Rosmarinus officinalis and Skin: Antioxidant Activity and Possible Therapeutical Role in Cutaneous Diseases

Network pharmacology-based approach to investigate the molecular targets and molecular mechanisms of Rosmarinus officinalis L. for treating aging-related disorders

Aging, a natural biological process, presents challenges in maintaining physiological well-being and is associated with increased vulnerability to diseases. Addressing aging mechanisms is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies against age-related ailments. Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a medicinal herb widely used in traditional medicine, containing diverse bioactive compounds that have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are associated with potential health benefits. Using network pharmacology, this study investigates the anti-aging function and underlying mechanisms of R. officinalis. Through network pharmacology analysis, the top 10 hub genes were identified, including TNF, CTNNB1, JUN, MTOR, SIRT1, and others associated with the anti-aging effects. This analysis revealed a comprehensive network of interactions, providing a holistic perspective on the multi-target mechanism underlying Rosemary's anti-aging properties. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the relevant biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components involved in treating aging-related conditions. KEGG pathway analysis shows that anti-aging targets of R. officinalis involved endocrine resistance, pathways in cancer, and relaxin signaling pathways, among others, indicating multifaceted mechanisms. Genes like MAPK1, MMP9, and JUN emerged as significant players. These findings enhance our understanding of R. officinalis's potential in mitigating aging-related disorders through multi-target effects on various biological processes and pathways. Such approaches may reduce the risk of failure in single-target and symptom-based drug discovery and therapy.

Isolation, structure, biological activity and application progress of ginseng polysaccharides from the Araliaceae family

Phytopolysaccharides are a class of natural macromolecules with a range of biological activities. Ginseng, red ginseng, American ginseng, and Panax notoginseng are all members of the Araliaceae family. They are known to contain a variety of medicinal properties and are typically rich in a wide range of medicinal values. Polysaccharides represent is one of the principal active ingredients in the aforementioned plants. However, there is a paucity of detailed reports on the separation methods, structural characteristics and comparison of various pharmacological effects of these polysaccharides. This paper presents a review of the latest research reports on ginseng, red ginseng, American ginseng and ginseng polysaccharides. The differences in extraction, separation, purification, structural characterization, and pharmacological activities of the four polysaccharides are compared and clarified. Upon examination of the current research literature, it becomes evident that the extraction and separation processes of the four polysaccharides are highly similar. Modern pharmacological studies have corroborated the multiple biological activities of these polysaccharides. These activities encompass a range of beneficial effects, including antioxidant stress injury, fatigue reduction, tumor inhibition, depression alleviation, regulation of intestinal flora, immunomodulation, diabetes management, central nervous system protection, anti-aging, and improvement of skin health. This paper presents a review of studies on the extraction, purification, characterization, and bioactivities of four natural plant ginseng polysaccharides. Furthermore, the review presents the most recent research findings on their pharmacological activities. The information provides a theoretical basis for the future application of natural plant polysaccharides and offers a new perspective for the in-depth development of the medicinal value of ginseng in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine.

Investigation of the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the utilization of rosemary among the population in Jordan

BACKGROUND

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) has a rich historical use for various reasons due to its beneficial characteristics including stimulating hair growth, providing antioxidant and antibacterial effects, and functioning as a skin conditioner and fragrance enhancer. The plant is cultivated in Jordan and using it is gaining popularity among the population.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the knowledge, attitude and perception of rosemary use among Jordanians.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting at least 385 participants via social media platforms. Face and content validity of the questionnaire was performed by independent researchers. The questionnaire was divided into three main sections including the demographics section, the knowledge section and the attitude toward rosemary use. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The study's participants (n = 407) had a mean age of 30.98 years old (SD = 12.76). The mean knowledge score for the participants ranged from -5 to 7, with a mean of 2.96 (SD = 2.61), with younger participants exhibiting higher knowledge scores regarding rosemary. Approximately half of the participants (48.2%) reported using rosemary for medical purposes. About three-quarters reported using rosemary oil, but a higher percentage reported using the leaves. Around three quarters administered it orally or applied it topically. Most participants obtained rosemary by growing it at home or from herbalists. Family and friends were the main influencers for rosemary users. Most of the study participants strongly agreed/agreed that plants possess a healing power (94.4%). The most reported reason for using rosemary was improving the hair condition (82.1%) followed by gastrointestinal problems (67.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights the widespread use of rosemary for different reasons through different methods of application. Addressing misconceptions and enhancing knowledge dissemination may allow informed decision-making and promote the safe and effective use of herbal therapies.

