Citrus Flavonones into nanotechnology-based formulations to skin treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Flavonones show potential application in the treatment of skin disorders, whose performance may be improved by using lipid and polymeric nanocarriers. In this review, a recent approach regarding nanocarriers containing either naringin, naringenin, hesperidin or hesperitin for skin application are discussed. Method: This review approaches the publications from the last 6 years about nanosystems containing Citrus flavonones for cutaneous applications. The articles were selected by searching in Scopus database for nanosystem containing either hesperidin, hesperitin, naringin or naringenin for cutaneous application, research articles written in English and published between 2018 and 2023, and reporting about skin penetration or biological evaluation. Results: Majority of reports employed lipid systems as nanocarriers. Naringenin was the most used flavonone. In relation to skin benefits, improved wound healing, atopic dermatitis treatment and stress oxidative-related diseases are highlighted. Despite the probable benefits, the development of plant-based nanomedicines is complex, which imposes limitations on the development of new pharmaceutical products. Further, the potential of flavonoids in the treatment of skin cancer has been shown. Conclusions: Lipid, polymeric and nanohybrid carriers are employed to deliver flavanones. Due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, flavanones bear potential applications in the treatment of different skin disorders. Therefore, there is a promising application of flavanones to the improvement of human health, mainly with their loading into nanocarriers.