Ethosomes for Curcumin and Piperine Cutaneous Delivery to Prevent Environmental-Stressor-Induced Skin Damage

Diesel particulate matter is one of the most dangerous environmental stressors affecting human health. Many plant-derived compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have been proposed to protect the skin from pollution damage. Curcumin (CUR) has a plethora of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, it has low bioavailability due to its difficult absorption and rapid metabolism and elimination. CUR encapsulation in nanotechnological systems and its combination with biopotentiators such as piperine (PIP) can improve its pharmacokinetics, stability and activity. In this study, ethosomes (ETs) were investigated for CUR and PIP delivery to protect the skin from damage induced by diesel particulate matter. ETs were produced by different strategies and characterized for their size distribution by photon correlation spectroscopy, for their morphology by transmission electron microscopy, and for their drug encapsulation efficiency by high-performance liquid chromatography. Franz cells enabled us to evaluate in vitro the drug diffusion from ETs. The results highlighted that ETs can promote the skin permeation of curcumin. The studies carried out on their antioxidant activity demonstrated an increase in the antioxidant power of CUR using a combination of CUR and PIP separately loaded in ETs, suggesting their possible application for the prevention of skin damage due to exogenous stressors. Ex vivo studies on human skin explants have shown the suitability of drug-loaded ETs to prevent the structural damage to the skin induced by diesel engine exhaust exposure.

Chemical Composition and Anti-Candida Activity of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. Essential Oils Obtained by Different Distillation Processes

A comparative study on essential oils extracted from Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. from Italy is reported. Two extraction procedures were investigated: hydrodistillation and steam distillation, carried out as a continuous and fractionated procedure. Fresh and dried plant material from two harvests was used. The hydrodistillation method yielded a higher amount of essential oil. The dried plant was significantly richer in essential oil per kg of starting plant material. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of 112 samples showed that the essential oils belong to the piperitenone oxide-rich chemotype. In addition, piperitenone, p-cymen-8-ol, and limonene were among the most abundant compounds in the different samples. A higher amount of piperitenone oxide was obtained by hydrodistillation, while steam distillation gave a higher percentage of piperitenone and limonene. The essential oils were characterized for their anti-Candida albicans activity; higher potency was observed for the samples rich in piperitenone oxide, with MIC values ranging from 0.39 to 0.78 mg·mL-1 (0.039% and 0.078% p/v). The results of this work provide a deep insight into the methodology of essential oil extraction and the associated chemical variability of M. suaveolens Ehrh. Some of the essential oils are potent against C. albicans and could be considered for potential use in therapy.

Lipid-Based Nanosystems for the Topical Application of Ferulic Acid: A Comparative Study

In this study, we examined and compared two different lipid-based nanosystems (LBNs), namely Transferosomes (TFs) and Monoolein Aqueous Dispersions (MADs), as delivery systems for the topical application of Ferulic Acid (FA), an antioxidant molecule derived from natural sources. Our results, as demonstrated through Franz-cell experiments, indicate that the LBNs produced with poloxamer 188 in their composition create a multilamellar system. This system effectively controls the release of the drug. Nonetheless, we found that the type of non-ionic surfactant can impact the drug release rate. Regarding FA diffusion from the MAD, this showed a lower diffusion rate compared with the TF. In terms of an in vivo application, patch tests revealed that all LBN formulations tested were safe when applied under occlusive conditions for 48 h. Additionally, human skin biopsies were used to determine whether FA-containing formulations could influence skin tissue morphology or provide protection against O₃ exposure. Analyses suggest that treatment with TFs composed of poloxamer 188 and MAD formulations might protect against structural skin damage (as observed in hematoxylin/eosin staining) and the development of an oxidative environment (as indicated by 4-hyroxinonenal (4HNE) expression levels) induced by O₃ exposure. In contrast, formulations without the active ingredient did not offer protection against the detrimental effects of O₃ exposure.Inizio modulo.

Up-Cycling of Olea europaea L. Ancient Cultivars Side Products: Study of a Combined Cosmetic-Food Supplement Treatment Based on Leaves and Olive Mill Wastewater Extracts

In recent years, a reversal of the global economic framework has been taking place: from the linear model, there has been a gradual transition to a circular model where by-products from the agri-food industry are taken and transformed into value products (upcycling) rather than being disposed of. Olive tree pruning represents an important biomass currently used for combustion; however, the leaf part of the olive tree is rich in phenolic substances, including hydroxytyrosol. Mill wastewater is also discarded, but it still contains high amounts of hydroxytyrosol. In this study, cosmetic and food supplement formulations were prepared using biophenols extracted from leaves and wastewater and were tested in a placebo-controlled study on healthy volunteers using a combined cosmetic and food supplement treatment. A significant improvement in skin health indicators (collagen density, elasticity, etc.) and a 17% improvement against Photo-induced Irritative Stimulus was observed.

Effects of Flavonoids and Phenols from Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts on Biofilm Processes in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris is the causal agent of black rot in crucifers, a plant disease with significant economic impact. Xanthomonadaceae is a large family of Gram-negative bacteria that cause symptoms by blocking water flow in plants by invading the xylem. To accomplish this, the main mechanism the bacteria use to adapt to environmental changes and colonize tissues is biofilm formation. In recent years, growing interest in natural antimicrobial compounds has led to the study of different phytocomplexes derived from plants. In this work, Moringa oleifera was selected, as its leaves are rich in phenols, essential oils, and vitamins that exert antibacterial activity. X. campestris pv. campestris biofilm, one of its major virulence factors, was studied. Biofilm formation and removal were analyzed on abiotic and biotic surfaces with and without M. oleifera leaf extracts. The data from the analysis show that Moringa oleifera leaf extracts and single phenols were able to inhibit biofilm growth on abiotic surfaces, but the activity of the whole phytocomplex was significantly higher compared to that of individual phenols. The effect of Moringa oleifera extracts on cabbage leaves in vivo was also found to be very important, as scanning electron microscopy showed that treatment with the extracts led to clear unblocking of the xylem, implying many advantages for use in black rot control.