Healing with herbs: an alliance with 'nano' for wound management

INTRODUCTION

Wound healing is an intricate and continual process influenced by numerous factors that necessitate suitable environments to attain healing. The natural ability of wound healing often gets altered by several external and intrinsic factors, leading to chronic wound occurrence. Numerous wound dressings have been developed; however, the currently available alternatives fail to coalesce in all conditions obligatory for rapid skin regeneration.

AREA COVERED

An extensive review of articles on herbal nano-composite wound dressings was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases, from 2006 to 2024. This review entails the pathophysiology and factors leading to non-healing wounds, wound dressing types, the role of herbal bio-actives for wound healing, and the advantages of employing nanotechnology to deliver herbal actives. Numerous nano-composite wound dressings incorporated with phytoconstituents, herbal extracts, and essential oils are discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

There is a strong substantiation that several herbal bio-actives possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, analgesic, and angiogenesis promoter activities that accelerate the wound healing process. Nanotechnology is a promising strategy to deliver herbal bio-actives as it ascertains their controlled release, enhances bioavailability, improves permeability to underlying skin layers, and promotes wound healing. A combination of herbal actives and nano-based dressings offers a novel arena for wound management.

Clinical and Ultrasound Efficacy of Topical Hypertonic Cream (Jovita Osmocell®) in the Treatment of Cellulite: A Prospective, Monocentric, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background and Objectives: Cellulite, or edemato-fibro-sclerotic panniculopathy (EFP), is characterized by dermal and hypodermal changes leading to adipose tissue accumulation and compromised venous circulation. This study investigates the efficacy of a hypertonic cream containing concentrated sodium chloride (Jovita Osmocell®) in addressing water retention and structural alterations in adipose tissue, aiming to interrupt the cellulite formation process. Materials and Methods: A 12-week, prospective, monocentric, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolled 30 female subjects with grade II or III cellulite. Patients were randomized to receive hypertonic cream or a placebo. Thigh circumference, ultrasound evaluations, and standardized photographs were collected at baseline, intermediate, and endpoint visits. Adverse events were monitored. Results: After 84 days, the hypertonic cream group exhibited a significant reduction in thigh circumference compared to the placebo group (p = 0.0037). B-mode ultrasound examinations revealed significant changes in the parameters studied, such as the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue. No statistically significant changes were noticed in the placebo group. Volunteers reported the investigational product's pleasantness and good anti-cellulite activity, with no reported adverse events. Conclusions: The hypertonic cream demonstrated efficacy in reducing thigh circumference, addressing water retention and structural alterations in adipose tissue. The proposed mechanism involves osmosis, releasing accumulated fluids between fat cells, supporting drainage, and reducing inflammation. This study supports the efficacy and safety of hypertonic sodium chloride emulsions in cellulite treatment and confirms safety and user satisfaction.

Artificial Intelligence: A Snapshot of Its Application in Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Skin Diseases

Immuno-correlated dermatological pathologies refer to skin disorders that are closely associated with immune system dysfunction or abnormal immune responses. Advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) have shown promise in enhancing the diagnosis, management, and assessment of immuno-correlated dermatological pathologies. This intersection of dermatology and immunology plays a pivotal role in comprehending and addressing complex skin disorders with immune system involvement. The paper explores the knowledge known so far and the evolution and achievements of AI in diagnosis; discusses segmentation and the classification of medical images; and reviews existing challenges, in immunological-related skin diseases. From our review, the role of AI has emerged, especially in the analysis of images for both diagnostic and severity assessment purposes. Furthermore, the possibility of predicting patients' response to therapies is emerging, in order to create tailored therapies.

