Plants used to treat skin diseases

Antioxidant Potential of Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Scabies Infestation

Oxidative stress, characterized by an overproduction of reactive oxygen species that overwhelm the body's physiological defense mechanisms, is a key factor in the progression of parasitic diseases in both humans and animals. Scabies, a highly contagious dermatological condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis, affects millions globally, particularly in developing regions. The infestation leads to severe itching and skin rashes, triggered by allergic reactions to the mites, their eggs, and feces. Conventional scabies treatments typically involve the use of scabicidal agents, which, although effective, are often associated with adverse side effects and the increasing threat of resistance. In light of these limitations, there is growing interest in the use of medicinal plants as alternative therapeutic options. Medicinal plants, rich in bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, offer a promising, safer, and potentially more effective approach to treatment. This review explores the role of oxidative stress in scabies pathogenesis and highlights how medicinal plants can mitigate this by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving patient outcomes. Through their natural antioxidant potential, these plants may serve as viable alternatives or complementary therapies in the management of scabies, especially in cases where resistance to conventional treatments is emerging.

Assessing Therapeutic Value and Side Effects of Key Botanical Compounds for Optimized Medical Treatments

Due to the significance of variable chemical groups across a wide spectrum of modern medicine, it is imperative to determine what is the most widely used group in medical applications with the fewest side effects. Ten compounds from ten chemical groups that are most commonly known for their medical uses were compared in terms of their therapeutic potential and side effects. The comparison among the selected compounds indicated the superiority of the flavonoids over other groups in the multitude of their utilizations and the lower side effects. Kaempferol and quercetin showed higher medical utilization with lower side effects. Whereas alkaloid compounds showed the lowest levels of medical use and the highest levels of side effects. Based on the comparison conducted, it is concluded to give priority to flavonoid compounds being used in medical applications because they exhibit the highest medical uses with the lowest side effects. Within flavonoids, kaempferol and quercetin are the two compounds that are highly recommended to be used in the widest range of medical applications. Serious caution should be considered before applying alkaloids to any medical service. Understanding the characteristics of these compounds can aid in developing safer and more effective treatments for medicinal plants.

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds in Psoriasis and Their Inclusion in Nanotechnological Systems

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects around 2-3% of the world's population. The treatment for this autoimmune disease still remains centered around conventional methods using synthetic substances, even though more recent advancements focus on biological therapies. Given the numerous side effects of such treatments, current research involves plant extracts and constituents that could prove useful in treating psoriasis. The aim of this narrative review is to highlight the most known representatives belonging to classes of natural compounds such as polyphenols (e.g., astilbin, curcumin, hesperidin, luteolin, proanthocyanidins, and resveratrol), alkaloids (e.g., berberine, capsaicin, and colchicine), coumarins (psoralen and 8-methoxypsoralen), and terpenoids (e.g., celastrol, centelloids, and ursolic acid), along with plants used in traditional medicine that could present therapeutic potential in psoriasis. The paper also provides an overview of these compounds' mechanisms of action and current inclusion in clinical studies, as well as an investigation into their potential incorporation in various nanotechnological systems, such as lipid-based nanocarriers or polymeric nanomaterials, that may optimize their efficacy during treatment.

Emerging Trends in the Treatment of Skin Disorders by Herbal Drugs: Traditional and Nanotechnological Approach

Since the earliest days, people have been employing herbal treatments extensively around the world. The development of phytochemical and phytopharmacological sciences has made it possible to understand the chemical composition and biological properties of a number of medicinal plant products. Due to certain challenges like large molecular weight and low bioavailability, some components of herbal extracts are not utilized for therapeutic purposes. It has been suggested that herbal medicine and nanotechnology can be combined to enhance the benefits of plant extracts by lowering dosage requirements and adverse effects and increasing therapeutic activity. Using nanotechnology, the active ingredient can be delivered in an adequate concentration and transported to the targeted site of action. Conventional therapy does not fulfill these requirements. This review focuses on different skin diseases and nanotechnology-based herbal medicines that have been utilized to treat them.

Natural Sources of Therapeutic Agents Used in Skin Conditions

Skin conditions are numerous and often have a major impact on patients' quality of life, and effective and safe treatment is very important. The conventional drugs used for skin diseases are usually corticosteroids and antimicrobial products that can induce various side effects, especially with long-term use, which is why researchers are studying alternatives, especially biologically active natural products. Three products caught our attention: bee venom (BV), due to reported experimental results showing anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, antimycotic, and anticancer effects, Ficus carica (FC) due to its demonstrated antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory action, and finally Geranium essential oil (GEO), with proven antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Following a review of the literature, we produced this paper, which presents a review of the potential therapeutic applications of the three products in combating various skin conditions and for skin care, because BV, FC, and GEO have common pharmacological actions (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant). We also focused on studying the safety of the topical use of BV, FC, and GEO, and new approaches to this. This paper presents the use of these natural therapeutic agents to treat patients with conditions such as vitiligo, melasma, and melanoma, as well as their use in treating dermatological conditions in patients with diabetes.

In silico validation of hyaluronic acid - drug conjugates based targeted drug delivery for the treatment of COVID-19

The impact of COVID-19 urges scientists to develop targeted drug delivery to manage Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral infections with a fast recovery rate. The aim of the study is to develop Hyaluronic Acid (HA) drug conjugates of viral drugs to target two important enzymes (Mpro and PLpro) of SARS-CoV-2. Three antiviral drugs, namely Dexamethasone (DEX), Favipiravir (FAV), and Remdesivir (REM), were chosen for HA conjugation due to their reactive functional groups. Free forms of drugs (DEX, FAV, REM) and HA drug conjugates (HA-DEX, HA-FAV, HA-REM, HA-RHA, HA-RHE) were validated against Mpro (PDB ID 6LU7) and PLpro (PDB 7LLZ), which play an essential role in the replication and reproduction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The results of the present study revealed that HA-drug conjugates possess higher binding affinity and the best docking score towards the Mpro and PLpro target proteins of SARS-CoV-2 than their free forms of drugs. ADMET screening resulted that HA-drug conjugates exhibited better pharmacokinetic profiles than their pure forms of drugs. Further, molecular dynamic simulation studies, essential dynamics and free energy landscape analyses show that HA antiviral drug conjugates possess good trajectories and energy status, with the PLpro target protein (PDB 7LLZ) of SARS-CoV-2 through long-distance (500 ns) simulation screening. The research work recorded the best drug candidate for Cell-Targeted Drug Delivery (CTDD) for SARS-CoV-2-infected cells through hyaluronic acid conjugates of antiviral drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Dendrobium officinale Kinura et Migo glycoprotein promotes skin wound healing by regulating extracellular matrix secretion and fibroblast proliferation on the proliferation phase

Dendrobium officinale Kinura et Migo (DOKM) has a variety of medicinal applications; however, its ability to promote wound healing has not been previously reported. The purpose of this study is to investigate the proliferative phase of the wound-healing effect of DOKM glycoprotein (DOKMG) in rats and to elucidate its mechanism of action in vitro. In the present study, the ointment mixture containing DOKMG was applied to the dorsal skin wounds of the full-thickness skin excision rat model, and the results showed that the wound healing speed was faster in the proliferative phase than vaseline. Histological analysis demonstrates that DOKMG promoted the re-epithelialization of wound skin. Immunofluorescence staining and quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays revealed that DOKMG promotes the secretion of Fibronectin and inhibits the secretion of Collagen IV during the granulation tissue formation period, indicating that DOKMG could accelerate the formation of granulation tissue by precisely regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion. In addition, we demonstrated that DOKMG enhanced the migration and proliferation of fibroblast (3T6 cell) in two-dimensional trauma by regulating the secretion of ECM, via a mechanism that may implicate the AKT and JAK/STAT pathways under the control of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling. In summary, we have demonstrated that DOKMG promotes wound healing during the proliferative phase. Therefore, we suggest that DOKMG may have a potential therapeutic application for the treatment and management of cutaneous wounds.