Multifunctional Profiling of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts for Topical Application: A Comparative Study of Different Collection Time

This research investigated plant extracts as a source of potential new actives in the nutritional, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical fields. Moringa oleifera, which is extensively known for its nutritional properties, has been investigated in this work by preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the antioxidant (FRAP, DPPH, ORAC, and PCL test), antifungal, photoprotective, and cytotoxicity profile against human melanoma Colo38 cell line of two different extracts (hydroalcoholic and methanolic) and one infusion of dry leaves collected from Paraguay in four distinct harvest times (February, March, April, and May 2017). The outcomes of this study highlight Moringa oleifera as a potential ally to counteract skin aging and oxidative stress, as indicated by the favorable antioxidant profile of the extracts and infusions of Paraguay, which was, in all cases, superior to that provided by the same plant species when collected from Senegal. Moreover, some samples were more efficient in preventing the photodegradation of UVA filter butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) compared to commercial filters, thus suggesting an interesting future role as natural additives in sunscreens.

A Safe-by-Design Approach to "Reef Safe" Sunscreens Based on ZnO and Organic UV Filters

In recent years, the issue of coral bleaching has led to restrictions in some tropical locations (i.e., Palau, Hawaii, etc.) on the use of some organic UV sunscreen filters, such as oxybenzone and ethyl hexyl methoxycinnamate. In contrast, ZnO is considered safe for marine environments and thus is often used without considering its photocatalytic and oxidative activities related to the generation of O2•- and HO•. Moreover, ZnO needs to be used in combination with other filters to reach higher protection factors. Thus, the study of its interaction with formulations and with organic filters is important in sunscreen technology for the development of safer by-design products. In this work, the photocatalytic activity of zinc oxides with different surface areas (30, 25 and 9 m2/g) and their interaction with selected organic sunscreen filters were investigated. In particular, the ZnO photocatalytic kinetics were studied following the photodegradation of Acid Blue 9 (AB9) observing a first-order reaction with a chemical regime. Our evaluations of the selective inhibitions by hvb+ and HO• demonstrated a substantial predominance of the hydroxide radicals in the expression of the photocatalysis, a trend that was also confirmed by the irradiation of ZnO in an ethanolic solution. Indeed, the formulations containing both ZnO and organic filters defined as "safe" for coral reefs (i.e., Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, DHHB, and Ethylhexyl Triazone, EHT) showed a non-negligible photocatalytic oxidation and thus the combination was underlined as safe to use.

Expert Systems for Predicting the Bioavailability of Sun Filters in Cosmetic Products, Software vs. Expert Formulator: The Benzophenone-3 Case

There are only a limited number of molecules in a cosmetic formulation, which can passively cross the stratum corneum and be absorbed into the skin layers. However, some actives should never cross the skin in large concentrations due to their potential for side effects, for example, sunscreens. Artificial intelligence is gaining an increasing role as a predictive tool, and in this regard, we selected the Formulating for Efficacy^® Software to forecast the changes in bioavailability of selected topical cosmetic compounds. Using the Franz diffusion cell methodology, various oils were selected as those with low release capability, and these were compared to those suggested by the software in Benzophenone-3-containing formulations. The software was able to predict the lipophilic phases, which, if utilized in the emulsion, were stable and sometimes even more pleasant in appearance and consistency than the reference emulsions prepared by the formulator. To date, however, Formulating for Efficacy^® Software still has limitations as far as predicting the hydrophilic phase, as well as not being able to choose the emulsifier or the preservative system.

Ethosomes and Transethosomes as Cutaneous Delivery Systems for Quercetin: A Preliminary Study on Melanoma Cells

The present study is aimed to design ethosomes and transethosomes for topical administration of quercetin. To overcome quercetin low bioavailability, scarce solubility and poor permeability that hamper its pharmaceutical use, the drug was loaded in ethosomes and transethosomes based on different concentrations of phosphatidylcholine. Vesicle morphology was studied by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, while size distribution and quercetin entrapment capacity were evaluated up to 3 months, respectively, by photon correlation spectroscopy and high-performance liquid chromatography. The antioxidant property was studied by photochemiluminescence test. Quercetin release and permeation was investigated in vitro, using Franz cells associated to different membranes. In vitro assays were conducted on human keratinocytes and melanoma cells to study the behavior of quercetin-loaded nano-vesicular forms with respect to cell migration and proliferation. The results evidenced that both phosphatidylcholine concentration and quercetin affected the vesicle size. Quercetin entrapment capacity, antioxidant activity and size stability were controlled using transethosomes produced by the highest amount of phosphatidylcholine. In vitro permeation studies revealed an enhancement of quercetin permeation in the case of transethosomes with respect to ethosomes. Notably, scratch wound and migration assays suggested the potential of quercetin loaded-transethosomes as adjuvant strategy for skin conditions.

Control of Erwinia amylovora Growth by Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts: In Vitro and in Planta Effects

Erwinia amylovora (EA) is a phytopathogenic bacterium, the causative agent of bacterial fire blight, a disease that affects Rosaceaes. In order to replace antibiotics and copper, the antimicrobial activity of three extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam., methanolic (MeOH-MOE), hydroalcoholic (HA-MOE) and hydroalcoholic with maltodextrins (HAMD-MOE), was tested on eleven strains of EA isolated from apple trees by the Emilia-Romagna Phytosanitary Department. MIC and MBC have been evaluated; biofilm formation, swarming motility and amylovoran production were performed with the crystalviolet, soft-agar assay and the amylovoran method. All extracts demonstrated bacteriostatic activity at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, resulting in a 80% reduction in biofilm formation. HAMD-MOE, MeOH-MOE and HA-MOE caused an inhibition of motility of 60%, 65% and 30% after 6 days and a decrease in amylovoran synthesis of 84%, 63% and 93%, respectively. In planta results showed how the compounds were able to inhibit EA virulence on apple trees, mainly if they were applied as a preventive treatment, although the treatment showed a significant reduction in fire blight symptoms progression. The antibacterial activity of the extracts is mainly due to the high concentration of polyphenolic compounds detected in the extracts that was able to alter the permeability of bacterial membrane, resulting in slowing the synthesis of ATP and consequently of all ATP-dependent functions, such as motility and less selectivity towards harmful compounds, which can, thus, enter the cytoplasm and inhibit enzymes involved in replication and quorum sensing. The efficacy, eco-compatibility and low cost make such extracts a potential tool for the control of bacterial fire blight.

