Abstract
The main function of the skin is to protect the body from the external environment. However, the skin can undergo inflammatory processes, due to genetic, hormonal, or environmental factors. When the defense system is overloaded, there is an increase in pro-inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in skin disorders. Among the substances used to treat these inflammatory processes, many natural substances with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are being studied: nature is yet an abundant source to obtain diverse pharmacological actives. The treatment of skin diseases is usually focused on topical application, as it reduces the risk of systemic side effects and prevents drug degradation by first-pass metabolism. Thus, the properties of drug delivery vehicles can facilitate or inhibit its permeation. Due to the hydrophobic nature of the skin, a promising strategy to improve dermal drug penetration is the use of lipid-based nanoparticles, such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). Therefore, in this review, we present NLC as a tool to improve dermal administration of natural substances with anti-inflammatory properties.
Highlights
The first barrier for the entrance of substances into our body is the skin
The treatment of skin diseases is mostly made by topical application since it (i) reduces the risk of systemic side effects, (ii) the drug remains concentrated in the targeted tissue, and (iii) it does not pass through the first-pass metabolism
Those extracted from natural sources stand out because of their effectiveness and low cost, in addition to patient compliance in the use of natural products
Summary
The first barrier for the entrance of substances into our body is the skin. It is considered the first line of defense while being the largest organ of the body. The treatment of skin diseases is mostly made by topical application since it (i) reduces the risk of systemic side effects, (ii) the drug remains concentrated in the targeted tissue, and (iii) it does not pass through the first-pass metabolism. Nanomaterials are frequently classified as organic and inorganic These nanomaterials are combined to obtain improved formulation for targeted drug delivery. Despite the type of material, there are general advantages regarding the nanoencapsulation of substances: (i) protection against degradation, (ii) avoidance of reticuloendothelial system activation, (iii) enhancement of bioavailability and circulation time, (iv) targeted delivery, and (v) drug solubility improvement, among others [29]. In this review, we present NLC as a tool to improve the topical application of natural substances with anti-inflammatory properties for the treatment of skin diseases
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