Flavonoids as Potential Natural Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Eczema

Eczema is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and skin manifestation with a range of comorbidities that include physical and psychological disorders. Despite recent advancements in understanding the mechanisms involved in atopic dermatitis, current marketed products have shown varying results with more side effects. The present objective of the research studies is to develop new agents for eczema that cut down the cost of the novel drugs available and also improve the efficacy with the least adverse effects. Natural compounds and medicinal plants have been traditionally used since ancient civilizations. Nowadays, research in the herbal field is at its peak. One such natural compound, flavonoid, was found to be beneficial for the treatment of eczema. This review describes the use of certain flavonoid products to prepare preparations suitable for the treatment of prophylaxis or eczema. This is especially true for prophylaxis or atopic eczema treatment. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory properties and are, therefore, used in treatments to prevent allergies, inflammation, and irritation to the skin. We also dock the flavonoid derivatives used with the protein associated with the inhibition of eczema for better lead optimization. These preparations appear to be used for cosmetic, dermatological, or herbal remedies as a local application.

Emergence of Nano-Based Formulations for Effective Delivery of Flavonoids against Topical Infectious Disorders

Flavonoids are hydroxylated phenolic substances in vegetables, fruits, flowers, seeds, wine, tea, nuts, propolis, and honey. They belong to a versatile category of natural polyphenolic compounds. Their biological function depends on various factors such as their chemical structure, degree of hydroxylation, degree of polymerization conjugation, and substitutions. Flavonoids have gained considerable attention among researchers, as they show a wide range of pharmacological activities, including coronary heart disease prevention, antioxidative, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, free-radical scavenging, anticancer, and anti-atherosclerotic activities. Plants synthesize flavonoid compounds in response to pathogen attacks, and these compounds exhibit potent antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral) activity against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. However, certain antibacterial flavonoids have the ability to selectively target the cell wall of bacteria and inhibit virulence factors, including biofilm formation. Moreover, some flavonoids are known to reverse antibiotic resistance and enhance the efficacy of existing antibiotic drugs. However, due to their poor solubility in water, flavonoids have limited oral bioavailability. They are quickly metabolized in the gastrointestinal region, which limits their ability to prevent and treat various disorders. The integration of flavonoids into nanomedicine constitutes a viable strategy for achieving efficient cutaneous delivery owing to their favorable encapsulation capacity and diminished toxicity. The utilization of nanoparticles or nanoformulations facilitates drug delivery by targeting the drug to the specific site of action and exhibits excellent physicochemical stability.

The Chemical Profile, and Antidermatophytic, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant and Antitumor Activities of Withania chevalieri A.E. Gonç. Ethanolic Extract

Withania chevalieri, endogenous from Cape Verde, is a medicinal plant used in ethnomedicine with a large spectrum of applications, such as treating skin fungal infections caused by dermatophytes. The aim of this work was to chemically characterize the W. chevalieri crude ethanolic extract (WcCEE), and evaluate its bioactivities as antidermatophytic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer, as well as its cytotoxicity. WcCEE was chemically characterized via HPLC-MS. The minimal inhibitory concentration, minimal fungicidal concentration, time-kill and checkerboard assays were used to study the antidermatophytic activity of WcCEE. As an approach to the mechanism of action, the cell wall components, β-1,3-glucan and chitin, and cell membrane ergosterol were quantified. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allowed for the study of the fungal ultrastructure. WcCEE contained phenolic acids, flavonoids and terpenes. It had a concentration-dependent fungicidal activity, not inducing relevant resistance, and was endowed with synergistic effects, especially terbinafine. TEM showed severely damaged fungi; the cell membrane and cell wall components levels had slight modifications. The extract had antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities, with low toxicity to non-tumoral cell lines. The results demonstrated the potential of WcCEE as an antidermatophytic agent, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity, to be safely used in pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic applications.

Anti-Skin Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Effects of the Neoflavonoid Latifolin Isolated from Dalbergia odorifera in HaCaT and BJ-5ta Cells

Skin is the first line of defense in the body against external stimulation and injury. Inflammation and oxidative stress in skin cells are the initiators and promoters of several skin diseases. Latifolin is a natural flavonoid isolated from Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of latifolin. The anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using tumor necrosis factor-α/interferon-γ (TNF-α/IFN-γ)-treated HaCaT cells, revealing that latifolin inhibited the secretion of Interleukin 6 (IL-6); Interleukin 8 (IL-8); Regulated upon Activation, Normal T Cell Expressed and Presumably Secreted (RANTES); and Macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) while decreasing the expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1). The results of western blots and immunofluorescence demonstrated that the activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-κB) cells signaling pathways were significantly inhibited by latifolin. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using t-BHP-induced BJ-5ta cells. Latifolin increased the viability of t-BHP-induced BJ-5ta cells. Additionally, fluorescent staining of reactive oxygen species (ROS) showed that the production of ROS was inhibited by latifolin. Additionally, latifolin reduced the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK. The results indicate that latifolin has potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and may be a candidate natural compound for the treatment of skin diseases.

Keeping Healthy in Your Skin-Plants and Fungi Used by Indigenous Himalayan Communities to Treat Dermatological Ailments

Dermatological ailments are a major health problem, especially when related to human immune deficiency syndrome and acquired immune deficiency. The goal of this study was to identify the medicinal plants used by the indigenous peoples of the Northwestern Himalayas to treat dermatological diseases. Several field trips were conducted in the spring and summer seasons of 2020-2021 to collect the plants of dermatological value and information about their use through open-ended semi-structured interviews (n = 53) and group discussions (n = 33). The current investigation found 64 ethnomedicinal plants belonging to 34 families commonly used to treat a variety of dermatological ailments. The main growth form was herbs (80%), followed by trees (8%) and ferns (6%). It was found that leaves (51%) were the most commonly used plant part, followed by roots and the whole plant. Wound healing was the most dominant application, with 18 plant species used, followed by skin burns cured by 11 plant species and skin boils by eight plant species. Out of the total (18%) of medicinal plants with cosmetic uses, i.e., roots of Jurinea dolomiaea, Rheum webbianum, and Rheum spiciforme were crushed into powder and mixed with turmeric, and the paste is applied topically for glowing skin. Among the various preparation methods, paste (38%) was the most common way of preparation, followed by poultice (29%) and infusion (9%). Between ethnic groups, the maximum homogeneity was between Gujjar and Bakarwal ethnic groups (23 species, 36%), followed by Gujjars and Kashmiri (14 species, 22%). Bakarwals and Gujjar people live in the same geographical location, and they graze their animals in pastures, practice extensive transhumance pastoralism, and pass through different ecological landscapes, thus having sufficient experiences with certain plants and retaining more knowledge. The species identified with the highest utilization based on the number of citations and use value included Ficus carica, Cichorium intybus, Euphorbia wallichii, Pinus wallichiana, Plantago major, Jurinea dolomiaea, and Artemisia absinthium. The findings of this study demonstrate that people who reside in the Northwestern Himalayas region still rely on medicinal plants.

Gum arabic/guar gum stabilized Hydnocarpus wightiana oil nanohydrogel: Characterization, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm activities

Hydnocarpus wightiana oil has proven to inhibit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms; however, the raw form is highly susceptible to oxidation, and thus it becomes toxic when uptake is in high amounts. Therefore, to minimize the deterioration, we formulated Hydnocarpus wightiana oil-based nanohydrogel and studied its characteristics as well biological activity. The low energy-assisted hydrogel was formulated by including gelling agent, connective linker, and cross-linker and it resulted in internal micellar polymerization of the milky white emulsion. The oil showed the presence of octanoic acid, n-tetradecane, methyl 11-(2-cyclopenten-1-yl) undecanoate (methyl hydnocarpate), 13-(2-cyclopenten-1-yl) tridecanoic acid (methyl chaulmoograte), and 10,13-eicosadienoic acid. The amount of caffeic acid was 0.0636 mg/g, which was higher than the amount of gallic acid (0.0076 mg/g) in the samples. The formulated nanohydrogel showed an average droplet size of 103.6 nm with a surface charge of -17.6 mV. The minimal inhibitory bactericidal, and fungicidal concentrations of nanohydrogel against pathogenic bacteria and fungi were ranging from 0.78 to 1.56 μl/mL with 70.29-83.62 % antibiofilm activity. Also, nanohydrogel showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher killing rate for Escherichia coli (7.89 log CFU/mL) than Staphylococcus aureus (7.81 log CFU/mL) with comparable anti-inflammatory activity than commercial standard (49.28-84.56 %). Therefore, it can be concluded that being hydrophobic, and having the capability of target-specific drug absorption as well as biocompatibility nanohydrogels can be utilized to cure various pathogenic microbial infections.

