Search Results (6,479)

Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. is a widely distributed moss species with significant bioactive potential, but the phytochemical composition and biological activity of this species are not well documented yet, particularly in Bulgaria. The current study aimed to investigate the amino acid composition, free sugars, sterol profile, total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, DNA-protective effect, and the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extracts of H. cupressiforme. Amino acid analysis revealed that proline (2.282 g/100 g), isoleucine (2.047 g/100 g), and glutamic acid (1.746 g/100 g) were the dominant constituents. The moss contained mannose (1.76 g/100 g) and fructose (1.43 g/100 g) as major free sugars and a diverse sterol profile containing stigmasterol (4.37 mg/g), β-sitosterol (4.29 mg/g), and campesterol (3.34 mg/g) as major phytosterols, which are known for their potential health benefits, such as cholesterol regulation and anti-inflammatory effects. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays and expressed moderate free radical scavenging ability (2.56 and 4.15 mM TE/g DW). Furthermore, the extracts also exhibited a potent DNA-protective effect against oxidative damage and anti-inflammatory activity. These findings contribute to the phytochemical knowledge of H. cupressiforme and suggest that Bulgarian specimens may be worth further investigation for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic applications. Full article

The flower buds of Magnolia biondii Pamp. (MBP), one of the botanical sources of Xinyi (Flos Magnoliae), are widely used in traditional medicine; however, their potential role in melanoma treatment remains unexplored. In this study, the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and anti-melanoma mechanisms of MBP extracts were systematically investigated. Phytochemical profiling using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS identified 26 bioactive compounds. The ethanol extract exhibited high total flavonoid and polyphenol contents, correlating with enhanced antioxidant capacity as demonstrated by DPPH and ABTS assays. Network pharmacology analysis highlighted the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, identifying STAT3 and STAT1 as core targets. Western blot analysis confirmed MBP significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT1 in melanoma cells. Connectivity Map (CMap) and network analyses further pinpointed naringenin as a primary active constituent. In vitro assays demonstrated that MBP and naringenin inhibited the proliferation and migration of A375 and B16F10 melanoma cells, while exhibiting relatively low cytotoxicity toward normal keratinocytes. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations revealed strong and stable binding interactions between naringenin and JAK1/STAT1 proteins. These findings collectively support MBP and naringenin as promising candidates for melanoma treatment, providing mechanistic evidence for their targeted activity and laying a foundation for future research and clinical applications. Full article

Grape seeds are a major by-product of the winemaking industry and a great source of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and proteins. These compounds have a wide range of applications including those in nutraceutical products and cosmetics and within the wine industry itself. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) was explored as a global method to valorize grape seed by-products for their different bioactive compounds in the context of waste valorization, green chemistry (solvent-free extraction), and circular economy. A Box–Behnken design was applied to generate mathematical responses and the ANOVA analysis determined the optimal extraction conditions (pressure, temperature, and time of extraction) for different responses such as total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), and total protein (Tprot). Extraction temperature was found to be the most significant factor influencing all responses while pressure had no significant impact on them. Optimal conditions were derived from the mathematical models for each response. For polyphenol extraction, the optimal conditions were as follows: 170 °C and 20 bar for 39 min with 288 mg GAE/g DM. To achieve the highest AA, SWE parameters should be set at 165 °C and 20 bar for 51 min with 332 mg TROLOX/g DM. For the extraction of proteins, it is necessary to work at 105 °C and 20 bar for 10 min (78 mg BSA/g DM) to preserve protein functionality. In comparison, conventional solvent extraction was unable to outperform SWE with values under the SWE results. Given the high content of polyphenols found in the extracts, an HPLC analysis was conducted. The following compounds were detected and quantified: protocatechuic acid (7.75 mg/g extract), gallic acid (6.63 mg/g extract), delphinidin chloride (1.44 mg/g extract), catechin (0.36 mg/g extract), gentisic acid (0.197 mg/g extract), and some epicatechin (0.07 mg/g extract). Additionally, Maillard reaction products (MRPs) were detected at high temperatures, with 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) appearing in extracts processed at 165 °C and above. The presence of MRPs, known for their antioxidant and bioactive properties, may have contributed to the increased AA observed in these extracts. These findings are significant because a solvent-free extraction process like SWE offers a sustainable approach to repurposing winemaking by-products, with potential applications in the wine and food industries. Full article

