Toxicological Effects of Copaiba Oil (Copaifera spp.) and Its Active Components

Vegetable oils are among the most important traditional resources of Amazonia. Oleoresins are a type of oil that have interesting characteristics and highly bioactive properties with pharmacological potential. Oleoresins produced in the trunks of Copaifera (Fabaceae) spp. trees, known as copaiba oils, are made up of terpenes from the sesquiterpene (volatile) and diterpene (resinous) classes, but in amounts that vary between species and depending on several factors, such as soil type. Despite being used for medicinal purposes, via topical and oral application, the toxic effects of copaiba oils and their constituents are little known. The current paper reviews the toxicological studies, both in vitro and in vivo, described in the literature for copaiba oils, as well as the cytotoxic characteristics (against microorganisms and tumor cells) in in silico, in vitro and in vivo models for the sesquiterpenes and diterpenes that make up these oils.

Medication Errors in Compounding Pharmacy

AbstractThe traditional role of compounding pharmacies is to make drugs prescribed by physicians for patients with needs that cannot be met by commercially available drugs. Medication errors have attracted attention of health authorities since they compromise the patient’s assistance, enhance morbidity rates and increase the healthcare costs. This study analyzed medication errors that occurred in a compounding pharmacy school in order to identify types and periodicity and to outline strategies in the service delivery process to mitigate such errors. This is a retrospective descriptive study carried out from March to June of 2018 and based on the analysis of occurrences recorded by the service sector of a magistral pharmacy school in Rio de Janeiro. The errors were classified according to the stage in the pharmaceutical assistance process and reached 124 records, with an average of 1.03 occurrence/day. The main causes were prescription errors (95 occurrences or 76.60%), administering (12 occurrences or 9.68%), labeling (7 occurrences or 5.65%), dispensing (7 occurrences or 5.65%) and handling (3 occurrences or 2.42%). The errors in the prescription stage, the most frequent ones, were potential but intercepted and cleared before they resulted in a harmful outcome. This study identified medication errors in a magistral pharmacy. The errors were potential but intercepted and resolved before they resulted in a harmful outcome. The results points to the need for systematic surveillance of adverse events in a more active way and for standardizing the procedures throughout the process, from assessing the medical prescription to guiding the patient for proper administration and storage. Keywords: Pharmaceutical Preparations. Risk Management. Pharmacovigilance. Pharmacoepidemiology. ResumoO papel tradicional das farmácias de manipulação é manipular medicamentos prescritos por médicos para pacientes com necessidades que não podem ser atendidas pelos medicamentos disponíveis no mercado. Os erros de medicação são eventos que vêm recebendo grande destaque entre autoridades sanitárias por contribuírem com o aumento das taxas de morbidade e dos custos do sistema de saúde, comprometendo a qualidade da assistência prestada ao paciente. O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar os principais erros de medicação observados em uma Farmácia Escola magistral localizada no sudeste do Brasil. Foi desenvolvido um estudo descritivo retrospectivo no período de março a junho de 2018, baseado na análise das ocorrências de erros de medicação registradas no período. Os erros foram classificados de acordo com as etapas da assistência farmacêutica. Um total de 124 registros foram verificados no período, com média diária de 1,03 ocorrências/dia. As principais causas destes registros foram em 95 (76,60%) devido a erros de prescrição, 3 (2,42%) referentes à erros de manipulação dos medicamentos, 7 (5,65%) erros de rotulagem, 7 (5,65%) erros de dispensação, e 12 (9,68%) referentes à erros de administração do medicamento pelo paciente. Os erros de maior frequência foram relacionados à escrituração da prescrição. Os erros verificados eram potenciais e foram interceptados e resolvidos antes que resultassem em um desfecho danoso. Os resultados indicaram a necessidade de avançar para uma vigilância sistemática de eventos adversos de forma mais ativa e padronização das condutas relacionadas aos processos desde a avaliação da qualidade da prescrição até a orientação para administração e guarda adequada do medicamento pelo paciente. Palavras-chave: Preparações Farmacêuticas. Gestão de Riscos. Farmacovigilância. Farmacoepidemiologia.

DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MAQUIAGEM MULTIFUNCIONAL: BATOM COM PROPRIEDADE FOTOPROTETORA, EMOLIENTE E HIDRATANTE

Ao longo dos últimos anos, as fórmulas cosméticas têm evoluído consideravelmente, tornando os produtos para maquiagem excelentes coadjuvantes para tratar e proteger a pele e seus anexos. Sabe-se que o uso de fotoprotetores de amplo espectro de absorção ultravioleta é essencial na prevenção de neoplasias cutâneas, principalmente de áreas que sofrem exposição diária ao sol, incluindo os lábios. Desta forma, este trabalho tem como objetivo o desenvolvimento de uma formulação de batom de diferentes cores (marrom, vermelho, rosa e roxo), com propriedades que visam não só promover emoliência, hidratação e coloração aos lábios, mas também oferecer proteção contra os raios ultravioletas (UV). Os resultados obtidos indicam que os valores de FPS (Fator de Proteção Solar) das amostras de batons permaneceram na categoria de alta proteção, com capacidade de manter a retenção de água na pele, fácil espalhamento sobre o lábio, dureza condizente com o tipo de produto e baixa possibilidade de deterioração oxidativa. Desta forma, os batons desenvolvidos apresentam características comerciais desejáveis de hidratação, coloração e emoliência, além de alta fotoproteção, podendo atuar na prevenção de câncer labial.

Nanoemulsions of sulfonamide carbonic anhydrase inhibitors strongly inhibit the growth of Trypanosoma cruzi

Sulfonamide carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitors targeting the α-class enzyme from the protozoan pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi, responsible of Chagas disease, were recently reported. Although many such derivatives showed low nanomolar activity in vitro, they were inefficient anti-T. cruzi agents in vivo. Here, we show that by formulating such sulfonamides as nanoemulsions in clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) oil, highly efficient anti-protozoan effects are observed against two different strains of T. cruzi. These effects are probably due to an enhanced permeation of the enzyme inhibitor through the nanoemulsion formulation, interfering in this way with the life cycle of the pathogen either by inhibiting pH regulation or carboxylating reactions in which bicarbonate/CO2 are involved. This type of formulation of sulfonamides with T. cruzi CA inhibitory effects may lead to novel therapeutic approaches against this orphan disease.

Preparation and Evaluation of Chitosan Submicroparticles Containing Pilocarpine for Glaucoma Therapy

The objective of the present study was to optimize the preparation of chitosan submicroparticles and to assess whether they enhanced ocular permeation of pilocarpine. Submicroparticles were produced by spray drying and characterized to determine process yield, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, size distribution, drug-polymeric matrix interaction, porcine sclera permeation as well as ocular irritancy and drug retention. Quantification of pilocarpine using High Performance Liquid Chromatography was found to be selective, linear, precise, accurate and robust. The spray drying method proved to be simple and reproducibly produced particles with satisfactory yields, thus showing potential for industrial scale applications. The pilocarpine-loaded chitosan particles exhibited adequate morphological characteristics as well as high encapsulation efficiency. The particles produced were on a submicrometric scale and compatible with intraocular administration. In pilocarpine-loaded particles, the interaction between pilocarpine and chitosan polymeric matrix resulted in delayed release of the drug, attributed to formation of a reservoir system. The best fit for drug release was obtained using the Higuchi equation. The chitosan submicroparticles enhanced the permeation effect and increased the passage of pilocarpine through porcine sclera and also demonstrated low irritancy potential. Therefore, the particles produced can be considered a promising system for the ocular delivery of pilocarpine.

Development, characterization and evaluation of the dissolution profile of sulfasalazine suspensions

<p>This paper reports the development, characterization and <italic>in vitro</italic>dissolution behavior of sulfasalazine suspensions for treatment of chronic intestinal inflammatory diseases. Three formulations were developed, from powdered sulfasalazine obtained from different suppliers. The sulfasalazine was characterized regarding concentration, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), particle size distribution, polydispersion and solubility. The suspensions were developed and characterized regarding pH, viscosity, density, particle size, sedimentation volume, concentration and dissolution. The pH values were slightly acidic. The method of preparing the suspensions reduced the particle sizes and made the size distribution more homogeneous. The dissolution studies showed that the sulfasalazine suspensions had low solubility in acidic media, but dissolve quickly, reaching levels of 85%, in neutral media or media containing 0.5% of surfactants such as polysorbate 80. Besides this, the sulfasalazine suspensions were classified as having immediate dissolution because they reached dissolution levels near 100% in 20 minutes.</p>

Study of Propolis by High Temperature High Resolution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

The underivatized hexane and acetone extracts of two propolis samples (from Brazil’s southwest) were analyzed by HT-HRGC (high temperature high resolution gas chromatogrphy) and HT-HRGC coupled to mass spectrometry (HT-HRGC-MS). Several compounds, including flavonoid aglycones, phenolic acids and high molecular weight compounds could be readily characterized in the crude extracts by HTHRGC-MS. HTHRGC and HTHRGC-MS were shown to be quick and informative tools for rapid analysis of crude extracts without need for prior derivatization and purification.