Silymarin attenuates escitalopram (cipralex) induced pancreatic injury in adult male albino rats: a biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical approach

Depression is a prevalent global problem since ages, predominately treated with SSRI. Cipralex, is an antidepressant of the SSRIs class used as a remedy for mood, depression and anxiety. Silymarin (SIL), a natural free radical scavenging, has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This hypothesis evaluates, for the first time, the role of cipralex on the structure of the endocrine and exocrine components of the pancreas and assess the beneficial effects of SIL on these changes. Forty-five rats were divided into control, cipralex, and cipralex plus SIL groups. During sacrifice, all rats and pancreases were weighed and the ratio of pancreatic weight (PW) to rat weight (RW) was calculated, blood samples were collected to estimate fasting glucose, insulin and amylase levels, the specimens were prepared for histological, immunohistochemical (inducible nitric oxide synthase [iNOS], tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], caspase 3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen [PCNA], and anti-insulin antibody), and morphometrical studies. Cipralex group exhibited marked destruction of the pancreatic architecture of the exocrine and endocrine parts, with a dense collagen fiber deposition. Also, there is highly significant decrease (P<0.001) of PW/RT ratio, insulin, and amylase levels, the number and diameter of islets of Langerhans, the number of PCNA positive immunoreactive cells, and the number of insulin positive β-cells. Furthermore, a highly significant increase of glucose level, iNOS, TNF-α, and caspase-3 positive immunoreactive cells in the islets of Langerhans and acinar cells were observed. SIL improves the pancreatic histological architecture, weight loss, biochemical, and immunohistochemical analyses. Administering SIL is advantageous in managing cipralex induced pancreatic injury via its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic qualities.

In vitro antimicrobial efficacy of Cassia alata (Linn.) leaves, stem, and root extracts against cellulitis causative agent Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND

Cellulitis is a common skin disease encountered in medical emergencies in hospitals. It can be treated using a combination of antibiotics therapy; however, the causative agent Staphylococcus aureus has been reported to develop resistance towards the currently used antibiotics. Therefore, the search for more alternative herbal origin antimicrobial agents is critical.

AIM

In this study, maceration and Soxhlet extraction of the whole plant of Cassia alata Linn. (leaves, roots, and stem) were performed using four solvents with different polarities, namely n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and distilled water. The crude extracts were screened using agar well diffusion, colorimetric broth microdilution, grid culture and bacterial growth curve analysis against Staphylococcus aureus. The phytochemicals in the crude extracts were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

RESULTS

Agar-well diffusion analysis revealed that extraction using ethyl acetate showed the largest inhibition zone with an average diameter of 15.30 mm (root Soxhlet extract) followed by 14.70 mm (leaf Soxhlet extract) and 13.70 mm (root maceration extract). The lowest minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration in root Soxhlet extract using ethyl acetate was 0.313 and 0.625 µg µL^-1, respectively. Our study proved that crude extract of the plant suppressed the growth of S. aureus as evidenced from a significant regression extension (p < 0.06, p = 0.00003) of lag phase for 6 h after the treatment with increased concentration. Based on the GC-MS analysis, 88 phytochemicals consist of fatty acids, esters, alkanes, phenols, fatty alcohols, sesquiterpenoids and macrocycle that possibly contributed to the antimicrobial properties were identified, 32 of which were previously characterized for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

CONCLUSION

Ethyl acetate crude extract was better than the other investigated solvents. The root and stem of C. alata showed significant antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus in this study. The remaining 56 out of 88 phytochemicals of the plant should be intensively studied for more medicinal uses.

Wound healing and antibacterial capability of electrospun polyurethane nanofibers incorporating Calendula officinalis and Propolis extracts

In order to produce a healing accelerator antibacterial wound dressing, different electrospun polyurethane (PU)-based nanofibers inclusive Calendula officinalis and Propolis ethanolic extracts were fabricated. The measurement of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) determined the concentrations of incorporating extracts. Then the morphological properties of the produced polyurethane (PU), polyurethane/C. officinalis (PU/CO), polyurethane/Propolis (PU/PR), polyurethane/C. officinalis/Propolis (PU/CO/PR) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The physicochemical features and biological characteristics of the fabricated nanofibers were evaluated. Subsequently, the antibacterial and wound-healing efficiency of electrospun wound dressings were tested under in vivo situation. The electrospun PU/CO/PR nanofiber illustrated the most degree of antibacterial, antioxidant, and cell proliferation efficiencies. In vivo examination and histological analysis confirmed significant improvement in the complete, well-organized wound-healing process in MRSA-infected wounds treated with PU/CO/PR. These outcomes described PU/CO/PR electrospun nanofibers as a wound dressing that can significantly facilitate wound healing with notable antibacterial, antioxidant, and cell proliferation properties.

The Role of Plant Lectins in the Cellular and Molecular Processes of Skin Wound Repair: An Overview

There is increasing pressure for innovative methods to treat compromised and difficult-to-heal wounds. Consequently, new strategies are needed for faster healing, reducing infection, hydrating the wound, stimulating healing mechanisms, accelerating wound closure, and reducing scar formation. In this scenario, lectins present as good candidates for healing agents. Lectins are a structurally heterogeneous group of glycosylated or non-glycosylated proteins of non-immune origin, which can recognize at least one specific monosaccharide or oligosaccharide specific for the reversible binding site. Cell surfaces are rich in glycoproteins (glycosidic receptors) that potentially interact with lectins through the number of carbohydrates reached. This lectin-cell interaction is the molecular basis for triggering various changes in biological organisms, including healing mechanisms. In this context, this review aimed to (i) provide a comprehensive overview of relevant research on the potential of vegetable lectins for wound healing and tissue regeneration processes and (ii) discuss future perspectives.

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Brassicaceae-Derived Phytochemicals: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence for a Putative Role in the Prevention and Treatment of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of intestinal disorders, of unknown etiology, characterized by chronic inflammation within the gut. They are gradually becoming critical because of the increasing incidence worldwide and improved diagnosis. Due to the important side effects observed during conventional therapy, natural bioactive components are now under intense investigation for the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses. The Brassicaceae family comprises vegetables widely consumed all over the world. In recent decades, a growing body of literature has reported that extracts from the Brassicaceae family and their purified constituents have anti-inflammatory properties, which has generated interest from both the scientific community and clinicians. In this review, data from the literature are scrutinized and concisely presented demonstrating that Brassicaceae may have anti-IBD potential. The excellent biological activities of Brassicacea are widely attributable to their ability to regulate the levels of inflammatory and oxidant mediators, as well as their capacity for immunomodulatory regulation, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity and intestinal flora balance. Possible future applications of bioactive-derived compounds from Brassicaceae for promoting intestinal health should be investigated.

Plants as Modulators of Melanogenesis: Role of Extracts, Pure Compounds and Patented Compositions in Therapy of Pigmentation Disorders

The kingdom of plants as a "green biofabric" of valuable bioactive molecules has long been used in many ailments. Currently, extracts and pure compounds of plant origin are used to aid in pigmentation skin problems by influencing the process of melanogenesis. Melanin is a very important pigment that protects human skin against ultraviolet radiation and oxidative stress. It is produced by a complex process called melanogenesis. However, disturbances in the melanogenesis mechanism may increase or decrease the level of melanin and generate essential skin problems, such as hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Accordingly, inhibitors or activators of pigment formation are desirable for medical and cosmetic industry. Such properties may be exhibited by molecules of plant origin. Therefore, that literature review presents reports on plant extracts, pure compounds and compositions that may modulate melanin production in living organisms. The potential of plants in the therapy of pigmentation disorders has been highlighted.