New Insights into Cutaneous Asepsis: Synergism between Pfaffia and Rosemary Extracts

(1) Background: In hospitals, medical and dental clinics, antiseptics or disinfectants play an essential role in the control of nosocomial infections. This study aimed to evaluate R. officinalis and P. paniculata glycolic extracts regarding: (I) their antimicrobial action on planktonic and biofilm (monotypic and cutaneous biofilm model-S. aureus, S. epidermidis and C. acnes); and (II) their cytotoxicity on human keratinocytes (HaCaT). (2) Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were performed (CLSI protocol M7-A6 and M11-A8). MTT analysis was used to evaluate the antibiofilm activity of the extracts on biofilms and their cytotoxicity on human keratinocytes. (3) Results: The combined glycolic extracts MIX A (75% P. paniculata + 25% R. officinalis); MIX B (50% P. paniculata + 50% R. officinalis); and MIX C (25% P. paniculata + 75% R. officinalis) promoted MBC values by 50 mg/mL on S. aureus, absent on S. epidermidis, and ranged 6.25-50 mg/mL for C. acnes. The cutaneous biofilm model was reduced more than 90%. In addition, it showed biocompatibility with human keratinocytes, resulting in percentages of viability greater than 50%. (4) Conclusions: The combination of extracts promoted antimicrobial action on planktonic cultures, and monotypic and heterotypic biofilms of skin pathogens. Additionally, these extracts are biocompatible against human keratinocytes.

Protective Potential of a Botanical-Based Supplement Ingredient against the Impact of Environmental Pollution on Cutaneous and Cardiopulmonary Systems: Preclinical Study

Air pollution is a growing threat to human health. Airborne pollution effects on respiratory, cardiovascular and skin health are well-established. The main mechanisms of air-pollution-induced health effects involve oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study evaluates the potential of a polyphenol-enriched food supplement ingredient comprising Lippia citriodora, Olea europaea, Rosmarinus officinalis, and Sophora japonica extracts in mitigating the adverse effects of environmental pollution on skin and cardiopulmonary systems. Both in vitro and ex vivo studies were used to assess the blend's effects against pollution-induced damage. In these studies, the botanical blend was found to reduce lipid peroxidation, inflammation (by reducing IL-1α), and metabolic alterations (by regulating MT-1H, AhR, and Nrf2 expression) in human skin explants exposed to a mixture of pollutants. Similar results were also observed in keratinocytes exposed to urban dust. Moreover, the ingredient significantly reduced pollutant-induced ROS production in human endothelial cells and lung fibroblasts, while downregulating the expression of apoptotic genes (bcl-2 and bax) in lung fibroblasts. Additionally, the blend counteracted the effect of urban dust on the heart rate in zebrafish embryos. These results support the potential use of this supplement as an adjuvant method to reduce the impact of environmental pollution on the skin, lungs, and cardiovascular tissues.

An extensive review on phenolic compounds and their potential estrogenic properties on skin physiology

Polyphenolic compounds constitute a diverse group of natural components commonly occurring in various plant species, known for their potential to exert both beneficial and detrimental effects. Additionally, these polyphenols have also been implicated as endocrine-disrupting (ED) chemicals, raising concerns about their widespread use in the cosmetics industry. In this comprehensive review, we focus on the body of literature pertaining to the estrogenic properties of ED chemicals, with a particular emphasis on the interaction of isoflavones with estrogen receptors. Within this review, we aim to elucidate the multifaceted roles and effects of polyphenols on the skin, exploring their potential benefits as well as their capacity to act as ED agents. By delving into this intricate subject matter, we intend to provoke thoughtful consideration, effectively opening a Pandora's box of questions for the reader to ponder. Ultimately, we invite the reader to contemplate whether polyphenols should be regarded as friends or foes in the realm of skincare and endocrine disruption.

