Testing of resveratrol microemulsion photostability and protective effect against UV induced oxidative stress

Resveratrol is well known for its antioxidant activity and susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation. Development of formulations providing improved stability and relevant drug delivery of resveratrol is still a challenging task. The aim of this study was to determine protective characteristics of formulated microemulsions by evaluating photoisomerization of resveratrol and to investigate the effects of resveratrol on human keratinocyte cells under oxidative stress caused by ultraviolet radiation. Incorporation of resveratrol into microemulsions resulted in increased photostability of active compounds and the results demonstrated that photodegradation of resveratrol was significantly delayed. Results of biopharmaceutical evaluation in vitro demonstrated that up to 60 % of resveratrol was released from microemulsions within 6 hours under a constant release rate profile. In vivo biological testing confirmed the ability of resveratrol to protect cells from oxidative stress and to increase cell viability. It was concluded that microemulsions might be considered in the development of UV light sensitive compounds

Release of rosmarinic acid from semisolid formulations, and its penetration through the human skin ex vivo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the release of rosmarinic acid (RA) from the experimental topical formulations with the Melissa officinalis L. extract and to evaluate its penetration through undamaged human skin ex vivo. The results of the in vitro release study showed that higher amounts of RA were released from the emulsion vehicle when lemon balm extract was added in its dry form. An inverse correlation was detected between the released amount of RA and the consistency index of the formulation. Different penetration of RA into the skin may be influenced by the characteristics of the vehicle as well as by the form of the extract. The results of penetration assessment showed that the intensity of RA penetration was influenced by its lipophilic properties: RA was accumulating in the epidermis, while the dermis served as a barrier, impeding its deeper penetration

Examination of rheological and physicochemical characteristics in Lithuanian honey

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the biological origin and temperature on rheological and physicochemical characteristics of honey. The honey of the selected varieties differed in color, scent, microstructure, total acidity, moisture, and pH. The level of moisture statistically significantly correlated with the rheological characteristics. The highest total acidity was a characteristic of forest and buckwheat honey, and the lowest of acacia honey. The lowest pH value (3.76) was found in forest and rape honey, and the highest in eucalyptus honey. Moisture levels significantly correlated with the rheological characteristics. All varieties of honey at all the studied temperatures were characterized by properties of non-Newtonian substances. The study showed that the effect of temperature on rheological characteristics of different types of honey varied and was more pronounced in honey with a crystalline structure, and less pronounced in non-crystalline honey.Key words: Honey, rheological characteristics, physicochemical properties

Design and Formulation of Optimized Microemulsions for Dermal Delivery of Resveratrol

The objective of this study was to formulate optimal formulations of microemulsions (MEs) and evaluate their feasibility for delivery of resveratrol into human skin ex vivo. Oil-in-water MEs were formulated using surfactant (S) PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides and cosurfactant (CoS) polyglyceryl-6-isostearate. Ethyl oleate was used as an oily phase. MEs were formulated using 5 : 1, 6 : 1, and 7 : 1 surfactant and cosurfactant (S : CoS) weight ratios. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed and optimal compositions of MEs were obtained using Design Expert software. Mean droplet size for optimized ME formulations was determined to be 68.54 ± 1.18 nm, 66.08 ± 0.16 nm, and 66.66 ± 0.56 nm for systems with S : CoS weight ratios 5 : 1, 6 : 1, and 7 : 1, respectively. Resveratrol loading resulted in mean droplet size increase. The distribution of droplet size between fractions changed during storage of formulated MEs. Results demonstrated the increase of number of droplets and relative surface area when S : CoS weight ratios were 6 : 1 and 7 : 1 and the decrease when S : CoS weight ratio was 5 : 1. The highest penetration of resveratrol into the skin ex vivo was determined from ME with S : CoS weight ratio 5 : 1. It was demonstrated that all MEs were similar in their ability to deliver resveratrol into the skin ex vivo

Topical antifungal bigels: formulation, characterization and evaluation

Bigels with antifungal substances, ciclopirox olamine and terbinafine hydrochloride, were made of hydrogel (poloxamer 407 gel) and oleogel (polyethylene and liquid paraffin mixture). Prepared bigels were found physically stable at room temperature for six months and at least four months at 40 °C. Released amount of drug decreased when oleogel concentration in the formulation increased. Release test results depended on the insertion place of active substances. The amount of released substance was highest when ciclopirox olamine was incorporated in both phases in an equal quantity, and terbinafine hydrochloride in oleogel or in hydrogel. All formulations showed great inhibition of Microsporum canis. Thus, bigels with ciclopirox olamine and terbinafine hydrochloride are a promising dosage form for topical use

Design and Formulation of Optimized Microemulsions for Dermal Delivery of Resveratrol