Novel Herbal Nanocarriers for Treatment of Dermatological Disorders

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In the present scenario, the use of novel nanocarriers to provide a better therapy regimen is noteworthy. Nanotechnology with the advanced system enables the herbs for encapsulation within the smart carrier and boosts the nanotherapeutic. These emerging innovations of herbal nanocarriers have paved the way for dermal targeting by eliciting the desired response for particular diseases.

METHODS

In this current manuscript, an extensive search is conducted for the original research papers using databases, viz., Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, etc. Furthermore, painstaking efforts are made to compile and update the novel herbal nanocarriers, such as liposomes, ethosomes, transferosomes, niosomes, nanoemulsions, nanogels, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid carriers, etc., which are mostly used for the treatment of several skin maladies, viz., eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc. This article highlights the recent findings that the innovators are exclusively working on herbal drug delivery systems for dermal targeting, and these are enumerated in the form of tables.

CONCLUSION

Herbal formulations employing a suitable nanocarrier could be a promising approach for the treatment of several pathological conditions, including skin ailments. Therefore, scientific research is still being carried out in this specific area for a better perspective in herbal drug delivery and targeting.

Moroccan medicinal plants traditionally used for the treatment of skin diseases: From ethnobotany to clinical trials

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Skin diseases are among the most common human health affections. A healthy skin promotes a healthy body that can be achieved through modern, allopathic and natural medicines. Therefore, medicinal plants can be a reliable therapy in treating skin diseases in humans through a diverse range of bioactive molecules they contain.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review aims to provide for the first-time scientific evidence related to the dermatological properties of Morocco's medicinal plants and it aims to provide a baseline for the discovery of new drugs having activities against skin issues.

METHODS

This review involved an investigation with different search engines for Moroccan ethnobotanical surveys published between 1991 and 2021. The plants used to treat skin diseases have been determined. Information regarding pharmacological effects, phytochemical, and clinical trials related to the plants listed in this review was collected from different scientific databases like PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Web of Science and Scopus. The data were analyzed and summarized in the review.

RESULTS

A total of 401 plants belonging to 86 families mainly represented by Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Fabaceae, and Apiaceae which have been documented to be in common use by Moroccans for managing skin diseases. Among those plants recorded, the most commonly used are Allium cepa L, Chamaeleon gummifer (L.) Cass and Salvia rosmarinus Schleid. Mill. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, while powder and decoction were the most common method of traditional drug preparation. 107 of the 401 plants (27%) have undergone pharmacological validation. A total of 44 compounds isolated from 27 plants were investigated to treat different types of skin diseases, and 25 plants have been clinically studied for their activities against skin diseases.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effects of using Moroccan medicinal plants to treat skin diseases, according to traditional practices, have been proven in numerous scientific studies. Therefore, other studies should focus on isolating and identifying specific bioactive compounds from plant extracts, revealing more valuable therapeutic properties. Furthermore, additional reliable clinical trials are needed to confirm their beneficial effect on patients with skin diseases.

Herbal Arsenal against Skin Ailments: A Review Supported by In Silico Molecular Docking Studies

Maintaining healthy skin is important for a healthy body. At present, skin diseases are numerous, representing a major health problem affecting all ages from neonates to the elderly worldwide. Many people may develop diseases that affect the skin, including cancer, herpes, and cellulitis. Long-term conventional treatment creates complicated disorders in vital organs of the body. It also imposes socioeconomic burdens on patients. Natural treatment is cheap and claimed to be safe. The use of plants is as old as mankind. Many medicinal plants and their parts are frequently used to treat these diseases, and they are also suitable raw materials for the production of new synthetic agents. A review of some plant families, viz., Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, etc., used in the treatment of skin diseases is provided with their most common compounds and in silico studies that summarize the recent data that have been collected in this area.

Medicinal Plants Used Traditionally for Skin Related Problems in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean Region—A Review

A review research was conducted to provide an overview of the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional medical practices for the treatment of skin disorders in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. The geographical and ecological characteristics of the Balkan Peninsula and Mediterranean Sea, along with the historical connection among those countries, gave rise to the development of a distinct flora and to the uses of common medicinal plants against various skin ailments, respectively. The review focuses on the detailed study of 128 ethnobotanical surveys conducted in these areas and the species used for skin ailments were singled out. The analysis showed that 967 taxa belonging to 418 different genera and 111 different families are used in the treatment of skin related problems. The majority of the plants belong to the families of Asteraceae (11.7%), Lamiaceae (7.4%), Rosaceae (6.7%), Plantaginaceae (5.4%), and Malvaceae (3.8%). Their usage is internal or external to treat ailments such as wounds and burns (22.1%), hemorrhoids (14.7%), boils, abscesses, and furuncles (8.2%). Beside specific skin disorders, numerous species appeared to be used for their antifungal, antimicrobial, and antiseptic activity (9.1%). Literature evaluation highlighted that, the most commonly used species are Plantago major L. (Albania, Turkey), Hypericum perforatum L. (Greece, Turkey), Sambucus nigra L. (Cyprus, Greece), Ficus carica L. (Cyprus, Turkey), Matricaria chamomilla L. (Cyprus, Greece), and Urtica dioica L. (Albania, Turkey), while many medicinal plants reported by interviewees were common in all four countries. Finally, to relate this ethnopharmacological knowledge and trace its expansion and diversification through centuries, a comparison of findings was made with the use of the species mentioned in Dioscorides’ “De Materia Medica” for skin disorders. This work constitutes the first comparative study performed with ethnobotanical data for skin ailments gathered in the South Balkan and East Mediterranean areas. Results confirm the primary hypothesis that people in Albania, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey are closely related in terms of traditionally using folk medicinal practices. Nevertheless, more field studies conducted, especially in remote places of these regions, can help preserve the traditional medical knowledge, aiming at the discovery of new phytotherapeutics against dermatological diseases.

Potential of propolis antifungal activity for clinical applications

The high incidence of skin diseases of microbial origin along with the widespread increase of microbial resistance demand for therapeutic alternatives. Research on natural compounds has been opening new perspectives for the development of new therapies with health positive impacts. Propolis, a resinous mixture produced by honeybees from plant exudates, is widely used as a natural medicine since ancient times, mainly due to its antimicrobial properties. More recently, antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory activities were also reported for this natural product, highlighting its high potential pharmacological interest. In the present work, an extensive review of the main fungi causing skin diseases as well as the effects of natural compounds, particularly propolis, against such disease-causing microorganisms was organized and compiled in concise handy tables. This information allows to conclude that propolis is a highly effective antimicrobial agent suggesting that it could be used as an alternative skin treatment against pathogenic microorganisms and also as a cosmeceutic component or as a source of bioactive ingredients.

Jelly Fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) Exhibits Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Activities by Regulating Reactive Oxygen Species Production via NFκB Signaling Pathway

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Ficus awkeotsang Makino extract (FAE) on Hs68 fibroblasts and BALB/c nude-mouse models are evaluated in this study. FAE was found to be non-toxic and showed high levels of DPPH, H₂O₂, and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities; a ferrous chelating capacity; as well as ferric-reducing antioxidant capability. The antioxidant activity of FAE was strongly associated with polyphenolic content (flavonoids at 10.3 mg QE g⁻¹ and total phenol at 107.6 mg GAE g⁻¹). The anti-inflammatory activity of FAE and the underlying molecular mechanisms were also investigated. The a* value of the mouse dorsal skin after treatment with FAE at 1.5 mg/mL in addition to chronic UVB exposure was found to decrease by 19.2% during a ten-week period. The anti-inflammatory effect of FAE was evidenced by the decreased accumulation of inflammatory cells and skin thickness. Expression levels of UVB-induced inflammatory proteins, including ROS, NF-κB, iNOS, COX-2, and IL-6, were significantly reduced upon FAE treatment in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that the inhibition of ROS and UVB-induced activation of the NF-κB downstream signaling pathway by FAE, indicating considerable potential as a versatile adjuvant against free radical damage in pharmaceutical applications.