Ectoine is a substance produced by extremophiles and is naturally used by them as protection against adverse environmental conditions in which they live. Scientific contributions discuss its excellent effect through cosmotropic properties, prevention of secondary messenger release in cells, and transcription factors. The influence on the lipid layer of the cell membrane and its preventive effect as a UV filter were also demonstrated. What is more, its anti-oxidative effect was established. Ectoine works as an immunostimulant and also has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. These attributes are dominating factors in the use of ectoine’s properties in skin fractionation treatment with a C${\mathrm{O}}_2$ laser. In the following work, the influence of ectoine on skin parameters was described, focusing on redness, moisturization, and TEWL after the use of a C${\mathrm{O}}_2$ laser (Załęska 2019). The rheological properties of preparations with ectoine addition were also tested. The yield point was determined, the viscosity changes of cosmetic preparations were measured with increasing shear rates, and oscillation tests were performed. With increasing percentages of ectoine and frequency of application, the occurrence of redness after C${\mathrm{O}}_2$ therapy decreased. The highest moisture level values from 54.4 × 0.02 mg/c${\mathrm{m}}^2$ to 72.5 × 0.02 mg/c${\mathrm{m}}^2$ were obtained for preparation A applied twice a day; for the same preparation, a reduction in TEWL from 6.2 to 5.3 g/(${\mathrm{m}}^2$·h) was obtained. The results of the tests of cosmetic emulsions allowed us to conclude that the preparations in the analyzed shear rate range at all tested temperatures are non-Newtonian liquids that are shear-thinning and have a flow limit. The obtained results of the conducted research prove the positive effect of dermocosmetics with ectoine content in the process of skin healing. Full article

Laurus nobilis L., Lauraceae, bay laurel, has been traditionally used for its various therapeutic properties, and in recent years has been gaining interest for its potential applications in skincare products. However, the biological effects of bay laurel, particularly its hydrosols, a water fraction obtained during essential oil production, remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to identify the volatile compounds in L. nobilis hydrosols (LnHYs) from different coastal regions of Croatia (north, middle, and south Adriatic) and to evaluate their potential safety and efficacy for dermatological applications. Upon isolating LnHYs using microwave-assisted extraction, LnHY volatiles were identified and quantified using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the dominant compounds in all LnHYs (61.72–97.00%), with 1,8-cineole being the most abundant component (52.25–81.89%). The physical and chemical parameters of LnHYs were investigated to assess their purity and quality. Biological activity (cytotoxicity and wound-healing effect) was tested on the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), selected as the experimental model due to its relevance to skin biology. Additionally, contents of polyphenolic substances, antioxidative effects using the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods, and the antimicrobial activity of LnHYs toward five skin microorganisms were determined. All tested hydrosols showed similar biological activity, with only minor differences. Cytotoxicity studies indicated the safety of the dermatological application of LnHYs, and the results of the wound-healing assay showed their neutral to mildly positive effect. Considering the growing use of bay laurel preparations in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, extensive studies on their biological activity, quality, and safety are essential to either support or regulate their use in humans. Full article

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an unbranched polysaccharide particularly abundant in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of soft connective tissues. In humans, about 50% of the total HA in the organism is localized in the skin. HA plays an essential role in the hydration of the ECM, in the regulation of tissue homeostasis, in the resistance to mechanical stimuli/forces, and in the modulation of tissue regeneration. For these reasons, HA is widely used in regenerative medicine and cosmetics. In this study we used an innovative fluid dynamic system to investigate the effects of a cross-linked macrostructural HA formulation on dermal collagen of healthy human skin explants. The good preservation of skin explants provided by the bioreactor allowed applying refined high-resolution microscopy techniques to analyze in situ the HA-induced modifications on the ECM collagen fibrils up to 48 h from the application on the skin surface. Results demonstrated that this HA formulation, commercially proposed for subcutaneous injection, may act on dermal ECM also when applied transcutaneously, improving ECM hydration and modifying the organization of the collagen fibrils. These findings, obtained by the original combination of explanted human skin use with an advanced culture system and multiscale imaging techniques, are consistent with the volumizing and anti-aging effect of HA. Full article