Benzothiazole Derivatives as Multifunctional Antioxidant Agents for Skin Damage: Structure–Activity Relationship of a Scaffold Bearing a Five-Membered Ring System

Skin diseases often give multifactorial damages; therefore, the development of multifunctional compounds represents a suitable approach especially against disorders that are induced by oxidative stress. Thus, taking into account the successful results we achieved on benzimidazoles, we have devised a new series of isosteric benzothiazoles and investigated their antioxidant, photoprotective, antifungal and antiproliferative activity. Particular attention has been paid to synergistic antioxidant and photoprotective properties. For compounds 9a and 10a, a multifunctional profile was outlined, supported by an excellent filtering capacity, mainly UVB, which has higher capacities than those of the reference PBSA which is currently in the market as a UV sunscreen filter. The two compounds were also the best in terms of growth inhibition of dermatophytes and Candida albicans, and 10a also showed good antioxidant activity. Furthermore, 9a was also effective on melanoma tumor cells (SK-Mel 5), making these compounds good candidates in the development of new skin protective and preventive agents.

Natural Polyphenol-Containing Gels against HSV-1 Infection: A Comparative Study

Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection commonly affects many people, causing perioral sores, as well as severe complications including encephalitis in immunocompromised patients. The main pharmacological approach involves synthetic antiviral drugs, among which acyclovir is the golden standard, often leading to resistant virus strains under long-term use. An alternative approach based on antiviral plant-derived compounds, such as quercetin and mangiferin, demonstrated an antiviral potential. In the present study, semisolid forms for cutaneous application of quercetin and mangiferin were designed and evaluated to treat HSV-1 infection. Phosphatidylcholine- and poloxamer-based gels were produced and characterized. Gel physical–chemical aspects were evaluated by rheological measurements and X-ray diffraction, evidencing the different thermoresponsive behaviors and supramolecular organizations of semisolid forms. Quercetin and mangiferin diffusion kinetics were compared in vitro by a Franz cell system, demonstrating the different gel efficacies to restrain the polyphenol diffusion. The capability of gels to control polyphenol antioxidant potential and stability was evaluated, indicating a higher stability and antioxidant activity in the case of quercetin loaded in poloxamer-based gel. Furthermore, a plaque reduction assay, conducted to compare the virucidal effect of quercetin and mangiferin loaded in gels against the HSV-1 KOS strain, demonstrated the suitability of poloxamer-based gel to prolong the polyphenol activity.

Effects of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extracts on Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Xanthomonodaceae family, causing black rot in crucifers. To control this pathogen, the study investigated the effect of different leaves extracts of Moringa oleifera Lam., a tropical plant, well known for its food properties and with countless applications in many different fields, from nutraceutical (hypoglycemic) to the cosmetic (sunscreen) properties. Nevertheless, several studies pointed to its antibacterial action against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Many bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, isothiocyanates, tannins and saponins, contained in these extracts, are responsible for its countless activities. The analyses carried out in this study show that the methanolic, hydroalcoholic and hydroalcoholic maltodextrin extracts have both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects at concentrations of 0.5, 0.5 and 0.1 mg/mL respectively. In particular, the study shows how all extracts can alter membrane permeability, to adversely affect swarming motility, and to alter biofilm formation in Xcc. The in planta experiments showed a reduction of the necrosis area in the infected radishes, although the ability of the extracts to be absorbed by root systems is yet to be understood, in order to reach the target point.

Machine Learning Data Augmentation as a Tool to Enhance Quantitative Composition-Activity Relationships of Complex Mixtures. A New Application to Dissect the Role of Main Chemical Components in Bioactive Essential Oils

Scientific investigation on essential oils composition and the related biological profile are continuously growing. Nevertheless, only a few studies have been performed on the relationships between chemical composition and biological data. Herein, the investigation of 61 assayed essential oils is reported focusing on their inhibition activity against Microsporum spp. including development of machine learning models with the aim of highlining the possible chemical components mainly related to the inhibitory potency. The application of machine learning and deep learning techniques for predictive and descriptive purposes have been applied successfully to many fields. Quantitative composition-activity relationships machine learning-based models were developed for the 61 essential oils tested as Microsporum spp. growth modulators. The models were built with in-house python scripts implementing data augmentation with the purpose of having a smoother flow between essential oils' chemical compositions and biological data. High statistical coefficient values (Accuracy, Matthews correlation coefficient and F1 score) were obtained and model inspection permitted to detect possible specific roles related to some components of essential oils' constituents. Robust machine learning models are far more useful tools to reveal data augmentation in comparison with raw data derived models. To the best of the authors knowledge this is the first report using data augmentation to highlight the role of complex mixture components, in particular a first application of these data will be for the development of ingredients in the dermo-cosmetic field investigating microbial species considering the urge for the use of natural preserving and acting antimicrobial agents.