Ethnomedicinal Plants in Herbal Remedies Used for Treatment of Skin Diseases by Traditional Healers in Songkhla Province, Thailand

Skin disorders are a worldwide health problem that normally affect human life. A traditional healer is an important expert in researching notable medicinal plants for skin disease treatment. This study aimed to determine the traditional knowledge and the use of medicinal plants for the treatment of skin diseases among traditional healers in the Songkhla province, Thailand. The ethnobotanical information was collected from experienced traditional healers by semi-structured interviews and participant observations. Plant specimens were also collected and identified using the standard taxonomic method. The data were analyzed by interpretation and descriptive statistics. Twenty-five polyherbal formulations for the treatment of skin diseases were obtained from traditional healers with at least 10 years of experience. A total of 66 plant species in 38 families were documented. Leaves and trees were the most commonly employed plant parts and plant habits included in the herbal remedies, respectively. Fabaceae, Rubiaceae, and Zingiberaceae were the majority of the cited families. Oryza sativa L. and Zingiber montanum (J. Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. were the most preferred plants combined in the prescriptions, which had the highest use value (UV = 0.83). The highest relative frequency of citation was represented by Curcuma longa L., Eurycoma longifolia Jack, Knema globularia (Lamk.) Warb, and Senna siamea (Lam.) Irwin & Barneby. (0.55 each). This research suggests the importance of traditional healers in the healing of skin diseases with herbal remedies. A variety of medicinal plants are used in the prescriptions for the treatment of skin disorders in the Songkhla province, in the south of Thailand. Pharmacological and toxicological activities as well as phytochemical constituents of polyherbal remedies should be further investigated to scientifically verify further applications of widely practiced herbal medicines.

Inhibition of enzymatic activities of Bothrops asper snake venom and docking analysis of compounds from plants used in Central America to treat snakebite envenoming

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Snakebite envenoming is a public health problem of high impact in Central America. Bothrops asper, known as barba amarilla, terciopelo, and equis, is the snake species responsible for most snakebites in Central America. In this region, there is a long-standing tradition on the use of plants in the management of snakebites, especially in indigenous communities. Ethnomedical use of Eryngium foetidum L., Neurolaena lobata (L.) Cass. and Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. to treat snakebite envenoming has been reported in Belice, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Extracts of the leaves of these plants have shown anti-venom activities in in vitro assays in previous studies.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the ability of organic fractions from these three plants to inhibit enzymatic activities associated with toxicity of the venom of B. asper, and to study, by docking analysis, the interaction of metalloproteinase and phospholipases A₂ (PLA₂) from B. asper venom with secondary metabolites previously described in these plants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Organic fractions were obtained from these three plant species and their ability to neutralize proteolytic, PLA₂ and in vitro coagulant activities of B. asper venom was assessed. A phytochemical analysis was carried out in these fractions. The interaction of secondary metabolites previously described in these plants with three toxins from B. asper venom (a metalloproteinase, a PLA₂ and a PLA₂ homologue) was investigated by docking analysis.

RESULTS

The inhibitory activity of plants was mainly concentrated in their polar fractions. Acetonic fraction from P. dioica was the most active against PLA₂ activity, while the acetonic fraction of E. foetidum completely inhibited the proteolytic activity of the venom. Coagulant activity was partially inhibited only by the acetone and ethyl acetate fractions of P. dioica. Phytochemical analysis of the most bioactive fractions identified flavonoids, saponins, essential oils, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins and sesquiterpene lactones. Docking analysis revealed high affinity interactions of several secondary metabolites of these plants with residues in the vicinity of the catalytic site of these enzymes and, in the case of PLA₂ homologue myotoxin II, in the hydrophobic channel.

CONCLUSIONS

Various fractions from these plants have inhibitory activity against enzymatic actions of B. asper venom which are directly associated with toxicological effects. Docking analysis showed structural evidence of the interaction of secondary metabolites with three toxins. These observations provide support to the potential of these plants to inhibit relevant toxic components of this snake venom.

Bioactive-Based Cosmeceuticals: An Update on Emerging Trends

Cosmetic-containing herbals are a cosmetic that has or is claimed to have medicinal properties, with bioactive ingredients purported to have medical benefits. There are no legal requirements to prove that these products live up to their claims. The name is a combination of “cosmetics” and “pharmaceuticals”. “Nutricosmetics” are related dietary supplements or food or beverage products with additives that are marketed as having medical benefits that affect appearance. Cosmetic-containing herbals are topical cosmetic–pharmaceutical hybrids intended to enhance the health and beauty of the skin. Cosmetic-containing herbals improve appearance by delivering essential nutrients to the skin. Several herbal products, such as cosmetic-containing herbals, are available. The present review highlights the use of natural products in cosmetic-containing herbals, as natural products have many curative effects as well as healing effects on skin and hair growth with minimal to no side effects. A brief description is given on such plants, their used parts, active ingredients, and the therapeutic properties associated with them. Mainly, the utilization of phytoconstituents as cosmetic-containing herbals in the care of skin and hair, such as dryness of skin, acne, eczema, inflammation of the skin, aging, hair growth, and dandruff, along with natural ingredients, such as for hair colorant, are explained in detail in the present review.

Effects of Salicornia-Based Skin Cream Application on Healthy Humans’ Experimental Model of Pain and Itching

Halophyte plants are salt-tolerant and are acclimated for growth in saline soils such as along coastal areas. Among the halophytes, the Salicornia species have been used as both folk medicine and functional food for many years due to their high levels of bioactive compounds with supposed anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. However, the properties of Salicornia bioactive extracts on pain and itching still remain unclear. In this study, 30 healthy volunteers were randomized to treatments with 10% Salicornia-based cream or placebo cream for 24 or 48 h. On day 0, and 24 or 48 h post cream application, cold/heat detection and pain thresholds, mechanical pain thresholds and sensitivity, trans-epidermal water loss, histamine- and cowhage-evoked itch, and micro-vascular reactivity (neurogenic inflammation) were assessed to evaluate the analgesic, anti-pruritogenic and vasomotor effects. Skin permeability was reduced in the Salicornia-treated area for 48 h compared with 24 h application (p-value < 0.05). After 48 h of application, a decrease in mechanical-evoked itching (hyperkinesis) compared with 24 h treatment (p-value < 0.05) and increased warm detection and heat pain thresholds (p-value < 0.05) was found. Histamine-induced neurogenic inflammation showed a significant reduction in the cream-treated areas after 48 h compared with 24 h (p-value < 0.05). The results of this study indicate the overall inhibitory effect of Salicornia on hyperkinesis (mechanically evoked itch), the analgesic effect on thermal sensation, and modulation of the skin barrier architecture. Further studies are needed for the assessment of the long-term effects.

Promising Natural Products in New Drug Design, Development, and Therapy for Skin Disorders: An Overview of Scientific Evidence and Understanding Their Mechanism of Action

The skin is the largest organ in the human body, composed of the epidermis and the dermis. It provides protection and acts as a barrier against external menaces like allergens, chemicals, systemic toxicity, and infectious organisms. Skin disorders like cancer, dermatitis, psoriasis, wounds, skin aging, acne, and skin infection occur frequently and can impact human life. According to a growing body of evidence, several studies have reported that natural products have the potential for treating skin disorders. Building on this information, this review provides brief information about the action of the most important in vitro and in vivo research on the use of ten selected natural products in inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious skin disorders and their mechanisms that have been reported to date. The related studies and articles were searched from several databases, including PubMed, Google, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Ten natural products that have been reported widely on skin disorders were reviewed in this study, with most showing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-cancer effects as the main therapeutic actions. Overall, most of the natural products reported in this review can reduce and suppress inflammatory markers, like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), induce cancer cell death through apoptosis, and prevent bacteria, fungal, and virus infections indicating their potentials. This review also highlighted the challenges and opportunities of natural products in transdermal/topical delivery systems and their safety considerations for skin disorders. Our findings indicated that natural products might be a low-cost, well-tolerated, and safe treatment for skin diseases. However, a larger number of clinical trials are required to validate these findings. Natural products in combination with modern drugs, as well as the development of novel delivery mechanisms, represent a very promising area for future drug discovery of these natural leads against skin disorders.