The objective of this study was to formulate optimal formulations of microemulsions (MEs) and evaluate their feasibility for delivery of resveratrol into human skin ex vivo. Oil-in-water MEs were formulated using surfactant (S) PEG-8 caprylic/capric glycerides and cosurfactant (CoS) polyglyceryl-6-isostearate. Ethyl oleate was used as an oily phase. MEs were formulated using 5 : 1, 6 : 1, and 7 : 1 surfactant and cosurfactant (S : CoS) weight ratios. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were constructed and optimal compositions of MEs were obtained using Design Expert software. Mean droplet size for optimized ME formulations was determined to be 68.54 ± 1.18 nm, 66.08 ± 0.16 nm, and 66.66 ± 0.56 nm for systems with S : CoS weight ratios 5 : 1, 6 : 1, and 7 : 1, respectively. Resveratrol loading resulted in mean droplet size increase. The distribution of droplet size between fractions changed during storage of formulated MEs. Results demonstrated the increase of number of droplets and relative surface area when S : CoS weight ratios were 6 : 1 and 7 : 1 and the decrease when S : CoS weight ratio was 5 : 1. The highest penetration of resveratrol into the skin ex vivo was determined from ME with S : CoS weight ratio 5 : 1. It was demonstrated that all MEs were similar in their ability to deliver resveratrol into the skin ex vivo

Managing Allergic Rhinitis in the Pharmacy : An ARIA Guide for Implementation in Practice

The paradigm of how we manage allergic rhinitis is shifting with a growing understanding that it is a complex process, requiring a coordinated effort from healthcare providers and patients. Pharmacists are key members of these integrated care pathways resolving medication-related problems, optimizing regimens, improving adherence and recommending therapies while establishing liaisons between patients and physicians. Community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals to the public and allergic rhinitis is one of the most common diseases managed by pharmacists. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines developed over the past 20 years have improved the care of allergic rhinitis patients through an evidence-based, integrated care approach. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach to allergic rhinitis management in community pharmacy following the 2019 ARIA in the pharmacy guidelines.Peer reviewe

Clinical aspects of reimbursement policies for orphan drugs in Central and Eastern European countries

Objectives: The aim of this study was to characterize the reimbursement policy for orphan drugs (ODs) in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in relation to the availability and impact of clinical evidence, health technology assessment (HTA) procedure, selected economic indicators, and the drug type according to indications.Materials and methods: A list of authorized medicines with orphan designation and information about active substance, Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification, and therapeutic area was extracted from the web-based register of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A country-based questionnaire survey was performed between September 2021 and January 2022 in a group of selected experts from nine CEE countries (an invitation was sent to 11 countries). A descriptive and statistical analysis was conducted to determine statistical significance, correlations, between the drug or country characteristic and the positive recommendation or reimbursement of ODs.Results: The proportion of reimbursed orphan drugs differed between countries, ranging from 17.7% in Estonia to 49.6% in Hungary (p < 0.001). The odds that ODs were reimbursed were reduced in countries with a “strong” level of impact of drug safety and efficacy on reimbursement decisions (p=0.018), the presence of other additional specific clinical aspects (e.g., genomic data) considered in the reimbursement decision (p < 0.001) and mandatory (without exception) safety assessments (p=0.004). The probability that ODs were reimbursed was increased in countries with a “moderate” level of impact of drug safety and efficacy on reimbursement decisions (p=0.018), when reimbursement decisions are dependent on the EMA registration status and orphan drug designation (p < 0.001), the presence of the “positive HTA recommendation guarantees reimbursement” policy (p < 0.001), higher GDP per inhabitant (p=0.003), and higher healthcare expenditure (p < 0.001).Conclusion: We found that there are differences among CEE countries in the reimbursement of orphan drugs, and we identified aspects that may influence these differences. Safety, efficacy, and specific clinical aspect issues significantly influenced reimbursement decisions. Antineoplastic and immunomodulating agents drugs were the largest group of ODs and increased the chance of getting a positive recommendation. The higher GDP per inhabitant and healthcare expenditures per inhabitant were positively linked to the chance that an OD receives reimbursement

Management of allergic rhinitis symptoms in the pharmacy Pocket guide 2022

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) management requires a coordinated effort from healthcare providers and patients. Pharmacists are key members of these integrated care pathways resolving medication-related problems, optimizing regimens, improving adherence and recommending therapies while establishing liaisons between patients and physicians. Methods Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) first published a reference document on the pharmacist's role in allergic rhinitis management in 2004. Several guidelines were developed over the past 20 years improving the care of allergic rhinitis patients through an evidence-based, integrated care approach. Results This ARIA/EAACI/FIP Position Paper is based on the latest ARIA in the Pharmacy guidelines and provides: (a) a structured approach to pharmacists identifying people with AR and/or allergic conjunctivitis as well as those at risk of poor disease control; (b) an evidence-based clinical decision support tool for optimising the management of allergic rhinitis in the community pharmacy; and (c) a framework of referral to the physician. Conclusion This document is not intended to be a mandatory standard of care but is provided as a basis for pharmacists and their staff to develop relevant local standards of care for their patients, within their local practice environment. Pharmacy care varies between countries, and the guide should be adapted to the local situation.Peer reviewe

ARIA digital anamorphosis : Digital transformation of health and care in airway diseases from research to practice

Digital anamorphosis is used to define a distorted image of health and care that may be viewed correctly using digital tools and strategies. MASK digital anamorphosis represents the process used by MASK to develop the digital transformation of health and care in rhinitis. It strengthens the ARIA change management strategy in the prevention and management of airway disease. The MASK strategy is based on validated digital tools. Using the MASK digital tool and the CARAT online enhanced clinical framework, solutions for practical steps of digital enhancement of care are proposed.Peer reviewe