"Plurethosome" as Vesicular System for Cutaneous Administration of Mangiferin: Formulative Study and 3D Skin Tissue Evaluation

Human skin is dramatically exposed to toxic pollutants such as ozone. To counteract the skin disorders induced by the air pollution, natural antioxidants such as mangiferin could be employed. A formulative study for the development of vesicular systems for mangiferin based on phosphatidylcholine and the block copolymer pluronic is described. Plurethosomes were designed for mangiferin transdermal administration and compared to ethosome and transethosome. Particularly, the effect of vesicle composition was investigated on size distribution, inner and outer morphology by photon correlation spectroscopy, small angle X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. The potential of selected formulations as vehicles for mangiferin was studied, evaluating encapsulation efficiency and in vitro diffusion parameters by Franz cells. The mangiferin antioxidant capacity was verified by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Vesicle size spanned between 200 and 550 nm, being influenced by phosphatidylcholine concentration and by the presence of polysorbate or pluronic. The vesicle supramolecular structure was multilamellar in the case of ethosome or plurethosome and unilamellar in the case of transethosome. A linear diffusion of mangiferin in the case of ethosome and transethosomes and a biphasic profile in the case of plurethosomes indicated the capability of multilamellar vesicles to retain the drug more efficaciously than the unilamellar ones. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential effect of mangiferin against pollutants was evaluated on 3D human skin models exposed to O₃. The protective effect exerted by plurethosomes and transethosomes suggests their possible application to enhance the cutaneous antioxidant defense status.

Heavy metals and potential risks in edible seaweed on the market in Italy

The seaweed food has always been important in Asia, but recently increased in the Western diet. Superfood known for health benefits and rich in essential elements, can also accumulate high contents of heavy metals and iodine from the environment, becoming a health hazard. In particular for iodine, an appropriate labelling of seaweed is needed to warn the consumer of the potential risks. The aim of the study was to analyze the content of 20 heavy metals in seaweeds, distributed in Italy, by ICP-MS, also determining iodine and arsenic (total and inorganic fraction). A total of 72 samples of European and Asian seaweed of 8 genera were analyzed and the results correlated the content of heavy metals to genus, geographical origin and type of sample; 8.33% of the products lacked in the label of the indications of allergens, while 9.72% had irregularities in the label language. The highest concentration of elements was found in the Rhodophyta. The Aluminum level was the highest in the mixed seaweed (165.39 mg/kg) and for the Cadmium in the Asian seaweed (1.16 mg/kg). The amounts of Iron, Zinc and Magnesium, was highest in the Asian seaweed. The values of Arsenic (total and inorganic contents) were compared with the limits: 2.78% exceeds France and USA limits for inorganic, while higher content of total was found in Phaeophyta, which also showed the highest Iodine content (6770.80 mg/kg) that can be dangerous if not reported correctly in the label.

Skin Damages-Structure Activity Relationship of Benzimidazole Derivatives Bearing a 5-Membered Ring System

In the search for scaffolds for multifunctional compounds we investigated the structure activity relationship of a class of benzimidazole derivatives bearing 5-membered ring. The newly synthesized and the already known compounds were divided into three classes that present different substituent at 5 position of the benzimidazole ring (-H, -COOH or –SO₃H) and different heterocycle at position 2 (thiophene, furan or pyrrole). All the derivatives were synthesized and tested to determine their photoprotective profile against UV rays, in vitro antioxidant capacity against different radicals (DPPH and FRAP test), antifungal inhibitory activity (dermatophytes and Candida albicans), antiviral and antiproliferative activity. A Structure-Activity Relationship study indicated compound 10, bearing a pyrrole heterocycle on the benzimidazole ring, as the best multifunctional derivative of the series and as potential candidate for the development of drugs especially in case of melanoma.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of benzothiazole derivatives as multifunctional agents

Oxidative stress is the product or aetiology of various multifactorial diseases; on the other hand, the development of multifunctional compounds is a recognized strategy for the control of complex diseases. To this end, a series of benzothiazole derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for their multifunctional effectiveness as antioxidant, sunscreen (filter), antifungal and antiproliferative agents. Compounds were easily synthesized via condensation reaction between 2-aminothiophenols and different benzaldehydes. SAR study, particularly in position 2 and 6 of benzothiazoles, led to the identification of 4g and 4k as very interesting potential compounds for the design of multifunctional drugs. In particular, compound 4g is the best blocker of hERG potassium channels expressed in HEK 293 cells exhibiting 60.32% inhibition with IC₅₀ = 4.79 μM.

In-Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant, Antiproliferative and Photo-Protective Activities of Benzimidazolehydrazone Derivatives

In the search of multifunctional compounds we designed benzimidazole derivatives endowed with phenolic hydroxy groups and a hydrazone moiety as potential radical-scavenger and the antioxidant agents. The target molecules have been prepared by a simple synthetic procedure and tested for their antioxidant activity by DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC test, for photoprotective activity against UV rays and for antiproliferative activity against Colo-38 melanoma cells. Furthermore, two different dermocosmetic formulations were prepared with the compounds endowed with the best antioxidant and photoprotective profile and their release from formulation evaluated using Franz Cells system. High antioxidant activity is related to the presence of at least two hydroxy groups on arylidene moiety of benzimidazoles. Structure activity analysis revealed that the position of hydroxy groups is crucial for antioxidant activity as well as the presence of a 2-hydroxy-4-(diethylamino)arylidene group. The same correlation pattern was found to be related to photoprotective activity resulting in an UVA Protection Factor better than the commercial solar filter PBSA and antiproliferative activity against melanoma cells without producing cytotoxicity on normal keratinocytes. The release analysis indicated that high antioxidant activities are achieved with limited release at concentration compatible with the use as UV sunscreen filter.