Enhanced Skin Performance of Emulgel vs. Cream as Systems for Topical Delivery of Herbal Actives (Immortelle Extract and Hemp Oil)

Immortelle, as rich source of chlorogenic acid and the phloroglucinol alpha-pyrone compound arzanol, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, affects cell regeneration, and has positive effect on many skin conditions. Hemp oil, characterized by a favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, as well as an abundance of essential fatty acids and vitamin E, participates in immunoregulation and also act as an anti-inflammatory. In the present study, we examined the effect on the skin of creams and emulgels with immortelle extract and hemp oil, by comparing them to placebo samples and a non-treated control. A long-term in vivo study of biophysical skin characteristics, which lasted for 30 days, was conducted on 25 healthy human volunteers. Measured parameters were electrical capacitance of the stratum corneum, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin pH and erythema index. Further, a sensory study was carried out in which the panelists had to choose descriptive terms for sensory attributes in questionnaire. The results showed that application of all preparations led to increase of skin hydration and TEWL reduction, while the skin was not irritated, and its normal pH was not disrupted. This study also showed importance of the carrier. Not only were emulgels described by panelists as preparations with better sensory properties, there was a significant difference between the skin hydration effect of emulgel with immortelle extract and hemp oil compared to the placebo emulgel, which was not the case with creams. Such findings indicated enhanced delivery of herbal active substances from emulgel compared to the cream.

Lipid Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems: Recent Advances in the Treatment of Skin Disorders

The multifunctional role of the human skin is well known. It acts as a sensory and immune organ that protects the human body from harmful environmental impacts such as chemical, mechanical, and physical threats, reduces UV radiation effects, prevents moisture loss, and helps thermoregulation. In this regard, skin disorders related to skin integrity require adequate treatment. Lipid nanoparticles (LN) are recognized as promising drug delivery systems (DDS) in treating skin disorders. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) together with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) exhibit excellent tolerability as these are produced from physiological and biodegradable lipids. Moreover, LN applied to the skin can improve stability, drug targeting, occlusion, penetration enhancement, and increased skin hydration compared with other drug nanocarriers. Furthermore, the features of LN can be enhanced by inclusion in suitable bases such as creams, ointments, gels (i.e., hydrogel, emulgel, bigel), lotions, etc. This review focuses on recent developments in lipid nanoparticle systems and their application to treating skin diseases. We point out and consider the reasons for their creation, pay attention to their advantages and disadvantages, list the main production techniques for obtaining them, and examine the place assigned to them in solving the problems caused by skin disorders.

Miracles of Herbal Phytomedicines in Treatment of Skin Disorders: Natural Healthcare Perspective

Human skin is considered as the first line of defense and barrier against the majority of infections caused through the skin that affect humans. Healthy skin promotes a healthy body that can be achieved with the usage of modern, allopathic and natural remedies. Major skin ailments affecting humans are skin cancers, eczema, herpes infection, fungal infection, anti-aging, itching, insect bites, pemphigus vulgaris, trauma, psoriasis, athlete's foot infections, rashes, skin pigmentation, acne, major and minor wound infections that are slowly becoming a burden on health care. Skin infections can be treated from sources that originate from animals and plants. In spite of advancements in science and technology, the emergence of natural herbal remedies for managing skin disorders has become a pivotal and essential contributor in treating skin infections due to increased demand for herbals and their lower price, and continuous adverse effects of modern medicines. In the recent era, herbal extracts and their phytomedicines have made a vital contribution to human health care. Herbal products nowadays are considered as a single line of treatment for many diseases like Cancers, Diabetes, Cardiovascular and Brain disorders, thereby creating awareness regarding purity, efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for health care management. Many therapeutically active natural herbal resources like Aloe, Neem, Liquorice, Tulsi, Amla, Papaya, Ginger and Eucalyptus are potent and safe in the treatment of dermatological infections. This review article summarizes the significance of herbal plants for protecting, treating and minimizing skin infections through the utility of herbal pharmaceuticals like creams, decocted extracts, poultice, paste and lotions that aid in the treatment of skin infections and diseases at a relatively lower cost with lesser side effects as compared to modern and allopathic medicines.

The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Various Diseases

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is primarily responsible for maintaining homeostasis, a balance in internal environment (temperature, mood, and immune system) and energy input and output in living, biological systems. In addition to regulating physiological processes, the ECS directly influences anxiety, feeding behaviour/appetite, emotional behaviour, depression, nervous functions, neurogenesis, neuroprotection, reward, cognition, learning, memory, pain sensation, fertility, pregnancy, and pre-and post-natal development. The ECS is also involved in several pathophysiological diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the ECS has gained significant interest in medicine, research, and drug discovery and development. The distribution of the components of the ECS system throughout the body, and the physiological/pathophysiological role of the ECS-signalling pathways in many diseases, all offer promising opportunities for the development of novel cannabinergic, cannabimimetic, and cannabinoid-based therapeutic drugs that genetically or pharmacologically modulate the ECS via inhibition of metabolic pathways and/or agonism or antagonism of the receptors of the ECS. This modulation results in the differential expression/activity of the components of the ECS that may be beneficial in the treatment of a number of diseases. This manuscript in-depth review will investigate the potential of the ECS in the treatment of various diseases, and to put forth the suggestion that many of these secondary metabolites of Cannabis sativa L. (hereafter referred to as "C. sativa L." or "medical cannabis"), may also have potential as lead compounds in the development of cannabinoid-based pharmaceuticals for a variety of diseases.

Dermal Drug Delivery of Phytochemicals with Phenolic Structure via Lipid-Based Nanotechnologies

Phenolic compounds are a large, heterogeneous group of secondary metabolites found in various plants and herbal substances. From the perspective of dermatology, the most important benefits for human health are their pharmacological effects on oxidation processes, inflammation, vascular pathology, immune response, precancerous and oncological lesions or formations, and microbial growth. Because the nature of phenolic compounds is designed to fit the phytochemical needs of plants and not the biopharmaceutical requirements for a specific route of delivery (dermal or other), their utilization in cutaneous formulations sets challenges to drug development. These are encountered often due to insufficient water solubility, high molecular weight and low permeation and/or high reactivity (inherent for the set of representatives) and subsequent chemical/photochemical instability and ionizability. The inclusion of phenolic phytochemicals in lipid-based nanocarriers (such as nanoemulsions, liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles) is so far recognized as a strategic physico-chemical approach to improve their in situ stability and introduction to the skin barriers, with a view to enhance bioavailability and therapeutic potency. This current review is focused on recent advances and achievements in this area.

A Review on Antifungal Efficiency of Plant Extracts Entrenched Polysaccharide-Based Nanohydrogels

Human skin acts as a physical barrier; however, sometimes the skin gets infected by fungi, which becomes more severe if the infection occurs on the third layer of the skin. Azole derivative-based antifungal creams, liquids, or sprays are available to treat fungal infections; however, these formulations show various side effects on the application site. Over the past few years, herbal extracts and various essential oils have shown effective antifungal activity. Additionally, autoxidation and epimerization are significant problems with the direct use of herbal extracts. Hence, to overcome these obstacles, polysaccharide-based nanohydrogels embedded with natural plant extracts and oils have become the primary choice of pharmaceutical scientists. These gels protect plant-based bioactive compounds and are effective delivery agents because they release multiple bioactive compounds in the targeted area. Nanohydrogels can be applied to infected areas, and due to their contagious nature and penetration power, they get directly absorbed through the skin, quickly reaching the skin's third layer and effectively reducing the fungal infection. In this review, we explain various skin fungal infections, possible treatments, and the effective utilization of plant extract and oil-embedded polysaccharide-based nanohydrogels.

