plant origin and herbal-derived formulations have been popularized due to their various safe active products, which act through different mechanisms of action on several signaling pathways for skin aging. Based on this, the aim of the review was to identify the recent advances in herbal-derived product research, including herbal formulations and isolated compounds with skin anti-aging properties. The studies evaluated the biological effects of herbal-derived products in in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies, highlighting the effects that were reported in clinical trials with available pharmacodynamics data that support their protective effects to treat, prevent, or control human skin aging. Thus, it was possible to identify that gallic and ferulic acids and herbal formulations containing Thymus vulgaris, Panax ginseng, Triticum aestivum, or Andrographis paniculata are the most promising natural products for the development of new dermocosmetics with skin anti-aging properties.

Hepatoprotective effect of Physalis divaricata in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity: In vitro, in silico and in vivo analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis divaricata D. Don. is an erect weed of family Solanaceae. The root extract of this plant is used by the indigenous communities of Sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India for the treatment of liver disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate hepatoprotective potential of P. divaricata in paracetamol (PCM) induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dried roots of P. divaricata were subjected to extraction using different solvents. The chloroform extract, methanol extract and bioactive aqueous fraction of methanol extract were evaluated for hepatoprotective effect. After initial in vitro screening, all extracts were screened for hepatoprotective potential in PCM (3 g/kg p.o) induced hepatotoxicity. Following PCM administration, extracts were administered orally for 7 days in increasing dose concentrations. All the animals were euthanized on eighth day, serum and liver tissues were collected and subjected to various biochemical and histopathological analysis. Aqueous fraction of methanol extract was further analyzed using LC- MS analysis.

RESULTS

Methanol extract and its bioactive aqueous fraction exhibited significant and better in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity as compared to chloroform extract. PCM treatment caused hepatotoxicity as assessed by altered levels of various hepatic biomarkers (increase in the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, TBARS, and AOPPs as well as decrease in GSH and TrxR levels) along with histopathological changes (portal to portal bridging, necrosis, and inflammation). Methanolic extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) and its aqueous fraction treatment (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly restored elevated hepatic biomarkers, oxidative stress, and protected normal hepato-architecture. LC-MS analysis of aqueous fraction showed presence of rutin and kaempferol. In silico analysis further showed the capability of rutin to make complex with TNF-α and block its interaction with the target site.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous fraction showed maximum hepatoprotective potential as conceived through in vitro and in vivo studies. Presence of rutin may explain hepatoprotective potential of P. divaricata.

Sida acuta leaf extract attenuates oxidants-induced animal model of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity

Background

Curative potential of Sida acuta Burm. f. (Malvaceae) leaves on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and rifampicin was studied. This was aimed at providing a potent therapeutic alternative to conventional drugs in the management of liver and kidney diseases.

Methodology

Carbon tetrachloride (3 ml/kg bw) and rifampicn (250 mg/kg bw) were administered to induce liver and kidney damage in selected groups of albino rats. Graded doses of Sida acuta leaves extract as well as silymarin (200 mg/kg bw) were then post-administered to experimental animals placed into eight groups of five animals each. Biomarkers of oxidative stress such as lipid profile, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), urea, uric acid, bilirubin and malonidialdehyde (MDA) were determined. Histopathological observations of both renal and hepatic tissues of experimental animals were also performed.

Results

Animals exposed to CCl4 and rifampicin without treatment exhibited significant derangement in lipid profile, elevated levels of ALT, ALT, ALP, urea, uric acid, bilirubin and MDA in the serum and tissues homogenates. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly inhibited while level of GSH was depleted. Following treatment with S. acuta extract, all deranged parameters including histological alterations were restored in a dose-dependent manner comparable to animals treated with silymarin.

Conclusion

Biochemical and histopathological data obtained from the present study confirmed that Sida acuta is a potential antioxidant plant that can be exploited in the management of liver and kidney dysfunctions.

Ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves ameliorates carbon tetrachloride and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in wistar albino rat

Background

Mucuna pruriens (L.) has been used for the treatment of several ailments in folkloric medicine. The present study therefore investigates the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potentials of its leaves extract with a view to providing a potent alternative in the management of liver and kidney diseases.

Methodology

Forty male albino rats were randomly placed into eight groups comprising five animals each. Animals in group I were administered with the distilled water, while groups II and VI were exposed to CCl₄ and rifampicin respectively. Animals in groups III and IV were initially exposed CCl₄ and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Similarly, groups VII and VIII animals were exposed to rifampicin and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Animals in group V were treated with 100 mg/kg bw silymarin by oral gavage after an initial exposure to CCl₄. Selected biomarkers of liver and kidney damage were determined in the serum and organs homogenate. Liver and kidney slices of experimental animals were also stained for histopathological examination.

Results

Exposure to CCl₄ and rifampicin respectively resulted in marked distortion in lipid profile, inhibition of antioxidant enzymes and a surge in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid, bilirubin and creatine kinase. Treatment with M. pruriens extract reversed all deranged biochemical and histopathological parameters in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Extract of M. pruriens leaves restored deranged biochemical and histopathological parameters in the liver and kidney with similar potency to silymarin. Hence, leaf extract of M. pruriens is a potential hepatoprotective and nephroprotective agent that can be exploited in the management of liver and kidney diseases.

Plant hydrolates - Antioxidant properties, chemical composition and potential applications

Hydrolates, are by-products of the hydrodistillation of plants. They consist of the distillation water in which very small amounts of essential oils remain dispersed. Hydrosols are widely used in cosmetics. One of the greatest challenges in skin care, whether it is healthy or affected by a pathological condition, is how to minimize oxidative stress. Extract also lend themselves to applications in the agri-food industry, to inhibit the development of pathological microorganisms in food and to remove biofilms constituting a threat to public health in food, pharmaceuticals and beauty products. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the antioxidant potential of hydrosols available in the cosmetics market, taking into account for the first time in scientific literature not only plant species, but also origin (country, farming system, part of plant) and method of preservation. Antioxidant activity, expressed as percentage inhibition of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl), ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and content of polyphenolic compounds (Folin-Ciocalteu method), was determined in seventeen hydrosols by spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant potential was in the range of 4.43-39.87% of DPPH radical inhibition and 1325.65-5794.38 µM Fe(II)/L. Total phenolic content (TPC) in the hydrosols amounted to 9.33-44.23 mg GAE/L, while total flavonoid content (TFC) ranged from 1.48 to 14.82 mg rutin/L. The hydrosols had a pH in the range of 3.31-5.42. Conclusions: Plant hydrosols appear to have a high antioxidant potential, which depends on not only the plant species, but also its origin, part of the plant from which the hydrosol was obtained and the preservation method used in the finished product.

Hydroxylumisterols, Photoproducts of Pre-Vitamin D3, Protect Human Keratinocytes against UVB-Induced Damage

Lumisterol (L3) is a stereoisomer of 7-dehydrocholesterol and is produced through the photochemical transformation of 7-dehydrocholesteol induced by high doses of UVB. L3 is enzymatically hydroxylated by CYP11A1, producing 20(OH)L3, 22(OH)L3, 20,22(OH)2L3, and 24(OH)L3. Hydroxylumisterols function as reverse agonists of the retinoic acid-related orphan receptors α and γ (RORα/γ) and can interact with the non-genomic binding site of the vitamin D receptor (VDR). These intracellular receptors are mediators of photoprotection and anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we show that L3-hydroxyderivatives significantly increase the expression of VDR at the mRNA and protein levels in keratinocytes, both non-irradiated and after UVB irradiation. L3-hydroxyderivatives also altered mRNA and protein levels for RORα/γ in non-irradiated cells, while the expression was significantly decreased in UVB-irradiated cells. In UVB-irradiated keratinocytes, L3-hydroxyderivatives inhibited nuclear translocation of NFκB p65 by enhancing levels of IκBα in the cytosol. This anti-inflammatory activity mediated by L3-hydroxyderivatives through suppression of NFκB signaling resulted in the inhibition of the expression of UVB-induced inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. The L3-hydroxyderivatives promoted differentiation of UVB-irradiated keratinocytes as determined from upregulation of the expression at the mRNA of involucrin (IVL), filaggrine (FLG), and keratin 14 (KRT14), downregulation of transglutaminase 1 (TGM1), keratins including KRT1, and KRT10, and stimulation of ILV expression at the protein level. We conclude that CYP11A1-derived hydroxylumisterols are promising photoprotective agents capable of suppressing UVB-induced inflammatory responses and restoring epidermal function through targeting the VDR and RORs.

