Abstract
Balsam poplar buds are a raw material with a high content of polyphenols. Various polyphenols are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, an aqueous extract of balsam poplar buds was prepared in order to use environmentally friendly and non-aggressive solvents. The aqueous extract was lyophilized, and a 1% aqueous solution of lyophilized balsam poplar buds extract (L1) was prepared. L1 solution was used as a source of polyphenols for the production of ophthalmic in situ gels, so as to develop a product featuring antioxidant properties. Poloxamer 407 (P407) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were selected as gelling agents for the in situ gels. In order to select the formulations with the best conditions of use, formulations of different polymer concentrations (P407—10%, 12%, 15%; HPMC—0.5%, 0.75%) were prepared, choosing the same amount of the active polyphenol source L1. The physicochemical properties, rheological parameters, stability, and irritant effect on the rabbit corneal cell line (SIRC) were evaluated. Formulations in which P407 and HMPC concentrations were 10/0.75% and 12%/0.75% reached a gelation point close to the ocular surface temperature; the gels remained stable for 30 days and did not cause an irritant effect on the SIRC cell line.
Highlights
Eyes are the most important sensory organ, through which we get 80% of all information [1]
The experimental formulations were intended for the eyes; we evaluated the effects of short-term exposure of the SIRC cell line to the experimental in situ gel formulations G1–G6 and the balsam poplar buds extracts lyophilized 1% solution (L1) and L2, using the MTT
The results of our research showed that the extract of Populus balsamifera buds is rich in polyphenols, of which p-coumaric acid predominates
Summary
Eyes are the most important sensory organ, through which we get 80% of all information [1]. The number of persons who have moderate and severe eye disorders is constantly growing. With the increasing popularity of natural aids, the demand for natural ophthalmic preparations is growing as well, but the use of natural materials in ophthalmology should be based on scientific research [3,4]. The data from scientific research show that rational nutrition and consumption of fruit and vegetables help to preserve vision and even reverse vision disorders [4,5]. That positive effect is associated with the presence of some phytochemicals, which have bioactive properties, such as polyphenols and carotenoids [5]. Polyphenols can diminish the frequency of diseases—
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