scholarly journals A Novel Biocompatible Herbal Extract-Loaded Hydrogel for Acne Treatment and Repair

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Ying-Yi Lin ◽  
Shu-Hsu Lu ◽  
Rong Gao ◽  
Chia-Hung Kuo ◽  
Wen-Hisn Chung ◽  
...  

A novel herbal extract-loaded gel containing several biofunctional extracts, including green tea, Zingiber officinale Rosc, Phyllanthus emblica, and salicylic acid, was developed for acne vulgaris. These natural raw materials were blended with suitable dosages of gelatin and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to produce a biocompatible herbal gel. The physical chemistry properties of the hydrogel were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), rheometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the hydrogel showed good mechanical and morphological characteristics. The herbal extract-loaded hydrogel mimicked extracellular matrix properties and showed good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and various advantages, serving as a potential wound dressing material because of its high moisture retention ability, wound exudate absorption behavior, and biocompatibility. It exhibited moderate-high antioxidative and anti-inflammatory qualities that were important for dermis wound closure. The clinical trial results showed that most patients experienced moderate to high healing rates, and four of twenty-four individuals (16.67%) had recovery area ratios greater than 80%. This herbal extract-loaded hydrogel has effective ingredients and excellent mechanical properties as a bioactive dressing agent for acne treatment.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 217
Author(s):  
Aura Rusu ◽  
Corneliu Tanase ◽  
Georgiana-Andreea Pascu ◽  
Nicoleta Todoran

Adapalene (ADP) is a representative of the third retinoids generation and successfully used in first-line acne treatment. ADP binds to retinoic acid nuclear receptors. The comedolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory are the known ADP effects. Its safety profile is an advantage over other retinoids. ADP recently was found to be effective in the treatment of several dermatological diseases and photoaging besides the utility in the treatment of acne vulgaris. New biological effects of adapalene with therapeutic potential are highlighted in this review paper. Thus, adapalene could be a valuable therapeutic drug into the treatment of several types of cancer. Additionally, some neurodegenerative diseases could be treated with a suitable formulation for intravenous administration. The antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of an analogue of ADP has been proven. In different therapeutic schemes, ADP is more effective in combination with other active substances. New topical combinations with adapalene include ketoconazole (antifungal), mometasone furoate (anti-inflammatory corticosteroid), nadifloxacin (fluoroquinolone), and alfa and beta hydroxy acids. Combination with oral drugs is a new trend that enhances the properties of topical formulations with adapalene. Several studies have investigated the effects of ADP in co-administration with azithromycin, doxycycline, faropenem, isotretinoin, and valganciclovir. Innovative formulations of ADP also aim to achieve a better bioavailability, increased efficacy, and reduced side effects. In this review, we have highlighted the current studies on adapalene regarding biological effects useful in various treatment types. Adapalene has not been exploited yet to its full biological potential.


Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Aaron Mbissik ◽  
Abdellatif Elghali ◽  
Muhammad Ouabid ◽  
Otmane Raji ◽  
Jean-Louis Bodinier ◽  
...  

Due to the increasing demand for conventional sources of potassium (K) and their inaccessibility by African countries, K-rich igneous rocks are increasingly studied as potential alternative sources. In this study, six potassic igneous rocks (syenites and trachytes) from the Tamazeght, Jbel Boho, Ait Saoun, and El Glo’a regions (Morocco) were sampled and characterized. Then they were hydrothermally treated to enhance their K release for potential use as potassic fertilizers. The raw materials are mainly formed by microcline (up to 74%), orthoclase (20–68%), albite (36–57%), biotite-muscovite (15–23%), and titanite, calcite, hematite, and apatite as accessory minerals. These samples were crushed and milled to reach a particle size <150 µm and mixed with 4 N NaOH solution in an autoclave. The liquid/solid (L/S) ratio was about 44 mL/50 g. The powders were allowed to react with the solution at 170 °C for 7 h. For all tests, NaOH reacted completely with the powders and no liquid was observed after the treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), infrared spectroscopy (IRTF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) were carried out on treated samples to characterize the mineralogical and structural changes due to the alkali-hydrothermal treatment. Indeed, the treated samples revealed the presence of sodic neoformed phases such as thermonatrite, sodalite, analcime, and cancrinite. The treated material was leached for a week using deionized water and the elements released were measured using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). The hydrothermal process showed a strong effect on structure breakdown as well as on the release of K and other nutrients such as P, Fe, Si, Mg, and Ca. Therefore, the alkali-hydrothermal treatment allowed the release of 50.5 wt% K. Moreover, the release of Mg, Ca, Fe, P, K, and Si were significantly increased. Mg, Ca, Fe, P, K, and Si release within raw materials was about (0.5–3.6), (3.5–31.4), (0.01–0.4), (0.01–0.3), (20–55), and (4.6–8) mg/kg, respectively, whereas treated samples showed a higher release of these elements. Quantitatively, Mg, Ca, Fe, P, K, and Si releases were about (10–11.8), (60–70), (7–20), (1.2–15), (218–1278), and (1119–2759) mg/kg, respectively. Consequently, the treated igneous rocks (syenite and trachyte) could be directly used as potassic fertilizers that would also be a source of other nutrients.