Geraniin is the major compound in Nephelium lappaceum peel and exhibits significant immunomodulatory effects. So, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Nephelium lappaceum peel extract and geraniin through in vitro experiments and clinical trials. In vitro, inflammatory responses were induced using UV, IR, SDS, LPS, and RA, followed by treatment with the Nephelium lappaceum peel extract and geraniin. The results demonstrated significant reductions in inflammatory cytokines, indicating potent anti-inflammatory properties. Based on these promising results, clinical trials were conducted to assess the effects of the Nephelium lappaceum peel extract on skin barrier function using various irritants, including IR, UV, SDS, Retinol, and tape stripping. Measurements of transepidermal water loss and erythema were performed to evaluate the extract’s protective effects. The results indicated that Nephelium lappaceum peel extract effectively mitigated skin barrier damage and reduced erythema, confirming its potential as a skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory agent. This study suggests that Nephelium lappaceum peel extract, rich in bioactive compounds such as geraniin, can be utilized in the development of cosmetic products aimed at reducing skin inflammation and protecting against environmental irritants. Full article

Antioxidant peptides derived from woody oil resource by-products exhibit strong free radical scavenging abilities and offer potential applications in functional foods, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. This review summarizes the latest advances in preparation technologies, including enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, chemical synthesis, recombinant expression, and molecular imprinting, each with distinct advantages in yield, selectivity, and scalability. The structure–activity relationships of antioxidant peptides are explored with respect to amino acid composition, molecular weight, and 3D conformation, which collectively determine their bioactivity and stability. Additionally, emerging delivery systems—such as nanoliposomes, microencapsulation, and cell-penetrating peptides—are discussed for their role in enhancing peptide stability, absorption, and targeted release. Mechanistic studies reveal that antioxidant peptides from woody oil resources act through network pharmacology, engaging core signaling pathways, including Nrf2/ARE, PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and JAK/STAT, to regulate oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, and inflammation. Preliminary safety data from in vitro, animal, and early clinical studies suggest low toxicity and favorable tolerability. The integration of omics technologies, molecular docking, and bioinformatics is accelerating the mechanism-driven design and functional validation of peptides. In conclusion, antioxidant peptides derived from woody oil resources represent a sustainable, multifunctional, and scalable solution for improving human health and promoting a circular bioeconomy. Future research should focus on structural optimization, delivery enhancement, and clinical validation to facilitate their industrial translation. Full article

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural and sustainable cosmetic ingredients, particularly those derived from Amazonian plant oils. The present research focuses on the creation of a prototype cosmetic emulsion from two Amazonian oils, morete oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.f.) and ungurahua oil (Oenocarpus bataua Mart). The aim of the study was to develop a conceptual design of the process for making cosmetic emulsion using Amazonian oils. The methodology consisted of observational data collection, definition of unit operations and equipment, and process simulation. The design was simulated using SuperPro Designer V10.0. Experimental data, unit operations, equipment, and operation time confirmed the feasibility of a conceptual process design for scaling up. In the conceptual design, an operation time of 4.25 h was estimated, which would allow the production of two or more batches per day, depending on the demand, and the initial investment was expected to be recovered within 6.24 years. This study highlights the potential application of Amazonian oils in the cosmetic industry, promoting financially viable, natural, and ecologic products. Future research should analyze extraction yields, alternative strategies for efficient scale-up, and the long-term stability of emulsions under different storage conditions. Full article