Antioxidant Properties of Plant-Derived Phenolic Compounds and Their Effect on Skin Fibroblast Cells

Plants are rich sources of a diverse range of chemicals, many of which have significant metabolic activity. One large group of secondary compounds are the phenolics, which act as inter alia potent reactive oxygen scavengers in cells, including fibroblasts. These common dermis residue cells play a crucial role in the production of extracellular matrix components, such as collagen, and maintaining the integrity of connective tissue. Chronic wounds or skin exposure to UV-irradiation disrupt fibroblast function by the generation of reactive oxygen species, which may damage cell components and modify various signaling pathways. The resulting imbalance may be reversed by the antioxidant activity of plant-derived phenolic compounds. This paper reviews the current state of knowledge on the impact of phenolics on fibroblast functionality under oxidative stress conditions. It examines a range of compounds in extracts from various species, as well as single specific plant-derived compounds. Phenolics are a good candidate for eliminating the causes of skin damage including wounds and aging and acting as skin care agents.

Cytotoxic, Cellular Antioxidant, and Antiglucuronidase Properties of the Ethanol Leaf Extract from Bulbine asphodeloides

Bulbine asphodeloides (L.) Spreng (Xanthorrhoeaceae family), popularly known in South Africa as "ibhucu" or "Balsamkopieva," is a perennial plant traditionally used to treat skin diseases, including sunburns, rough skin, dressing burns, itches, and aging. The present study reports the cytotoxic, cellular antioxidant, and antiglucuronidase properties of the ethanol leaf extract from B. asphodeloides. The cytotoxic effect of the plant extract on human dermal fibroblast (MRHF) cells was evaluated by the bis-Benzamide H 33342 trihydrochloride/propidium iodide (Hoechst 33342/PI) dual-staining method. A validated biological cell-based assay was used to determine the cellular antioxidant activity of the extract. The antiglucuronidase and metal chelating activities were evaluated using standard in vitro methods. Lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced RAW 264.7 cell model was used to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of the plant extract, and the immune-modulatory activity was performed using RAW 264.7 cells. The extract demonstrated no cytotoxic effect towards the MRHF cells at all the tested concentrations. Furthermore, the extract also possessed significant cellular antioxidant and antiglucuronidase activities, but a weak effect of metal chelating activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, the extract showed no significant anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulatory activities. Overall, the results showed that B. asphodeloides may be a useful therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin diseases, therefore supporting its ethnomedicinal usage.

The Protective Effect of Polyherbal Formulation, Harak Formula, on UVA-Induced Photoaging of Human Dermal Fibroblasts and Mouse Skin via Promoting Nrf2-Regulated Antioxidant Defense

Polyherbal formulation combining multiple herbs is suggested to achieve enhanced therapeutic effects and reduce toxicity. Harak herbal formula (HRF) extracts were proposed to regulate skin responses to UVR through their ability to suppress UVA-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and pigmentation via promoting antioxidant defenses in in vitro models. Therefore, natural products targeting Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2)-regulated antioxidant response might represent promising anti-photoaging candidates. Hesperetin (HSP) was suggested as a putative bioactive compound of the HRF, as previously shown by its chemical profiling using the liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). In this study, we explored the anti-photoaging effects of HRF extracts and HSP on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and mouse skin exposed to UVA irradiation. Pretreatment of NHDFs with HRF extracts and HSP protected against UVA (8 J/cm²)-mediated cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation. The HRF and HSP pretreatment also attenuated the UVA-induced MMP-1 activity and collagen depletion concomitant with an upregulation of Nrf2 activity and its downstream genes (GST and NQO-1). Moreover, our findings provided the in vivo relevance to the in vitro anti-photoaging effects of HRF as topical application of the extracts (10, 30 and 100 mg/cm²) and HSP (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/cm²) 1 h before UVA exposure 3 times per week for 2 weeks (a total dose of 60 J/cm²) mitigated MMP-1 upregulation, collagen loss in correlation with enhanced Nrf2 nuclear accumulation and its target protein GST and NQO-1 as well as reduced 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in irradiated mouse skin. Thus, our findings revealed that HRF extracts and HSP attenuated UVA-induced photoaging via upregulating Nrf2, together with their abilities to reduce ROS formation and oxidative damage. Our study concluded that the HRF and its bioactive ingredient HSP may represent potential candidates for preventing UVA-induced photoaging via restoration of redox balance.

Anti-Melanogenic Effects of Paederia foetida L. Extract via MAPK Signaling-Mediated MITF Downregulation

In this study, in order to explore the anti-melanogenic effect of PFE (Paederia foetida L. extract) and suggest its availability, B16F10 cells, which are murine melanoma cells, were stimulated with alpha-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) to conduct an in vitro experiment. Treatment with PFE in B16F10 cells with activated melanogenesis due to stimulants showed that PFE significantly inhibits melanin content as well as intracellular tyrosinase activity within a range that does not cause cytotoxicity. In addition, Western blot assay demonstrated that PFE strongly inhibited the protein expression of not only tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, -2, and tyrosinase, but also microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Moreover, mechanism studies have shown that PFE processing inhibited the activation of melanin production by regulating the phosphorylation of each mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family in the MAPK signaling pathway. To test the biocompatibility of PFE on human skin, a primary skin irritation test was performed. The results revealed that PFE did not have any side effects on human skin. These findings suggest that PFE holds great potential as a skin whitening agent and in the prevention of hyperpigmentation disorders.

Plant Extracts as a Natural Source of Bioactive Compounds and Potential Remedy for the Treatment of Certain Skin Diseases

Skin ailments present a major health burden in both developed and undeveloped countries. Maintaining healthy skin is important for a healthy body. Medicinal plants have long provided reliable therapy in the treatment of skin diseases in humans through a diverse range of bioactive molecules. Skin diseases may have a various basis, or may be genetically determined; together, they constitute approximately 34% of all occupational diseases encountered in people of all ages. Of these, melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms, with very poor prognosis for patients if it is diagnosed too late. This review of the literature over the past five years examines the role and utilities of plant extracts in treating various skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, acne or melanoma with various potential mechanisms of action.

The effect of henna and linseed herbal ointment blend on wound healing in rats with second-degree burns

The treatment of skin burns is one of the most important challenge in medical science. The aim of this study is evaluation of the efficacy of Artaderm herbal ointment containing the Henna (Lawsonia inermis) extract, Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) oil, and Honey Wax on wound healing in the rat with second-degree burn wounds. The Artaderm ointment had an effective role in controlling burn wound infections due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, 64 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 8 groups (n = 8). Four groups received Artaderm, 1% Silver Sulfadiazine (SSD 1%), Cod Liver Oil and Fundermol (Alpha) ointments which used in common practices for burn injuries. Another three groups received Henna, Linseed, and Honey Wax alone and a control group that just underwent a second-degree burn injury without any treatments. A second-degree burn was formed on the back of each rat and dressed daily with one of the agents. Burn wounds were macroscopically and microscopically evaluated on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day after burn induction. Rats treated with the Artaderm ointment had significantly faster wound contraction as well as shorter healing time than the rest groups. No scar was observed in rats treated with the Artaderm ointment on the 21st day, while this level of improvement was not observed in other groups at the same time. More than 90% of wounds were healed after on the 14th day in rats treated with Artaderm (94.10 ± 0.18) and Alpha (92.05 ± 0.23) ointments. According to these findings, it can be concluded that Artaderm herbal ointment can be used as a proper alternative for healing of wounds in second-degree burns.