Stem Cells as a Target for the Delivery of Active Molecules to Skin by Topical Administration

Cutaneous stem cells, gained great attention in the field of regenerative medicine as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of skin and hair disorders and various types of skin cancers. Cutaneous stem cells play a key role in several processes like the renovation of skin structures in the condition of homeostasis and after injuries, the hair follicle growth and the reconstruction and production of melanocytes. Thus, gaining effective access to skin stem cells for therapeutic interventions that often involve active molecules with non-favorable characteristics for skin absorption is a valuable achievement. The topical route with high patient compliance and several other benefits is gaining increasing importance in basic and applied research. However, the major obstacle for topical drug delivery is the effective barrier provided by skin against penetration of the vast majority of exogenous molecules. The research in this field is focusing more and more on new strategies to circumvent and pass this barrier effectively. In this article the existing approaches are discussed considering physical and chemical methods along with utilization of novel drug delivery systems to enhance penetration of drugs to the skin. In particular, attention has been paid to studies finalized to the delivery of molecules to cutaneous stem cells with the aim of transferring signals, modulating their metabolic program, inducing physiological modifications and stem cell gene therapy.

Iranian Medicinal Plants: From Ethnomedicine to Actual Studies

Iran has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, consisting of a complex traditional medicine deeply rooted in the history of the territory that goes back to the Assyrian and Babylonian civilizations. The ethnomedical practices that can be identifiable nowadays derive from the experience of local people who have developed remedies against a wide range of diseases handing down the knowledge from generation to generation over the millennia. Traditional medicine practices represent an important source of inspiration in the process of the development of new drugs and therapeutic strategies. In this context, it is useful to determine the state of the art of ethnomedical studies, concerning the Iranian territory, and of scientific studies on plants used in traditional Iranian medicine. Data regarding 245 plants used in Iranian ethnomedical practices and scientific studies conducted on 89 plants collected in the Iranian territory have been reported. All of the scientific studies here reported draw inspiration from traditional medicine. The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly called for an intensification of the scientific validation processes of traditional medicines intended as an important contribution to public health in various parts of the world. The process of study and validation of Iranian ethnomedical practices appears to be at an early stage.

A New Approach to UV Protection by Direct Surface Functionalization of TiO2 with the Antioxidant Polyphenol Dihydroxyphenyl Benzimidazole Carboxylic Acid

Skin cancer is the most common malignant cancer with an incidence of 1 million cases/year. It is well known that exposure to UV radiation from sunlight leads the most frequent risk factors for several skin disorders including skin cancer. Sunscreen filters represent a valid protection against dangerous effects derived from UV radiation, and they can be divided in organic and inorganic UV filters. Adding, at the product formulation, molecules with booster effect, or also substances that can increase the protecting effectiveness via synergic mechanisms, can further enhance their protection activity. Moreover, this approach leads to develop formulations with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) with a reduced content of UV filters, this is in line with the recent decisions of yet a few countries (Palau, Thailand, Philippines, and Hawaii) to ban some sunscreen filters to preserve marine environments (i.e., reef). In this work, a new class of sunscreen UV filters has been synthesized, by means the combination of physical filter and Oxisol, an antioxidant molecule with booster effect. In this study, the synthesis of new physical multifunctional ingredients is reported, by means the direct surface functionalization of inorganic filters (in particular TiO₂) with Oxisol. In this study, the full characterization of these multifunctional ingredients is also reported, in addition to the cytotoxicity tests, the photocatalytic activity and the rheological properties involved on skin application.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Hedyosmum (Chlorantaceae): A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Hedyosmum (family: Chloranthaceae) represents an interesting source of natural active compounds, and the 45 species of this genus are widespread in Central and South America and to a lesser extent Southeast Asia (southern China and western Malaysia). Several species are traditionally used in folk medicine. However, the data made available in recent years have not been organized and compared.

AIM OF THIS REVIEW

The present study is a critical assessment of the state-of-the-art concerning the traditional uses, the phytochemistry and the pharmacology of species belonging to the genus Hedyosmum to suggest further research strategies and to facilitate the exploitation of the therapeutic potential of Hedyosmum species for the treatment of human disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present review consists of a systematic overview of scientific literature concerning the genus Hedyosmum published between 1965 and 2018. Moreover, an older text, dated from 1843, concerning the traditional uses of H. bonplandianum Kunth has also been considered. Several databases (Francis & Taylor, Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, SciFinder, Springer, Wiley, and The Plant List Database) have been used to perform this work.

RESULTS

Sixteen species of the genus Hedyosmum have been mentioned as traditional remedies, and a large number of ethnomedicinal uses, including for the treatment of pain, depression, migraine, stomach-ache and ovary diseases, have been reported. Five species have been used as flavouring agents, tea substitutes or foods. Sesterterpenes, sesquiterpene lactones, monoterpenes, hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and neolignans have been reported as the most important compounds in these species. Studies concerning their biological activities have shown that members of the Hedyosmum genus possesses promising biological properties, such as analgesic, antinociceptive, antidepressant, anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic effects. Preliminary studies concerning the antibacterial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, and antifungal activities of these plants as well as their cytotoxic activities against different tumour cell lines have been reported. Some active compounds from the Hedyosmum genus have been used as starting points for the innovative and bioinspired development of synthetic molecules. A critical assessment of these papers has been performed, and some conceptual and methodological problems have been identified regarding the materials and methods and the experimental design used in these studies, including a lack of ethnopharmacological research.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review partially confirms the basis for some of the traditional uses of Hedyosmum species (mainly H. brasiliense) through preclinical studies that demonstrated their antinociceptive and neuroprotective effects. Due to promising preliminary results, further studies should be conducted on 13-hydroxy-8,9-dehydroshizukanolide and podoandin. Moreover, several essential oils (EOs) from this genus have been preliminarily investigated, and the cytotoxic and antibacterial activities of H. brasiliense and H. sprucei EOs certainly deserve further investigation. From the promising findings of the present analysis, we can affirm that this genus deserves further research from ethnopharmacological and toxicological perspectives.

