Abstract
Cassia fistula, a flowering plant in the family of Caesalpinaceae (Fabaceae), is used in traditional medicine for several indications. Nevertheless, too little is known about its effects on skin conditions and skin aging. Therefore, in this pioneering study, the extracts of oil-in-water macro-emulsions containing 5% C. fistula (L.) crude pods (i.e., phyto-active formulation) were optimally developed and compared to the placebo (i.e., emulsions without the crude extract) for assessment of their effects on human skin aging. Healthy adult male volunteers (n = 13) with a mean age of 31 ± 5.5 years (range: 24–47 years) were enrolled after informed written consent. For 12 consecutive weeks, the subjects were directed to use a patch containing the active emulsion on one of their forearms as well as a patch containing the placebo on their other forearm. Biometrological measurements of skin hydration (SH) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were performed on both sides of their respective cheeks at time 0 (baseline values), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12th weeks. Surface evaluation of living skin (SELS) was taken at time 0 (baseline values) or after 1, 2 and 3 months. Topical application of C. fistula extracts showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in stratum corneum hydration level, a significant enhancement in its water-holding function as well as in its barrier function. Further, significant (p < 0.005) ameliorations of skin aspects were observed (i.e., less roughness, less dryness, less wrinkles). Taken together, our results strongly suggest therapeutic and esthetic potential of C. fistula pod’s extracts to prevent or delay human skin aging.
Highlights
The constant search for bioactive plant extracts and the identification of their major bioactive phytochemicals, especially the more efficient and less toxic ones compared to conventional drugs, are undeniably valuable for both the traditional/folk and contemporary/alternative medicine
We have shown that C. fistula extracts, which were rich in certain polyphenols, exhibited good potential to treat the skin of adult Asian patients with melasma (n = 50) compared to placebo, due to its capacity to significantly decrease the tyrosine activity-mediated melanin level [5]
Our present study aimed to develop a stable macro-emulsion loaded with 5% C. fistula pod extract which could serve as a novel carrier system to further improve C. fistula’s potential effects on skin aging
Summary
The constant search for bioactive plant extracts and the identification of their major bioactive phytochemicals, especially the more efficient and less toxic ones compared to conventional drugs, are undeniably valuable for both the traditional/folk and contemporary/alternative medicine. Recent advances in biotechnology have demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating plant extracts or derived-pure phytochemicals into various types of carriers (e.g., emulsions aka colloids or polymers in dispersed systems, other biocompatible and biodegradable polymers) in order to target the damaged tissue while enhancing their systemic bioavailability and reducing their cytotoxicity [11,12,13]. The administration route represents an important parameter to take into consideration, and topical/local application of phyto-agents is rather suitable in skin aging prevention and skin therapy (e.g., ultraviolet (UV) protection and bio-damages repair) because this route allows reducing the efficacy dose and, subsequently, the overall systemic and organic toxicity [1,2,3,11,12,13]. Emulsions are frequently employed to establish new pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations for either topical (e.g., skin applications), oral administration, or sometimes injection [6,7,14,15,16,19,20]
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