Revalorization of bioactive compounds from tropical fruit by-products and industrial applications by means of sustainable approaches

Tropical fruits trade is on the rise due to the claimed health benefits related with their consumption. Functional activities are exerted by the presence of bioactive compounds which could be used for prevention or amelioration diseases. However, the occurrence of bioactive compounds is found mainly in non-edible fraction of tropical fruits which are usually discarded. Therefore, the revalorization of tropical fruits by-products as source of functional compounds is on the cutting-edge research. The implementation of this challenge not only allows the enhancement of the tropical fruits by-products management, but also the production of value-added products. This review compiles the latest comprehensive information about the revalorization of bioactive compounds from tropical fruits by-products. A revision of the sustainable green technologies used for the isolation of valuable compounds has been carried out as well as the current food, functional, cosmeceutical and bioenergetics industrial applications of bioactive compounds extracted from tropical fruits by-products.

Developmental and behavioural toxicity induced by acrylamide exposure and amelioration using phytochemicals in Drosophila melanogaster

Acrylamide, an environmental pollutant, is known to occur in food substances cooked at high temperatures. Studies on various models indicate acrylamide to cause several physiological conditions such as neuro- and reproductive toxicity, and carcinogenesis. In our study, exposure of Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon K strain) to acrylamide via their diet resulted in a concentration and time-dependent mortality, while the surviving flies exhibited significant locomotor deficits, most likely due to oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage. Also, Drosophila embryos exhibited signs of developmental toxicity as evidenced by the alteration in the migration of border cells and cluster cells during the developmental stages, concomitant to modulation in expression of gurken and oskar genes. Curcumin, a known antioxidant has been widely studied for its neuroprotective effects against acrylamide; however; very few studies focus on thymoquinone for its role against food toxicant. Our research focuses on the toxicity elicited by acrylamide and the ability of the antioxidants: thymoquinone, curcumin and combination of thereof, in reversing the same.

Investigation of Antioxidant and Elastase Inhibitory Activities of Geum urbanum Aerial Parts, Chemical Characterization of Extracts Guided by Chemical and Biological Assays

This study presents the bioguided chemical investigation of the 80% aqueous methanol extract of Geum urbanum aerial parts. Liquid–liquid partitioning of this extract in solvents of increasing polarity combined with biological screening showed that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) soluble fraction was the most active part of the extract. This fraction was chemically profiled by a 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based dereplication method, resulting in the identification of 14 compounds. The dereplication process was followed by the purification of unknown and minor compounds of the EtOAc fraction. A new glycosylated phenol, namely, 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)propyl-α-l-rhamnopyranoside, together with 6 known compounds were isolated. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods including NMR and high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of fractions and isolated compounds were evaluated by 2,2,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and hydroxyl radical scavenging, and by cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity assays. In parallel, their enzyme inhibitory property against human neutrophil elastase was assessed. Four subfractions, essentially containing polyphenols and triterpenes, exhibited a significant elastase inhibitory activity and an ellagitannin showed a very high radical scavenging activity.

Development and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Eruca Sativa Oil Nanoemulgel with Determination of the Oil Antioxidant, Sun Protection Factor and Elastase Inhibition

OBJECTIVES

This project aims to develop a bio-natural nano-product with Cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical applications.