Variation in essential oil content and composition of Ridolfia segetum Moris based on 30-hour prolonged fractionated extraction procedure

A comprehensive study on essential oil samples extracted from Ridolfia segetum Moris (Apiaceae) collected in Tarquinia (Italy) is reported. In this study, a 30-hour, fractionated, steam distillation procedure for essential oil preparation was applied. The gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry analysis showed monoterpene o-cymene and phenylpropanoid dill-apiol as the major essential oil's constituents revealing a new chemotype dependent on extraction duration. Great impact of the duration of the distillation process on chemical profile of essential oil was observed; prolonged distillation gives chemically more diverse essential oil samples. Preliminary microbiological evaluations of the essential oils samples revealed some activity, although not high, against Candida albicans.

Monoolein aqueous dispersions as a delivery system for quercetin

This study describes the preparation, characterization and in vitro release of monoolein aqueous dispersions (MAD) encapsulating quercetin (QT). As emulsifier, sodium cholate was employed at two different concentrations, namely 0.15% and 0.25% with respect to the total weight of the formulation. Cryogenic Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray analysis indicated that MAD015 are a mixture of vesicles and cubic structures, whilst MAD025 are mainly characterized by unilamellar vesicular structures. Photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and Sedimentation Field Flow Fractionation (SdFFF) showed a MAD size higher than 300 nm that over 100 days from analysis reduces up to 200 nm. In vitro Franz cell experiments showed that the two systems had a similar behaviour in the release of QT. Experiments on antioxidant activity of MAD containing QT demonstrated that their activity parallel with the content of encapsulated QT within the MAD formulations produced. Taken together these results allow us to conclude that MAD can be potentially proposed for the delivery of QT.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel hydroxy-phenyl-1H-benzimidazoles as radical scavengers and UV-protective agents

An ever-increasing incidence of skin neoplastic diseases is registered. Therefore, it is important to protect the skin from the UV radiation that reaches the epidermis and dermis but also to block ROS generated by them. Our attention was attracted in developing new compounds provided with both UV filtering and antioxidant capacities. To this end, 2-phenyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid (PBSA), a known UV filter, was selected as lead compound for its lack of antioxidant activity, high water solubility and good safety profile. PBSA was sequentially modified introducing hydroxyls on the phenyl ring and also substituting the functional group in position 5 of the benzimidazole ring. At the end of the synthetic study, a new, very potent class of antioxidants has been obtained. Surprisingly some of the developed molecules, while devoid of significant UV-filtering activity was endowed with potent UV-filtering booster capability if associated with known commercial UVB and UVA filters.

A Multi-Target Approach toward the Development of Novel Candidates for Antidermatophytic Activity: Ultrastructural Evidence on α-Bisabolol-Treated Microsporum gypseum

Multi-target strategies are directed toward targets that are unrelated (or distantly related) and can create opportunities to address different pathologies. The antidermatophytic activities of nine natural skin lighteners: α-bisabolol, kojic acid, β-arbutin, azelaic acid, hydroquinone, nicotinamide, glycine, glutathione and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, were evaluated, in comparison with the known antifungal drug fluconazole, on nine dermatophytes responsible for the most common dermatomycoses: Microsporum gypseum, Microsporum canis, Trichophyton violaceum, Nannizzia cajetani, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, Arthroderma gypseum, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans. α-Bisabolol showed the best antifungal activity against all fungi and in particular; against M. gypseum. Further investigations were conducted on this fungus to evaluate the inhibition of spore germination and morphological changes induced by α-bisabolol by TEM.

Evaluation of antiradical activity of different cocoa and chocolate products: relation with lipid and protein composition

Chocolate antioxidant properties are often claimed; however, they are frequently different from the parent natural sources due to the industry or artisan transformation. In particular, antioxidant property of chocolate and cocoa are not adequately taken into consideration by consumers who normally make use of this food just for its flavor and taste properties. In this study, we have investigated the antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of cocoa nibs, cocoa masses, and corresponding chocolate bars with different percentages of cocoa from different origins. The antioxidant capacity of the different samples was measured by two different assays [1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant of potency (FRAP) tests]. The Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used to assess the total phenolic content. The masses showed a higher antioxidant power than the nibs, and this has been attributed to the fact that in the nibs is still present the lipid part, which will form the cocoa butter. The influence of milk, whey, and soy proteins was also investigated. Our results showed that the extra dark cocoa bar, 100% cocoa chocolate, is the best in terms of total polyphenol content and in terms of antioxidant capacity according to the DPPH and FRAP tests. In addition, the bars of organic dark chocolate 80%, dark Tanzania 80%, and Trinidad 80% products are well performing in all respects. As highlighted by us, the antiradical properties of cocoa products are higher than many antioxidant supplements in tablets.

Synthesis, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of a new phloridzin derivative for dermo-cosmetic applications

The phenolic compound phloridzin (phloretin 2′-O-glucoside, variously named phlorizin, phlorrhizin, phlorhizin or phlorizoside) is a prominent member of the chemical class of dihydrochalcones, which are phenylpropanoids. Phloridzin is specifically found in apple and apple juice and known for its biological properties. In particular we were attracted by potential dermo-cosmetic applications. Here we report the synthesis, stability studies and antimicrobial activity of compound F2, a new semi-synthetic derivative of phloridzin. The new derivative was also included in finished formulations to evaluate its stability with a view to a potential topical use. Stability studies were performed by HPLC; PCL assay and ORAC tests were used to determine the antioxidant activity. F2 presented an antioxidant activity very close to that of the parent phloridzin, but, unlike the latter, was more stable in formulations. To further explore potential health claims, antifungal activity of phloridzin and its derivative F2 were determined; the results, however, were rather low; the highest value was 31,6% of inhibition reached by F2 on Microsporum canis at the highest dose.

Simulated infusion of paclitaxel with in-line filters

BACKGROUND

Paclitaxel is one of the most effective anticancer drugs ever developed. To prevent hazards associated with intravenous (IV) administration which include the formation of microbubbles, microbiological contamination and particulate matter, the suppliers recommend that an in-line IV filter should be used during the infusion of the chemotherapeutic agent.