In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes

Solar radiation causes damage to human skin, and photoprotection is the main way to prevent these harmful effects. The development of sunscreen formulations containing nanosystems is of great interest in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries because of the many potential benefits. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) liposomal nanosystem (liposome/OMC) to obtain a sunscreen formulation with improved safety and efficacy by retaining OMC for longer on the stratum corneum.

Effects of a sunscreen formulation on albino hairless mice: a morphological approach

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a sunscreen formulation on the skin of albino hairless mice subjected to simulated solar light (SSL) in terms of morphological changes. Young adult albino hairless mice HRS/J (n = 36) were used as an experimental model for determining skin photoaging changes. Mice were irradiated with SSL, and the sunscreen (estimated SPF 30, PF-UVA) was obtained from the Pharmacy College/UFRJ, Brazil. The animals were divided into four groups: non-treated (G1), radiation only (G2), sunscreen-treated (G3) and vehicle + radiation (G4). Animals from groups G2, G3 and G4 were irradiated weekly (5 weeks), with no immobilization. One week after the final exposure, the dorsal skin was observed using a dermatoscopic camera. Biopsies were analyzed in order to quantify neovascularization and to evaluate histological aspects of the skin. Neovascularization was also evaluated with immunohistochemical reactions for the Von Willebrand factor. Animals from G2 displayed classical morphological changes denoting skin photoaging: thickening of the epidermis, increased dermal cellularity, follicular keratosis, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, and angiogenesis. Animals from groups G3 and G1 displayed similar morphological profiles, without these changes. Animals from group G4 showed more morphological changes than group G2, emphasizing the relative importance of the putative photosensitizing components present in the vehicle formulation. The extent of the morphological skin changes suggested that the sunscreen formulation was effective against SSL, and showed the importance of assessing the phototoxicity of vehicle formulations.

Characterization and evaluation of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanoparticles containing 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, octocrylene, and benzophenone-3 in anti-solar preparations

Ultraviolet radiation can bring both harm and benefits to human health. Among those harms are erythemas, photosensitivity, photoaging, and the most worrying, skin cancer. Nanoencapsulation of sunscreen agents (SA) by using a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer such as poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) is advantageous as it increases the retention of UV absorbers in the skin, avoids systemic absorption, and consequently, improves water resistance and stability of the preparation. The aim of this work is to develop, characterize, and study the encapsulation of 3 different SA: 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate, benzophenone-3, and octocrylene in PCL nanoparticles (Nps). Nps were prepared by the solvent emulsification and evaporation method. The process yield was calculated, and the Nps were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index (PI), morphology, zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (EE) (%), and sunscreen agent content (SAC). The final formulations were submitted to the hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM), chorioallantoic membrane-trypan blue staining (CAM-TBS), red blood cell (RBC), Draize tests, in vitro release, in vitro sun protection factor (SPF), UVA protection factor (PF-UVA), and photostability. All the Nps were in the nanometric scale. PI showed monodisperse systems. ZP became more negative as the Np were lyophilized and were added to the formulations. EE varied from 84 to 90%. The SAC went from 44 to 65 microg of sunscreen agents by milligram of Np. The process yield went from 60 to 76%. Nps were predominantly spherical and elliptical forms. The addition of Np diminished the release of the SA. The SPF increased with Np presence and helped to maintain the PF-UVA after irradiation. The HET-CAM assay evaluated the formulation as slightly irritant, CAM-TBS and RBC tests as non irritant, and the Draize test as moderately irritant.

Evaluation of octyl p-methoxycinnamate included in liposomes and cyclodextrins in anti-solar preparations: preparations, characterizations and in vitro penetration studies

PURPOSE

Awareness of the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation has led to the increasing use of sunscreens, thus, the development of safe and effective antisolar preparations is important. The inclusion of sunscreen molecules in different release systems, like liposomes (lipo) and cyclodextrins (CD) is therefore required.

METHODS

The in vivo sun protection factor (SPF), water resistance, and in vitro transdermal penetration test of octyl p-methoxycinnamate (OMC) in different dispersions, such as OMC encapsulated in liposomes (lipo/OMC), OMC encapsulated in β-cyclodextrins (β-CD/OMC), OMC encapsulated in both release systems (lipo/OMC and β-CD/OMC), and an OMC-free formulation were determined.