This review aims to summarize possible methods for the detection of limonene in the gas phase at low to very low concentrations. Limonene has historically been of interest as a fragrance in cosmetics, the food industry, pharmaceutics, and the production of solvents. The development of analytical methods for limonene was initially driven by its use in relevant industries such as chemical, pharmaceutics, cosmetics, food, agriculture, and forestry. More recently, it has been recognized as a potent biomarker for human metabolic conditions, such as liver disease and certain cancers. The interest in improved limonene detection in exhaled human breath has increased, particularly from the medical field, which demands high reliability, very low detection limits in the parts per billion (ppb) and even parts per trillion (ppt) range, and excellent selectivity against other exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOC). In addition, the detection methods should be portable and affordable to facilitate potential mass screening. This review paper aims to explore all possible detection methods by evaluating their proven analytical capabilities for limonene or discussing their potential usefulness, benefits, and applicability for limonene detection. Full article

Cultured epidermal autografts (CEAs) serve as an alternative permanent skin replacement, though high costs often limit their use in resource-constrained settings and to life-saving cases. This case report presents the first documented cosmetic application of a modified CEA technique in a bodybuilder, demonstrating favorable aesthetic outcomes. A 28-year-old Black male with a 20% total body surface area burn sustained in a domestic fire exhibited superficial and deep partial-thickness burns to the face, arms, torso, and feet. Refusing grafts from visible donor sites, treatment using a low-cost modified CEA approach was employed to minimize donor site morbidity. Keratinocytes harvested from a groin biopsy were cultured on Cutimed Sorbact^® (Essity AB, BSN Medical (Pty) Ltd., Pinetown, RSA) dressings with autogenous plasma and hydrogel supplementation and incubated at 37 °C for two weeks. Xenografts provided temporary coverage before CEA transplantation. Graft take was 85%, with minor (15%) loss at 21 days, requiring small autograft coverage. At two months, the Vancouver Scar Scale score was 4, indicating optimal pigmentation, smoother texture, and minimal scarring. These findings align with limited studies on CEAs for cosmetic applications, suggesting this cost-effective technique may broaden the scope of CEAs beyond life-saving interventions to include aesthetic reconstruction, reducing both donor site morbidity and scarring. Full article

Background: Myrtus communis L. is a typical aromatic species of the Mediterranean basin, whose leaves are rich in essential oil known for its biological properties. Methods: The essential oil of Tunisian Myrtus communis L. leaves was extracted via hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and optimized using a complete factorial design including three factors with two different modalities and one factor with three modalities, hence the total number of experiments N_total = 2³ × 3¹. This optimization concerns the yield, the terpene composition by GC-MS and the antioxidant activity by the two radical scavenging assays, DPPH and ABTS. Four factors were retained, namely, the type of leaf used (dry or fresh sample), the leaf granulometry (whole or ground), the extraction time (1 h 30 min, 2 h 30 min and 3 h 30 min) and the water volume/plant material ratio (1/4 and 1/10). Results: The dry and whole leaves, duration 3 h 30 min, and V/M 1/10 modalities gave the best yield of essential oil (0.77%). The optimal contents of the majority of the terpene compounds, 1,8-cineole (37.23%), α-pinene (54.79%), myrtenyl acetate (23.43%) and limonene (17.77%), were recorded using the modalities dry and whole leaves, duration 2 h 30 min, V/M 1/10; dry and ground leaves, duration 1 h 30 min, V/M 1/4; fresh and whole leaves, duration 3 h 30 min, V/M 1/4; and fresh and whole leaves, duration 3 h 30 min, V/M 1/4, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil of myrtle leaves was optimized for the two DPPH (7.477 mg TE/g EO) with the GDL, duration 3 h 30 min, V/M 1/4 and ABTS assays (14.053 mg TE/g EO) with WDL terms, duration 3 h 30 min, V/M 1/10. Conclusions: Optimizing essential oil extraction is of significant interest to the cosmetic, perfumery, and pharmaceutical industries, which are constantly seeking optimal conditions to enhance essential oil yield and to ensure a high concentration of terpenic compounds, valued for their aromatic qualities and diverse biological activities. Full article