METHODS

To rule out the possibility that polyethersulfone (PES) membranes retain the paclitaxel during filtration, we carried out specific tests. Paclitaxel retention by PES in-line IV filters was evaluated by a simulated-drug IV infusion and high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.

RESULTS

In our model of study, no variation of paclitaxel concentration was revealed before and after filtration using two different filter devices.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that, under our experimental conditions, paclitaxel concentration in saline solution remains constant before and after filtration. Indeed, our study indicates that the filters analyzed herein, other than preventing hazards associated with IV administration, do not retain paclitaxel, thus avoiding the reduction of the drug concentration and potency during filtration.

Proteasome inhibitors induce the presentation of an Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen 1-derived cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope in Burkitt's lymphoma cells

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is generally expressed in all EBV-associated tumours and is therefore an interesting target for immunotherapy. However, evidence for the recognition and elimination of EBV-transformed and Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) specific for endogenously presented EBNA1-derived epitopes remains elusive. We confirm here that CTLs specific for the HLA-B35/B53-presented EBNA1-derived HPVGEADYFEY (HPV) epitope are detectable in the majority of HLA-B35 individuals, and recognize EBV-transformed B lymphocytes, thereby demonstrating that the GAr domain does not fully inhibit the class I presentation of the HPV epitope. In contrast, BL cells are not recognized by HPV-specific CTLs, suggesting that other mechanisms contribute to providing a full protection from EBNA1-specific CTL-mediated lysis. One of the major differences between BL cells and lymphoplastoid cell lines (LCLs) is the proteasome; indeed, proteasomes from BL cells demonstrate far lower chymotryptic and tryptic-like activities compared with proteasomes from LCLs. Hence, inefficient proteasomal processing is likely to be the main reason for the poor presentation of this epitope in BL cells. Interestingly, we show that treatments with proteasome inhibitors partially restore the capacity of BL cells to present the HPV epitope. This indicates that proteasomes from BL cells, although less efficient in degrading reference substrates than proteasomes from LCLs, are able to destroy the HPV epitope, which can, however, be generated and presented after partial inhibition of the proteasome. These findings suggest the use of proteasome inhibitors, alone or in combination with other drugs, as a strategy for the treatment of EBNA1-carrying tumours.

Alpha,beta-unsaturated N-acylpyrrole peptidyl derivatives: new proteasome inhibitors

Because of the encouraging results obtained using vinyl ester derivatives, we synthesized and tested a novel series of peptide-based proteasome inhibitors bearing a new pharmacophore unit at the C-terminal. N-Acylpyrrole moiety is a potential substrate for Michael addition by catalytic threonine. Several analogues have demonstrated a selective inhibition of the multicatalytic complex beta1 subunits, the capacity to permeate cellular membrane, and good pharmacokinetics properties.

Characterization of an human leucocyte antigen A2-restricted Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen-1-derived cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitope

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) is regularly expressed in all proliferating virus-infected cells and is therefore an interesting target for immunotherapy. Alleles of the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) -A2 family are dominantly expressed in Caucasians so we sought to identify EBNA1-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses restricted through this allele. We report on the characterization of the LQTHIFAEV (LQT) epitope. LQT-specific memory CTL responses were reactivated in three of 14 healthy EBV seropositive donors (21%) whereas responses to HLA-A2-restricted epitopes, two derived from LMP2 and one from EBNA3A, were detected in 93%, 71% and 42% of the donors, respectively. The LQT-specific CTL clones did not lyse EBV-carrying lymphoblastoid cell lines and Burkitt's lymphoma cell lines nor EBNA1-transfected Burkitt's lymphoma cells but specifically released interferon-gamma upon stimulation with HLA-matched EBNA1-expressing cells and this response was enhanced by deletion of the Gly-Ala repeat domain that inhibits proteasomal degradation. The poor presentation of the endogenously expressed LQT epitope was not affected by inhibition of peptidases that trim antigenic peptides in the cytosol but full presentation was achieved in cells expressing a trojan antigen construct that releases the epitope directly into the endoplasmic reticulum. Hence, inefficient proteasomal processing appears to be mainly responsible for the poor presentation of this epitope.

Further studies on lead compounds containing the opioid pharmacophore Dmt-Tic

Some reference opioids containing the Dmt-Tic pharmacophore, especially the delta agonists H-Dmt-Tic-Gly-NH-Ph (1) and H-Dmt-Tic-NH-(S)CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid (4) (UFP-512) were evaluated for the influence of the substitution of Gly with aspartic acid, its chirality, and the importance of the -NH-Ph and N(1)H-Bid hydrogens in the inductions of delta agonism. The results provide the following conclusions: (i) Asp increases delta selectivity by lowering the mu affinity; (ii) -NH-Ph and N(1)H-Bid nitrogens methylation transforms the delta agonists into delta antagonists; (iii) the substitution of Gly with L-Asp/D-Asp in the delta agonist H-Dmt-Tic-Gly-NH-Ph gave delta antagonists; the same substitution in the delta agonist H-Dmt-Tic-NH-CH2-Bid yielded more selective agonists, H-Dmt-Tic-NH-(S)CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid and H-Dmt-Tic-NH-(R)CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid; (iv) L-Asp seems important only in functional bioactivity, not in receptor affinity; (v) H-Dmt-Tic-NH-(S)CH(CH2-COOH)-Bid(N(1)-Me) (10) evidenced analgesia similar to 4, which was reversed by naltrindole only in the tail flick. 4 and 10 had opposite behaviours in mice; 4 caused agitation, 10 gave sedation and convulsions.