An Update on Recent Studies Focusing on the Antioxidant Properties of Salvia Species

Nutrition has crucial effects and a significant role in disease prevention. Recently, nutraceuticals have attracted much attention in scientific research due to their pleiotropic effects and relatively non-toxic behavior. Among the biological effects displayed by plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, such as antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinesterase, sage is well known for its antioxidant properties and is a rich source of numerous compounds that are biologically active, amongst them polyphenols, with more than 160 types identified. In this review we summarized some of the significant studies published in the last decade reporting the most employed extraction methods and the different assays that are useful for establishing the antioxidant properties of some sage species. Even though the scientific literature contains plenty of data regarding the antioxidant properties of many sage species, further studies are needed in order to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanism of action and the compounds responsible for their antioxidant activity. Finally, it should be taken into account that the data on the antioxidant properties of sage extracts are often difficult to compare with each other, since a series of variables in the extraction procedures, the type of assay used, and standardization may affect the final result.

Development of Essential Oil-Loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules as Skin Delivery Systems: Biophysical Parameters and Dermatokinetics Ex Vivo Evaluation

Essential oils (EOs) are natural antioxidant alternatives that reduce skin damage. However, EOs are highly volatile; therefore, their nanoencapsulation represents a feasible alternative to increase their stability and favor their residence time on the skin to guarantee their effect. In this study, EOs of Rosmarinus officinalis and Lavandula dentata were nanoencapsulated and evaluated as skin delivery systems with potential antioxidant activity. The EOs were characterized and incorporated into polymeric nanocapsules (NC-EOs) using nanoprecipitation. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the ferric thiocyanate method. The ex vivo effects on pig skin were evaluated based on biophysical parameters using bioengineering techniques. An ex vivo dermatokinetic evaluation on pig skin was performed using modified Franz cells and the tape-stripping technique. The results showed that the EOs had good antioxidant activity (>65%), which was maintained after nanoencapsulation and purification. The nanoencapsulation of the EOs favored its deposition in the stratum corneum compared to free EOs; the highest deposition rate was obtained for 1,8-cineole, a major component of L. dentata, at 1 h contact time, compared to R. officinalis with a major deposition of the camphor component. In conclusion, NC-EOs can be used as an alternative antioxidant for skin care.

Effect of Diet and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Lymphoproliferative Disorders

Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of pathologies that result from clonal proliferation of lymphocytes. They are classified into Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the latter develops as a result of B, T, or NK cells undergoing malignant transformation. It is believed that diet can modulate cellular redox state and that oxidative stress is implicated in lymphomagenesis by acting on several biological mechanisms; in fact, oxidative stress can generate a state of chronic inflammation through the activation of various transcription factors, thereby increasing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and causing overstimulation of B lymphocytes in the production of antibodies and possible alterations in cellular DNA. The purpose of our work is to investigate the results of in vitro and in vivo studies on the possible interaction between lymphomas, oxidative stress, and diet. A variety of dietary regimens and substances introduced with the diet that may have antioxidant and antiproliferative effects were assessed. The possibility of using nutraceuticals as novel anticancer agents is discussed; although the use of natural substances in lymphoma therapy is an interesting field of study, further studies are needed to define the efficacy of different nutraceuticals before introducing them into clinical practice.

Implications of the Cultivation of Rosemary and Thyme (Lamiaceae) in Plant Communities for the Development of Antioxidant Therapies

Oxidative stress is the most critical factor in multiple functional disorders' development, and natural antioxidants could protect the human body against it. Our study aims to investigate the polyphenol content of four extracts of two medicinal plants (Rosmarinus officinalis L. and Thymus vulgaris L.) and analyze the correlation with their antioxidant activity. The research was carried out on extracts of rosemary and thyme obtained from species cultivated together in plant communities. Both were compared with extracts from species cultivated in individual crops (control crops). Their polyphenols were determined by spectrophotometric methods (dosage of flavones, phenol carboxylic acids, and total polyphenols) and chromatography (UHPLC-MS and FT-ICR MS). Triterpenic acids were also quantified, having a higher concentration in the thyme extract from the culture. The antioxidant activity of the dry extracts was evaluated in vitro (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and in silico (prediction of interactions with BACH1/BACH2 transcription factors). The concentrations of polyphenols are higher in the extracts obtained from the sources collected from the common crops. These observations were also validated following the chromatographic analysis for some compounds. Statistically significant differences in the increase in the antioxidant effect were observed for the extracts from the common batches compared to those from the individual ones. Following the Pearson analysis, the IC₅₀ values for each plant extract were strongly correlated with the concentration of active phytoconstituents. Molecular docking studies revealed that quercetin could bind to BTB domains of BACH1 and BACH2 transcription factors, likely translating into increased antioxidant enzyme expression. Future studies must validate the in silico findings and further investigate phytosociological cultivation's effects.