Extraction, Characterization and Incorporation of Hypericum scruglii Extract in Ad Hoc Formulated Phospholipid Vesicles Designed for the Treatment of Skin Diseases Connected with Oxidative Stress

An extract of Hypericum scruglii, an endangered endemic plant of Sardinia (Italy), was prepared and characterized. It was loaded in special phospholipid vesicles, glycerosomes, which were modified by adding maltodextrin (glucidex) and a polymer (gelatin or hyaluronan). The corresponding liposomes were also prepared and used as reference. The vesicles disclosed suitable physicochemical features for skin delivery. Indeed, their mean diameter ranged from 120 to 160 nm, they were homogeneously dispersed (polydispersity index ≤ 0.30), and their zeta potential was highly negative (~−45 mV). The vesicle dispersions maintained unchanged characteristics during 60 days of storage, were highly biocompatible, and were able to protect keratinocytes against damages due to oxidative stress induced by treating them with hydrogen peroxide. Vesicles were also capable of promoting cell proliferation and migration in vitro by means of a scratch wound assay. The results confirmed the fruitful delivery of the extract of H. scruglii in glycerosomes modified with glucidex and gelatin and their promising ability for skin protection and treatment.

Structural evaluation of polymeric microbial films grown on kefir loaded with Maytenus rigida extract

Kefir is a probiotic that has several health promising properties. Its grains can form microbial films on different types of substrates. In the present work, the surface characteristics of kefir biofilms associated with Maytenus rigida Mart. extract were minutely studied. Three different concentrations of plant extract were included in the biofilm forming solutions, where fresh grains of kefir were inoculated. The results showed that the plant extract was successfully incorporated into the exopolysaccharide matrix of the biofilm. The main chemical components found linked to the plant extract were triterpenes. The crystallinity of biofilms increased with the addition of the plant extract. The morphology revealed that at low concentrations of the extract there was a prevalence of lactobacilli, while at high concentrations yeasts were more observed. Adhesion and wettability were higher for biofilm with less extract. These results revealed that a combination of plant extract and kefir's exopolysaccharide could form biofilms with chemical and topographic properties of great interest in regenerative medicine.

Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of bistort (Bistorta officinalis) aqueous extract and its major components. Justification of the usage of the medicinal plant material as a traditional topical agent

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Bistort rhizome (Bistorta officinalis) is a traditionally used plant material popular in Europe and Asia in the treatment of diarrhea and as a topical agent for skin conditions. It contains tannins mostly condensed flavan-3-ol derivatives. However, the in-depth phytochemical investigation of infusions from this plant materials is still lacking. Additionally, the scientific reports supporting the traditional topical application of bistort rhizome are scarce.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The major objective of the present study was to comprehensively investigate the chemical composition of infusion from subterranean parts of common bistort both using hyphenated chromatographic technique and isolation approach. Additionally, the influence of water extract on pro-inflammatory functions of human neutrophils was performed. As bacterial infections play a crucial role in the generation of skin inflammations the antimicrobial activity of the infusion and its major components was established.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The chemical composition of the infusion was established using UHPLC-DAD-MS³ method. Major compounds which could not be identified using chromatographic analysis were isolated by column chromatography and preparative HPLC. Obtained pure phytochemicals were identified by NMR analysis. The influence of the extract and compounds on the cell viability and apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry. The release of pro-inflammatory cytokines after LPS stimulation was established by ELISA. Finally, the antimicrobial assays were performed by establishing MIC and MBC values using several bacterial strains.

RESULTS

The UHPLC analysis revealed the infusion contained mainly, galloyl glucose derivatives, procyanidins and chlorogenic acid. Several compounds were isolated and identified for the first time from the investigated plant material. It was shown that the infusion and its constituents influenced the release of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-8 and also affected the viability and apoptosis of healthy cells. Both extract and isolated natural products displayed antimicrobial activity against skin pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained in the present study support that the infusions from common bistort influence key biological processes are crucial for skin conditions with the inflammatory background. The study justifies the traditional topical application of common bistort.

Solidagenone from Solidago chilensis Meyen inhibits skin inflammation in experimental models

Solidagenone (SOL) is a labdane-type diterpenoid found in Solidago chilensis, a plant traditionally used to treat skin diseases, kidney pain and ovarian inflammation. In this study, the topical anti-inflammatory activity of SOL was evaluated using in vivo and in silico assays. Croton oil-, arachidonic acid (AA)- and phenol-induced ear oedema mouse models were applied in the in vivo studies. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activities and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined, as well as histopathological analyses were conducted. Interaction profiles between SOL and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), glucocorticoid receptor, estradiol-17-β-dehydrogenase and prostaglandin-E(2)-9-reductase were established using molecular docking. SOL significantly inhibited croton oil-, AA- and phenol-induced ear oedema (P < .001) at doses of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ear. The MPO and NAG activities and TNF-α, IL-6 and NO levels were decreased (P < .001). The histopathological data revealed that inflammatory parameters (oedema thickness, leucocyte infiltration and vasodilatation) were reduced by treatment with SOL at doses of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/ear. The docking study showed that SOL interacts with COX-1 and prostaglandin-E(2)-9-reductase through hydrogen bonding, inhibiting these enzymes. These results indicate that SOL may be a promising compound for the treatment of cutaneous inflammatory disorders and has potential as a topical anti-inflammatory agent.

Extracts from Cephalaria Uralensis (Murray) Roem. & Schult. and Cephalaria Gigantea (Ledeb.) Bobrov as Potential Agents for Treatment of Acne Vulgaris: Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Biological Evaluation

The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition, as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiacne, and cytotoxic activites of various extracts of Cephalaria gigantea and C. uralensis. It is worth underlining that we are the first to characterize the composition and evaluate the biological properties of extracts from Cephalaria gigantea and C. uralensis. Thus, the LC-DAD-MS3 analysis revealed the presence of 41 natural products in studied extracts. The 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid, isoorinetin, and swertiajaponin were the main detected compounds. Among the tested samples, ethanol extract of the aerial parts of C. uralensis (CUE) possessed the most suitable biological properties. It exhibited moderate ability to scavenge free radicals and good capacity to inhibit cyclooxygenase-1, as well as cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, CUE possessed moderate antibacterial activity against all tested bacterial strains (S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. acnes), and importantly, it was non-toxic towards normal skin fibroblasts. Taking into account the value of calculated therapeutic index (>10), it is worth noting that CUE can be subjected to in vivo study. Thus, CUE constitutes a very promising antiacne agent.

Identification of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) peptides with enzyme inhibition activity towards skin-aging enzymes

Chia (Salvia hispanica) seed peptides have drawn attention because of their antioxidant, antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory activities, making them ideal candidates for development of cosmeceutical skin products. However, there are no preceding reports that address their aging-related enzyme inhibitory activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in silico inhibitory activity of chia seed peptides towards the main aging-related enzymes. Enzyme-inhibition activity of < 3 kDa chia seed peptides towards collagenase, hyaluronidase, tyrosinase, and elastase was evaluated. Further fractions were obtained by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and re-tested for enzyme inhibitory activity. Peptide sequences were identified from the most effective fraction and used for in silico analysis. The < 3 kDa peptides exhibited inhibitory activities towards elastase (65.32%, IC₅₀ = 0.43 mg/mL), tyrosinase (58.74%, IC₅₀ = 0.66 mg/mL), hyaluronidase (26.96%, IC₅₀ = 1.28 mg/mL), and collagenase (28.90%, IC₅₀ = 1.41 mg/mL). They showed mixed-type inhibition patterns towards elastase and hyaluronidase, while a non-competitive inhibition pattern was observed towards collagenase and tyrosinase. Fraction II obtained by SEC, showed higher enzyme inhibitory activity. Seven peptides were identified in this fraction (APHWYTN, DQNPRSF, GDAHWAY, GDAHWTY, GDAHWVY, GFEWITF, and KKLKRVYV), which according to in silico analysis, possess 19-29 enzyme-peptide pair interactions towards elastase and three peptide sequences shared homology sequence (GDAHW). These results demonstrate that peptides from chia seeds may contribute in the improvement of skin health by offering protection against aging-related enzymes by preventing degradation of the protein matrix on the skin; however, further in vivo studies are needed to evaluate its actual capability.