Vinyl ester-based cyclic peptide proteasome inhibitors

The 20S proteasome is a multicatalytic protease complex responsible for the degradation of many proteins in mammalian cells. Specific inhibition of proteasome enzymatic subunits represents a topic of great interest for the development of new drug therapies. Following our previous development of a new class of peptide-based inhibitors bearing a C-terminal vinyl ester residue as a pharmacophoric unit that are able to interact with the catalytic threonine, we report here the synthesis and biological properties of a new series of vinyl ester cyclopeptide analogues. Some of these derivatives were shown to inhibit the chymotrypsin-like activity of the proteasome at nanomolar concentration and their potency was found to depend on the size of the tetrapeptidic cyclic portion.

In vitro and in vivo studies on UFP-112, a novel potent and long lasting agonist selective for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor

[(pF)Phe(4)Aib(7)Arg(14)Lys(15)]N/OFQ-NH(2) (UFP-112) has been designed as a novel ligand for the nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide receptor (NOP) by combining into the same peptide different chemical modifications reported to increase N/OFQ potency. In vitro data obtained in the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens demonstrated that UFP-112 behaved as a high potency (pEC(50) 9.43) full agonist at the NOP receptor. UFP-112 effects were sensitive to the NOP antagonist UFP-101 but not to naloxone and no longer evident in tissues taken from NOP(-/-) mice. In vitro half life of UFP-112 in mouse plasma and brain homogenate was 2.6- and 3.5-fold higher than that of N/OFQ. In vivo, in the mouse tail withdrawal assay, UFP-112 (1-100pmol, i.c.v.) mimicked the actions of N/OFQ producing pronociceptive effects after i.c.v. administration and antinociceptive effects when given i.t.; in both cases, UFP-112 was approximately 100-fold more potent than the natural peptide and produced longer lasting effects. UFP-112 also mimicked the hyperphagic effect of N/OFQ producing a bell shaped dose response curve with the maximum reached at 10pmol. The hyperphagic effects of N/OFQ and UFP-112 were absent in NOP(-/-) mice. Equi-effective high doses of UFP-112 (0.1nmol) and N/OFQ (10nmol) were injected i.c.v. in mice and spontaneous locomotor activity recorded for 16h. N/OFQ produced a clear inhibitory effect which lasted for 60min while UFP-112 elicited longer lasting effects (>6h). In conscious rats, UFP-112 (0.1 and 10nmol/kg, i.v.) produced a marked and sustained decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and urinary sodium excretion and a profound increase in urine flow. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that UFP-112 behaves in vitro and in vivo as a highly potent and selective ligand able to produce full and long lasting activation of NOP receptors.

Glutamine vinyl ester proteasome inhibitors selective for trypsin-like (β2) subunit

Here we report the study of a new series of peptide-based proteasome inhibitors with a vinyl ester moiety at C-terminal. The presence of Tic, a rigid analogue of phenylalanine, in the central portion of some derivatives is not favourable for the activity. The best analogue of the series shows a potent and selective inhibition for the beta2 subunit and good enzymatic stability.

In vitro and in vivo pharmacological characterization of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor ligand Ac-RYYRIK-ol

It was recently reported that the hexapeptide Ac-RYYRIK-ol binds with high affinity nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ) peptide (NOP) receptors and competitively antagonizes N/OFQ actions in the mouse vas deferens assay. Here we further describe the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological features of this NOP receptor ligand. In mouse brain homogenate the degradation half life of Ac-RYYRIK-ol (2.48 min) was significantly higher than that of the parent compound Ac-RYYRIK-NH2 (1.20 min). In the electrically stimulated mouse vas deferens, Ac-RYYRIK-ol (10-1000 nM) competitively antagonized the inhibitory effect of N/OFQ (pA2=8.46), while in the isolated mouse colon the hexapeptide mimicked N/OFQ contractile effects thus behaving as a NOP receptor agonist (pEC50=9.09). This latter effect was no longer evident in colon tissues taken from mice knock out for the NOP receptor gene (NOP-/-). In vivo in mice, similarly to N/OFQ, Ac-RYYRIK-ol (dose range 0.001-1 nmol) produced: i) pronociceptive effects after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration and antinociceptive actions when given intrathecally (i.t.) in the tail withdrawal assay; ii) inhibition of locomotor activity and iii) stimulation of food intake after supraspinal administration. Finally, in the forced swimming test, Ac-RYYRIK-ol was inactive per se, but reversed the antidepressant-like effects elicited by the NOP receptor selective antagonist UFP-101 ([Nphe(1),Arg(14),Lys(15)]N/OFQ-NH2). Thus, in all these in vivo assays Ac-RYYRIK-ol mimicked the actions of N/OFQ showing however higher potency. In conclusion, Ac-RYYRIK-ol displayed a complex pharmacological profile which is likely due to the low efficacy agonist nature of this novel ligand of the NOP receptor. The high potency, selectivity of action, and in vivo effectiveness make Ac-RYYRIK-ol a useful pharmacological tool for future studies in the field of N/OFQ and its NOP receptor.

P3 and P4 position analysis of vinyl ester pseudopeptide proteasome inhibitors

Two small libraries of tripeptidic-based vinyl ester derivative proteasome inhibitors were synthesized and tested, starting with the Hmb-Val-Gln-Leu-VE prototype. The P3 and P4 positions were investigated with a complete set of amino acid residues, some of which showed remarkable selective inhibition of the trypsin-like (beta2) subunit. In both positions, aromatic and hydrophobic residues were preferred.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of new vinyl ester pseudotripeptide proteasome inhibitors

Here we report the synthesis and biological activities of new tripeptidic-based vinyl ester derivative proteasome inhibitors. Starting from Hmb-Val-Ser-Leu-VE prototype, we investigated P2 position and N-terminal substitution. The more effective inhibitors of the series showed remarkable inhibition and selectivity for the trypsin-like (beta2) subunit and were revealed to be specific for the proteasome. In vitro metabolic stability studies of the new vinyl ester analogues are also reported here.