The Role of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods in Skin Cancer: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Skin cancer is a prevalent type of cancer worldwide and has a high growth rate compared to other diseases. Although modern targeted therapies have improved the management of cutaneous neoplasms, there is an urgent requirement for a safer, more affordable, and effective chemoprevention and treatment strategy for skin cancer. Nutraceuticals, which are natural substances derived from food, have emerged as a potential alternative or adjunctive treatment option. In this review, we explore the current evidence on the use of omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols (curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, resveratrol, and genistein) for the treatment of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), as well as in their prevention. We discuss the mechanisms of action of the aforementioned nutraceuticals and their probable therapeutic benefits in skin cancer. Omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, apigenin, resveratrol, and genistein have several properties, among which are anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor, which can help to prevent and treat skin cancer. However, their effectiveness is limited due to poor bioavailability. Nanoparticles and other delivery systems can improve their absorption and targeting. More research is needed to evaluate their safety and effectiveness as a natural approach to skin cancer prevention and treatment. These compounds should not replace conventional cancer treatments, but may be used as complementary therapy under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

A Multi-Approach Study of Phytochemicals and Their Effects on Oxidative Stress and Enzymatic Activity of Essential Oil and Crude Extracts of Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosmarinus officinalis or Rosemary is a highly valued medicinal vegetal, owing to its notable antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. In the current work, we aimed to identify the chemical components of the essential oil (EO) of R. officinalis and evaluate its biological properties using an in vitro approach. High performance liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-TOF-MS) was utilized to analyze of the hydro-methanolic extract (HME), while gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was considered during the analysis of the EO’s chemical composition. The antioxidant abilities of HME and the EO were assessed using diverse tests (DPPH, ABTS, GOR, CUPRAC, and FRAP). The anti-enzymatic properties were tested by the inhibition of cholinesterases, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase enzyme. The HPLC-TOF-MS displayed the existence of flavonoids like luteolin glucuronide I and II, and a few known hydroxycinnamic acids. The EO contained three major components, namely, eucalyptol (28.7%), camphor (16.7%), and borneol (13.5%). The HME had a high total polyphenol content, as determined by the Folin–Ciocalteau method (335.37 ± 9.33 µg of gallic acid eq·mg−1). Notably, the analysis of the bioactivities of the HME and EO revealed comparatively that they possessed higher radical scavenging capacity in the DPPH, ABTS, and galvinoxyl assays, while EO exhibited a higher capacity for enzyme inhibition. Overall, our findings suggest that both the EO and HME extract of Algerian’s R. officinalis holds great usefulness in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields due to its elevated polyphenol content and potent bioactivities.

Potential Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Skin Diseases

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are lymphoid cells that are resident in mucosal tissues, especially the skin, which, once stimulated by epithelial cell-derived cytokines, release IL-5, IL-13, and IL-4, as the effectors of type 2 immune responses. This research aims to evaluate the role of ILC2s in the pathogenesis of skin diseases, with a particular focus on inflammatory cutaneous disorders, in order to also elucidate potential therapeutic perspectives. The research has been conducted in articles, excluding reviews and meta-analyses, on both animals and humans. The results showed that ILC2s play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of systemic skin manifestations, prognosis, and severity, while a potential antimelanoma role is emerging from the new research. Future perspectives could include the development of new antibodies targeting or stimulating ILC2 release. This evidence could add a new therapeutic approach to inflammatory cutaneous conditions, including allergic ones.