The use of some nanoemulsions based on aqueous propolis and lycopene extract in the skin's protective mechanisms against UVA radiation

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The use of natural products based on aqueous extract of propolis and lycopene in the skin's protective mechanisms against UVA radiation was evaluated by means of experimental acute inflammation on rat paw edema. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the harmlessness of propolis - lycopene system through evaluation of skin level changes and anti-inflammatory action. The regenerative and protective effect of the aqueous propolis and lycopene extract is based on its richness in biologically active substances such as: tocopherols, flavonoids, amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, the chlorophyll pigment, all substances with strong antioxidant activity, that modify the oxidative stress, mainly by reducing the prooxidant processes and enhancing the antioxidant ones. These substances participate in the synthesis of prostaglandins and phospholipids components of cell membrane thus enhancing skin protection mechanisms.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The experimental systems offered a sustained release of the drug, <it>in vitro</it>, for aim eight hours. The prepared formulations aim did not reveal a deteriorating effect on tissues. They proved a better therapeutic efficiency Compared to standard suspension, they provided a better therapeutic efficiency coupled with extended time interval of tested parameters (24 hours). Preliminary examination of tissues showed that the experimental formulations did not irritate. Local application of propolis and lycopene aqueous extract nanoemulsion has a high potential both regarding its efficiency (the analgesic effect) and therapeutic safety.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This study demonstrates that propolis and lycopene extract nanoemulsions, preparations contains active substances, can confer better therapeutic effects than those of the conventional formulations, based on local control-release of dozed form, for a longer period of time, which probably improve its efficiency and skin acceptance, meaning a better compliance. The information obtained in the present study suggests that administration of propolis and lycopene aqueous extract nanoemulsion is safe. The preparation can be useful for further preclinical studies lycopene embedded in aqueous propolis extract to be used in pharmaceuticals (targeted medical therapy).</p

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Lagerstroemia tomentosa

Abstract: Background: Some Pathogens are resistance to various antimicrobial agents. Many plants parts contain primarily polyphenols and terpenes which can combat with the problem of resistance bacteria and drug residue hazards. Materials and Methods: Methanol (70%) extract of Lagerstroemia tomentosa aerial parts was tested for antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains and for antioxidant activity using oxygen radical absorbance capacity and the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays and also total content of polyphenols with phytochemical analysis of the extract was determined. Results and Discussions: The results showed that the extract has a significant antimicrobial activity, it inhibited the growth of Bacillus subtilis and also it was highly active against Candida albicans suggesting that it can be used in the treatment of fungal infections, and it showed a moderate antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, it has shown high values of oxygen radical absorbance capacity and polyphenol content while it has shown a lower value of the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, coumarins and this clarify the high content of total polyphenol in the extract

A Review on Tradescantia: Phytochemical Constituents, Biological Activities and Health-Promoting Effects

Tradescantia is a genus of herbaceous and perennial plants belonging to the Commelinaceae family and organized into three infrageneric classifications and 12 sections. More than 80 species within the genus have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Phytochemical compounds (from various species of the genus) such as coumarins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, steroids and terpenoids have recently been characterized and described with antioxidant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer or antimicrobial properties. The objective of this review is to describe the different aspects of the genus Tradescantia, including its botanical characteristics, traditional uses, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and safety aspects

Analytical and in silico study of the inclusion complexes between tropane alkaloids atropine and scopolamine with cyclodextrins

AbstractDatura stramonium L. (Solanaceae) possesses a rich tropane alkaloids (TAs) spectrum. The plant contains, in particular, the allelopathic compounds scopolamine and atropine, which are poorly soluble in water, thus limiting their use in agrochemical formulations as biocidal and deterrent agents against herbivore insects. The efficacy of the hydrophobic TAs extracts could be increased with the improvement of their dissolution/leaching properties. This is important for improving screening and test performance and for elucidating the activity of environmentally friendly agricultural approaches, with new perspectives for the production and use of those biodegradable insecticidal products. The present study explores the aspects of atropine and scopolamine complexation with cyclodextrin (CDs) through FT-IR and UV–Vis spectroscopies. In addition, the structures of the inclusion complex of atropine, scopolamine and β-CD have been investigated by molecular modeling techniques. The results obtained indicate that β-CDs are a promising carriers for improving the properties of TAs, therefore increasing their application potential in agrochemical formulations. Graphic abstrac

Removal of escherichia coli from water by system based on phosphorus - containing synthetic preformed polymer

A study of the removal of Escherichia Coli cells from water by a-hydroxyphosphonic group grafted on styrene-6.7% divinylbenzene copolymer was made. The a-hydroxyphosphonic - containing synthetic preformed polymer is well suited for subsequent use of the product as antibacterial agent

Evaluarea riscului chimic la cultura de fasole mare (Phaseolus Coccineus L.)

Runner beans is very few studied in Romania, but the importance of this specie consist of high nutrient value: hydrocarbon - 7.7%, protein - 2.4%, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Currently runner bean crop, like all vegetable species, is undergoing a number of chemical factors like: pesticides, fertilizers and hormons.The aim of this study assessing chemical risk factors on runner bean crop in NE region of Romania. Content level of contaminants vary depending on the variety, but the obtained values not exceeding the maximum limits admitted by regulation, but some contaminants are at maximum levels. This requires especially where conventional monitoring system value pods residues so that consumption would not pose a risk

Effect of salinity stress on ion accumulation and on the photosynthetic activity of a new energy plant, phalaris arundinacea cultivars

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) is a good candidate for bioenergy production in Northern and Middle Europe. The crop is well-adapted to cold and drought stress but its resistance to high salinity has not been revealed in details. In this study the effects of 75 and 150 mM NaCl treatments were investigated on the ion accumulation, water potential changes and photosynthetic activity of three Romanian reed canarygrass genotypes, Tardin, Romanesti diverse and Timpuriu. Since cv. Tardin was able to maintain high K+ level and relatively low Na+ concentration in leaf tissues, high stomatal conductance and net CO2 fixation rate under salt stress and as it could maintain the water potential of tissues at control level, this genotype can be defined as salt tolerant. Salt stress induced significant Na+ accumulation, very low K /Na+ ratio, and severe reduction in stomatal conductance and photosynthetic activity in the leaf tissues of Timpuriu cultivar, which proved to be sensitive to high salinity

Quality Performances of Sweet Pepper under Farming Management

Conventional management of sweet pepper is based on farming practices characterized by the use of chemicals with harmful environmental impact. In order to investigate innovative production, research was carried out in order to assess the effects of two pepper cultivars ('Brillant' and 'Yolo Wonder') in combination with four farming systems (Conventional control-C; Conventional with microorganism-enriched fertilization-CMF; Organic control-O; Organic with microorganism-enriched fertilization-OMF) on plant physiological parameters, yield and fruit quality. Conventionally grown plants showed higher values of assimilatory pigments and of photosynthetic rate compared to the Organically ones. The CMF resulted in the highest early and total yield, followed by the OMF, due to higher fruit number. Higher values of carotenoids, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol were recorded in 'Yolo Wonder' red fruits compared to 'Brillant' yellow berries. The highest total polyphenols concentration was recorded under the CMF, whereas OMF resulted in the highest flavonoids concentration and antioxidant activity