Heritage ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2652-2664 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Grammatikakis ◽  
Kyriakidis ◽  
D. Demadis ◽  
Cabeza Diaz ◽  
Leon-Reina

Ceramic objects in whole or in fragments usually account for the majority of findings in an archaeological excavation. Thus, through examination of the values these items bear, it is possible to extract important information regarding raw materials provenance and ceramic technology. For this purpose, either traditional examination protocols could be followed, focusing on the macroscopic/morphological characteristics of the ancient object, or more sophisticated physicochemical techniques are employed. Nevertheless, there are cases where, due to the uniqueness and the significance of an object of archaeological value, sampling is impossible. Then, the available analytical tools are extremely limited, especially when molecular information and mineral phase identification is required. In this context, the results acquired from a multiphase clay ceramic dated on Early Neopalatioal period ΜΜΙΙΙΑLMIA (1750 B.C.E.–1490 B.C.E.), from the Minoan Bronze Age site at Philioremos (Crete, Greece) through the application of Raman confocal spectroscopy, a nondestructive/ noninvasive method are reported. The spectroscopic results are confirmed through the application of Xray microdiffraction and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive Xray spectrometry. Moreover, it is demonstrated how it is made possible through the application of microRaman (μRaman) spectroscopy to examine and collect crucial information from very small inclusions in the ceramic fabric. The aim of this approach is to develop an analytical protocol based on μRaman spectroscopy, for extracting firing temperature information from other ceramic finds (figurines) where due to their uniqueness sampling and analyses through other techniques is not possible. This information can lead to dating but also to firing kiln technology extrapolations that are very significant in archaeology.


2012 ◽  
Vol 554-556 ◽  
pp. 126-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shun Yin ◽  
Ning Sun ◽  
Chun Yun Feng ◽  
Zhi Mou Wu ◽  
Zhao Hua Xu ◽  
...  

A series of different generation hyperbranched polyurethane(HBPU) was synthesized based on the raw materials of isophorone diisocyanate(IPDI) and diethanolamine(DEOA). Their structure, thermal degradation mechanism and glass transition temperature(Tg) were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy(NMR), thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC). The results showed that: the yield of each generation HBPU was up to 90%, different generation HBPU had almost the same initial degradation temperature(about at 200°C) and they all had two decomposition platforms; with the increase of generation, Tg increased from 107.2°C to 132.1°C. The gloss and hardness of the HBPU coatings were significantly improved.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhonghan Yang ◽  
Viktoriya Grinchuk ◽  
Siu Po Ip ◽  
Chun-Tao Che ◽  
Harry H. S. Fong ◽  
...  

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder and the etiology is not well understood. Currently there is no cure for IBS and no existing medication induces symptom relief in all patients. IBS-20 is a 20-herb Chinese medicinal formula that offers beneficial effects in patients with IBS; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. This study showed that IBS-20 potently inhibited LPS- or IFNΓ-stimulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as classically activated macrophage marker nitric oxide synthase 2. Similarly, IBS-20 or the component herbCoptis chinensisdecreased LPS-stimulated pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from JAWS II dendritic cells. IBS-20 or the component herbs also blocked or attenuated the IFNΓ-induced drop in transepithelial electric resistance, an index of permeability, in fully differentiated Caco-2 monolayer. Finally, the up-regulation of key inflammatory cytokines in inflamed colon from TNBS-treated mice was suppressed significantly by orally administrated IBS-20, including IFNΓ and IL-12p40. These data indicate that the anti-inflammatory activities of IBS-20 may contribute to the beneficial effects of the herbal extract in patients with IBS, providing a potential mechanism of action for IBS-20. In addition, IBS-20 may be a potential therapeutic agent against other Th1-dominant gut pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease.


2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 562-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chethan Gejjalagere Honnappa ◽  
Unnikrishnan Mazhuvancherry Kesavan

Inflammatory diseases are complex, multi-factorial outcomes of evolutionarily conserved tissue repair processes. For decades, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase inhibitors, the primary drugs of choice for the management of inflammatory diseases, addressed individual targets in the arachidonic acid pathway. Unsatisfactory safety and efficacy profiles of the above have necessitated the development of multi-target agents to treat complex inflammatory diseases. Current anti-inflammatory therapies still fall short of clinical needs and the clinical trial results of multi-target therapeutics are anticipated. Additionally, new drug targets are emerging with improved understanding of molecular mechanisms controlling the pathophysiology of inflammation. This review presents an outline of small molecules and drug targets in anti-inflammatory therapeutics with a summary of a newly identified target AMP-activated protein kinase, which constitutes a novel therapeutic pathway in inflammatory pathology.


2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-74
Author(s):  
Bina Gautam ◽  
Tika B Karki ◽  
Om Prakash Panta

Amylase is an amylolytic enzyme used in food industry which is generally produced by Aspergillus spp. under solid state fermentation. The present study is concerned with the isolation, screening and selection of suitable strains of Aspergillus spp. and optimization of cultural conditions for the biosynthesis of amylase. Rice and wheat brans were used as substrates which are readily available inexpensive raw materials for amylase production. From 85 samples of rice and wheat grains, 55 colonies obtained on potato dextrose agar (PDA) were suspected to be Aspergillus oryzae and only 35 colonies possessed the morphological characteristics similar to that of A. oryzae indicating the isolates were most likely the strains of A. oryzae. Of all the fungal isolates of Aspergillus spps., Asp.31 gave maximum production of amylase (720.782 IUgds-1) in solid state fermentation media. This strain was selected as a parental strain for optimization for cultural conditions. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS- 11.5 program. Of all the substrates (rice bran, wheat bran and their mixture), rice bran was the best for producing amylase of highest activity 611.614 IUgds-1.The highest enzyme activity of 698.749 IUgds-1 was observed at 50% initial moisture level of the substrate. The optimum temperature was 25°C for producing the crude amylase enzyme with amylase activity of 577.757 IUgds-1. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 67-74 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8924


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