RESULTS

Although the formulation containing only the lipo/OMC system revealed high value of in vivo SPF (11.0 ± 1.3) and water resistance (SPF = 10.3 ± 2.2), the formulation containing both release systems (lipo/OMC + β-cyclodextrin/OMC) showed the best result in the in vivo SPF test (11.6 ± 1.6). In the penetration test, the formulation containing the lipo/OMC system had better performance, since a high amount of OMC in the epidermis (18.04 ± 1.17 μg) and a low amount of OMC in the dermis (9.4 ± 2.36 μg) were observed. These results suggest that liposomes interact with the cells of the stratum corneum, promoting retention of OMC in this layer.

CONCLUSION

According to our study, the lipo/OMC system is the most advantageous release system, due to its ability to both increase the amount of OMC in the epidermis and decrease the risk of percutaneous absorption.

Nanostructured delivery system for zinc phthalocyanine: preparation, characterization, and phototoxicity study against human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells

In this study, zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) was loaded onto poly-ɛ-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles (NPs) using a solvent emulsification–evaporation method. The process yield and encapsulation efficiency were 74.2% ± 1.2% and 67.1% ± 0.9%, respectively. The NPs had a mean diameter of 187.4 ± 2.1 nm, narrow distribution size with a polydispersity index of 0.096 ± 0.004, zeta potential of −4.85 ± 0.21 mV, and spherical shape. ZnPc has sustained release, following Higuchi’s kinetics. The photobiological activity of the ZnPc-loaded NPs was evaluated on human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. Cells were incubated with free ZnPc or ZnPc-loaded NPs for 4 h and then washed with phosphate-buffered saline. Culture medium was added to the wells containing the cells. Finally, the cells were exposed to red light (660 nm) with a light dose of 100 J/cm². The cellular viability was determined after 24 h of incubation. ZnPc-loaded NPs and free photosensitizer eliminated about 95.9% ± 1.8% and 28.7% ± 2.2% of A549 cells, respectively. The phototoxicity was time dependent up to 4 h and concentration dependent at 0–5 μg ZnPc. The cells viability decreased with the increase of the light dose in the range of 10–100 J/cm². Intense lysis was observed in the cells incubated with the ZnPcloaded NPs and irradiated with red light. ZnPc-loaded PCL NPs are the release systems that promise photodynamic therapy use.

Development of methodologies for dimethylaminoethanol glycolate assay in association with sunscreens in dermocosmetic formulation

DMAE glycolate (DG) and sunscreens have been used associated in anti-aging dermocosmetic formulations. Despite extensive use of these substances, methods for quantification of DG as raw material and in cosmetic formulations, especially when associated, are not described in the literature. RP-HPLC and non-aqueous titration methods, with determination potentiometric end-point (PT), were developed and validated for rapid assay of DG as raw material and in a topic emulsion in association with sunscreens. Both methods are simple, selective, linear, accurate and precise. The PT method was chosen for stability study of DG in the formulation developed. The proposed formulation presented good stability performance as regards aspect, pH, apparent viscosity, and SPF, with less than 5% of DG degradation compared to initial conditions.

A new sunscreen of the cinnamate class: Synthesis and enzymatic hydrolysis evaluation of glyceryl esters of p-methoxycinnamic acid

Glyceryl esters of p-methoxycinnamic acid, 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-p-methoxycinnamoyl-1,2,3-propanetriol and 1,3-dioctanoyl-2-p-methoxycinnamoyl-1,2,3-propanetriol were synthesised in an attempt to increase substantivity and decrease eventual undesirable effects of sunscreens of this class. To assess if the glyceryl esters could present a higher stability towards hydrolysis by lipases in the stratum corneum, hydrolysis rates were determined in vitro using a commercial fungal lipase from Rhizomucor miehei. Results presented herein show that the glyceryl esters have similar lambda(max) and epsilon values to sunscreens of the cinnamate class. The ester 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-p-methoxycinnamoyl-1,2,3-propanetriol presented a 2.8 times lower hydrolysis rate by lipase, in vitro, than the commercial sunscreen 2-ethylhexyl-p-methoxycinnamate (alkyl ester). This finding suggests that this triacylglycerol can possibly have a longer retention time in the skin and consequently promote a more intense and effective antisolar action than the commercial sunscreen.