Microbiological quality control in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products is crucial for consumer safety. Traditional culture-based detection methods, such as plating on selective media, are time-consuming and may lack sensitivity. Fluorescence In Situ Hybridisation (FISH), a molecular and culture-independent technique, enables rapid and precise microbial identification by targeting specific RNA or DNA sequences with fluorescent probes. In this study, a novel DNA-FISH probe was developed for the detection of Candida albicans in cosmetic formulations. The probe’s specificity was assessed in silico and experimentally using flow cytometry (flow-FISH) on C. albicans and non-target microorganisms, including Pichia kudriavzevii, commonly known as Candida krusei, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The probe exhibited 98.9% hybridization efficiency with C. albicans, yielding a fluorescence intensity (FI) of 25,000 (a.u.), while non-target yeasts demonstrated minimal hybridization (4.7%, 2.3%, and 1.9% for C. krusei, S. cerevisiae, and W. anomalus, respectively) and bacteria showed negligible FI. Additionally, the probe’s applicability was evaluated in a tonic formulation, where C. albicans’ hybridization efficiency was slightly reduced to 88.4%, suggesting that formulation components may influence probe performance. Nevertheless, the probe maintained high specificity and efficiency without formamide, a toxic reagent commonly used in FISH. These findings highlight the potential of FISH probes for rapid, accurate, and safe microbial detection, offering a valuable tool for microbiological quality control in the cosmetics industry. Full article

2-aza-8-oxohypoxanthine (AOH) has been shown to improve skin barrier function according to DNA microarray studies of normal human epidermal keratinocytes. This study aimed to evaluate the cosmetic efficacy of AOH in wrinkle improvement. A 12-week clinical trial involved 23 women (mean age 44 ± 8 years), who applied 0.01% or 0.05% AOH lotion to each half of their face twice daily. Skin assessments were conducted before and after application at 4, 8, and 12 weeks by measuring stratum corneum water content using a Corneometer and evaluating wrinkles through image analysis of replicas. Application of the lotion enhanced stratum corneum water content. Use of 0.01% AOH reduced the wrinkle area percentage and maximum wrinkle depth at 8 and 12 weeks post-application, respectively. The 0.05% lotion showed a significant reduction in the wrinkle area percentage and mean maximum wrinkle depth at 12 weeks and a significant decrease in maximum wrinkle depth at 4 weeks. A between-group comparison revealed that the 0.05% AOH lotion significantly reduced mean maximum wrinkle depth compared to the 0.01% AOH lotion at 8 and 12 weeks, indicating a concentration-dependent effect of AOH. Overall, AOH improves wrinkles in a concentration-dependent manner, confirming its efficacy as a cosmetic ingredient for wrinkle improvement. Full article

Background-Objectives: Chronic diseases linked to inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer, continue to pose major public health challenges due to their high mortality rates. There is growing interest in natural bioactive compounds, particularly those derived from plants, as potential therapeutic or preventive agents due to their low toxicity profiles. This study aimed to explore two freshwater plants—Nelumbo nucifera (Indian lotus) and Lemna sp.—as potential sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antithrombotic properties. While N. nucifera has established but incompletely characterized biofunctional properties, Lemna sp. remains largely unexplored in this context. Methods: Amphiphilic extracts from both plant species were analyzed for phenolic and lipid constituents, including unsaturated fatty acids, polar lipids, and carotenoids. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities were assessed via platelet aggregation assays using PAF and ADP agonists. Structural characterization was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) to support structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis. Results: Extracts, particularly from Lemna sp., showed potent antiplatelet activity against PAF and ADP. LC-MS revealed the presence of polar lipids rich in monounsaturated and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, with a favorable omega-6/omega-3 ratio, especially in Lemna sp., correlating with strong anti-inflammatory potential. High levels of total phenolics and carotenoids were observed, aligning with substantial antioxidant capacity in both species. Conclusions: These findings suggest that N. nucifera and Lemna sp. are promising sources of bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals targeting inflammation- and thrombosis-related chronic diseases. Further studies are warranted to confirm their safety and efficacy. Full article