METHODS

E. sativa oil was evaluated for its anti-oxidant, sun protection factor and elastase inhibition. Then, nanoemulgel formulations were prepared for E. sativa oil through the combination of nanoemulsion with hydrogel. E. sativa nanoemulsion formulations were prepared by the help of a selfemulsification technique. After this, the optimum formulation was mixed with Carbopol to produce the nanoemulgel. Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities were evaluated.

RESULTS

Nanoemulsion occurred when the size of the droplets was 195.29 nm with the lowest polydispersibility index 0.207. The results of antioxidant, anti-elastase and SPF activities for E. sativa oil were 2.10 µg/ml, 25.1 µg/ml and an SPF value of 5.57, respectively. In addition, in the anti-bacterial test for Staphylococcus aureus, it was found that nanoemulgel has an inhibition zone of 2.1 cm in diameter. According to the MRSA, the inhibition zone was 1.5 cm.

CONCLUSION

E. Sativa oil could be a promising candidate in cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical preparations.

Beneficial Role of Phytochemicals on Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Diseases

Aging is related to a number of functional and morphological changes leading to progressive decline of the biological functions of an organism. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), released by several endogenous and exogenous processes, may cause important oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to important cellular dysfunctions. The imbalance between ROS production and antioxidant defenses brings to oxidative stress conditions and, related to accumulation of ROS, aging-associated diseases. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the most relevant data reported in literature on the natural compounds, mainly phytochemicals, with antioxidant activity and their potential protective effects on age-related diseases such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and chronic inflammation, and possibly lower side effects, when compared to other drugs.

Identification and Extraction Optimization of Active Constituents in Citrus junos Seib ex TANAKA Peel and Its Biological Evaluation

Citrus junos Seib ex TANAKA possesses various biological effects. It has been used in oriental remedies for blood circulation and the common cold. Recently, biological effects of C. junos peel have been reported. However, optimization of the biological properties of C. junos peel preparations has yet to be reported on. We developed a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for quantification of the active constituents in C. junos peel. Hot water and ethanolic extracts of C. junos peel were prepared and their chemical profiles and biological activities were evaluated. The 80% ethanolic extract demonstrated the greatest antioxidant activity and phenolic content, while the 100% ethanolic extract had the greatest xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. Elastase inhibition activity was superior in aqueous and 20% ethanolic extracts. The contents of two flavonoids were highest in the 100% ethanolic extract. We postulated that the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of C. junos peel extract could be attributed to phenolics such as flavonoids. Our results suggest that the flavonoid-rich extract of C. junos may be utilized for the treatment and prevention of metabolic disease and hyperuricemia while the water-soluble extract of C. junos could be used as a source for its anti-aging properties.

Development of aqueous-based multi-herbal combination using principal component analysis and its functional significance in HepG2 cells

Background

The present study was carried out to prepare multi-herbal combination via comparing antioxidant activity and polyphenolic composition of five medicinal plant extracts of Punica granatum L., Putranjiva roxburghii Wall., Swertia chirata Buch.-Ham., Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Miers and Trigonella corniculata L.

Methods

The herbs were individually evaluated using in vitro antioxidant assays and analyzed by HPLC-PDA. The resultant data was examined using principal component analysis (PCA). Further, herbal combination was prepared on the basis of PCA.

Results

The PCA divided the plants into three groups. The leading or primary group contained P. granatum and P. roxburghii with the highest antioxidant activity strongly correlated with high amount of kaempferol. S. chirata was acknowledged as nourisher herb in one and T. cordifolia and T. corniculata were identified as stimulator herbs in other group. The herbal combination exhibited high antioxidant activity as compared to the individual plants. The combination revealed good antiproliferative efficacy against hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells with IC₅₀ of 75.864 μg/ml.

Conclusions

The activity observed in vitro with HepG2 cells suggests that the herbal combination can provide therapeutic activity in vivo in future. The study may provide information regarding precise preparation of multi-herbal formulations using PCA as a tool in pharmaceutical industries.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12906-019-2432-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.