Antioxidant activity of mycelia methanolic extracts of endophytic fungi BvFV and BvFIX isolated from leaves of Bauhinia variegata

The use of natural extracts with photoprotective activity: a 2015-2023 patent prospection

Synthetic sunscreen offers protection against excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, and protects the skin from possible damage. However, they have low efficacy against the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are highly reactive molecules that can be generated in the skin when it is exposed to UV radiation, and are known to play a role in oxidative stress, which can contribute to skin aging and damage. Thus, there is an ongoing search for sunscreens that do not have these negative effects. One promising source for these is natural products. Therefore, the current patent review summarizes topical formulations made from natural compounds that have antioxidant properties and can be used as photoprotective or anti-aging agents, either using a single natural extract or a combination of extracts. The review reports basic patent information (applicant country, type of applicant, and year of filing) and gives details about the invention, including its chemical composition, and the in vitro and in vivo tests performed. These patents describe natural products that can be used to protect the skin and validate their efficacy, and safety, in addition to standardizing their formulations. The compositions described illustrate the consistent innovation in the use of natural products to protect against UV damage and photoaging disorders, a promising field which is receiving growing global recognition.

Anti-inflammatory potential of Penicillium brefeldianum endophytic fungus supported with phytochemical profiling

Various factors contribute to the development of the acute inflammation process, like the pro-inflammatory cytokines, certain enzymes as well as oxidative stress mediators. The anti-inflammatory potential of the endophytic fungus Penicillium brefeldianum was explored in carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. After isolation of the fungus from Acalypha hispida leaves, it was identified by 18S rRNA gene sequencing. Then, its phytochemical profile was elucidated using LC-ESI-MS/MS technique. There was a remarkable decrease in the edema weight in the endophytic fungi-treated group (200 mg/kg). Also, this group had few inflammatory cells and thickened epidermis with underlying moderate collagenosis when stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Besides, immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies of cyclooxygenase-2 and tumor necrosis factor alpha showed a decrease in the positive immune cells in the endophytic fungi treated group (200 mg/kg) in relation to the positive control. Interestingly, the levels of the inflammatory as well as oxidative stress markers, including prostaglandin E2, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde, which are hallmarks of the inflammatory process, considerably diminished (p < 0.05) in this group. qRT-PCR was utilised to elucidate the impact of the endophytic fungi treatment on the expression of interleukins (IL-1β and IL-6) genes, which decreased in comparison with the positive control group. Consequently, we can deduce that P. brefeldianum endophytic fungus has a promising anti-inflammatory potential and should be extensively studied on a broader range in the near future.