Cosmetic Value Research Articles

The Role of Variety-Seeking Buying Behavior in Shaping Hedonic and Utilitarian Value in Cosmetics

In recent years, cosmetics are inevitably the primary needs of everyone, especially women. Cosmetics are basically used to enhance beauty, alter attractiveness and not to mention, boost confidence and get better treatment in social interactions. Women try different cosmetic products to see which ones give a better modification to their facial appearance. Several factors were taken into consideration by women in buying cosmetic products, followed by their motivations behind their purchase decision. This quantitative study examines how satisfaction in cosmetics shopping can be attained through Effects on the hedonic and useful value of purchasing behavior in the search for variety. The data collection method used a non-probabilistic sampling technique with a sampling method, according to its convenience. The study of the Structural Equations Model was carried out using the Smart PLS 3.0, carried out on 100 surveyed women who bought cosmetics. According to this study, the purchasing behavior to search for the variety has significant effects on both hedonic value and availability. According to the result, the purchasing behavior in search of the variety has a positive impact on the hedonic value. In addition, a negative relationship is observed between purchasing behavior and useful value for the search for the variety. The results also showed that hedonic and useful values have a significantly positive impact influence on satisfaction.

The potential therapeutic value of terpenes

Terpenes form part of a huge and diverse class of naturally occurring and volatile secondary metabolites produced by many plants, fruits, animals, insects, and other organisms. They are the largest group of naturally occurring metabolites, with over 55,000 types of terpenes produced by plants alone, primarily as essential oils. In humans, they contain significant biological properties such as antifungal, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antihyperglycemic, anti-cancer, and analgesic agents. In plants, terpenes also play significant roles in defensive mechanisms against herbivores and invasive plants, disease resistance, chemical signaling and communication between plants, protection against photo-oxidation, plant-environment mediation, thermo-protection, and the attraction of pollinators. In addition, terpenes are responsible for a plant’s scent, taste, flavor, and pigmentation, leading to their commercial use as fragrances and food dyes. Terpenes are also used in the production of synthetic polymers, natural rubbers (polyisoprene), organic solvents, varnishes, inks, adhesives, cleaning products, biofuels, pesticides, and food and drink products. For these reasons, terpenes have significant value in modern medicine, pharmacy, nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and other industries.

Green Extraction of Polyphenols from Elaeagnus angustifolia L. Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents and Evaluation of Bioactivity.

In the study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were used as alternatives to traditional chemical solvents for the extraction of polyphenols from Elaeagnus angustifolia L. Nine NADESs were tested for the first time and compared with ethanol and water (traditional solvents) regarding the extraction of phenolic compounds from E. angustifolia L. These solvents were particularly effective at extracting polyphenols, whose low water solubility usually requires high amounts of organic solvents. The solvent based on choline chloride and malonic acid provided optimal results and was selected for further optimization. The effects of material-to-liquid ratio, ultrasound time, and ultrasound temperature on the extraction efficiency were studied through single-factor experiments. These parameters were optimized by Box-Behnken design using response surface methodology. The optimal conditions identified were 49.86 g/mL of material-to-liquid ratio, 31.10 min of ultrasound time, and 62.35 °C of ultrasound temperature, resulting in a high yield of 140.30 ± 0.19 mg/g. The results indicated that the NADES extraction technique provided a higher yield than the conventional extraction process. The antioxidant activity of the extract of polyphenols from E. angustifolia L. was determined, and UPLC-IMS-QTOF-MS was used to analyze the phenolic compounds in it. The results revealed that the scavenging ability of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) extracted by NADES was higher than that of polyphenols extracted by water and ethanol. Furthermore, a total of 24 phenolic compounds were identified in the extract. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which a green and efficient NADES extraction method has been used to extract bioactive polyphenols from E. angustifolia L., which could provide potential value in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food additives.

Bilateral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction with Unilateral Radiotherapy: A Matched Cohort Study Comparing Nipple-sparing Mastectomy and Skin-sparing Mastectomy.

Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) preserves the natural nipple-areola complex and entire native breast skin, with the goal of better cosmetic outcomes in breast reconstruction. In bilateral TE/implant-based reconstruction requiring unilateral postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), progressive radiation-induced fibrosis can lead to increasing nipple asymmetry with cosmetic dissatisfaction. Thus, PMRT may ultimately negate the intended positive cosmetic value of NSM compared with skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM). This study compares (1) surgical complications, (2) patient satisfaction, and (3) aesthetic outcomes between NSM versus SSM in bilateral implant-based reconstruction with unilateral PMRT. This retrospective matched cohort study included consecutive NSM patients with bilateral TE/implant breast reconstruction + unilateral PMRT matched 1:2 to SSM group. Patients completed PMRT and TE exchange to implants. Demographics, oncologic stage, comorbidities, and complications were collected. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by BREAST-Q. Aesthetic outcomes were assessed by blinded reviewers with a five-point Likert scale. Among 58 patients who underwent bilateral TE/implant reconstruction with unilateral PMRT, 17 NSM patients were matched to 41 SSM patients by age, body mass index, and comorbidities. No significant differences existed in overall surgical complications and individual BREAST-Q questionnaire scores between cohorts. However, aesthetic outcomes scores were higher in SSM compared with NSM. Although NSM is generally associated with superior cosmetic outcomes compared with SSM, it has far less impact in bilateral implant-based breast reconstruction with unilateral PMRT due to the negative postradiotherapy effect on nipple symmetry.

The Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Moisturizing Effects of Camellia oleifera Oil and Its Potential Applications.

Camellia oleifera oil (CO oil) extracted from C. oleifera seeds has a 2300-year consumption history in China. However, there is relatively little research regarding its non-edible uses. This study determined the physicochemical properties of CO oil extracted via direct pressing, identified its main components using GC-MS, and evaluated its antioxidant, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory activities. The results revealed that CO oil's acid, peroxide, iodine, and saponification values were 1.06 ± 0.031 mg/g, 0.24 ± 0.01 g/100 g, 65.14 ± 8.22 g/100 g, and 180.41 ± 5.60 mg/g, respectively. CO oil's tocopherol, polyphenol, and squalene contents were 82.21 ± 9.07 mg/kg, 181.37 ± 3.76 mg/kg, and 53.39 ± 6.58 mg/kg, respectively; its unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) content was 87.44%, and its saturated fatty acid (SFA) content was 12.56%. CO oil also demonstrated excellent moisture retention properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and certain free radical scavenging. A highly stable CO oil emulsion with competent microbiological detection was developed using formulation optimization. Using CO oil in the emulsion significantly improved the formulation's antioxidant and moisturizing properties compared with those of the emulsion formulation that did not include CO oil. The prepared emulsion was not cytotoxic to cells and could reduce cells' NO content; therefore, it may have potential nutritional value in medicine and cosmetics.

Effect of Perceived Value of Bio Cosmetics on Trust and Repurchase Intention

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the factors of perceived consumption value of bio cosmetics and to examine how the consumption value of bio cosmetics affects trust and repurchase intention through empirical analysis. Methods: Adults in their 20s or older living in the Seoul metropolitan area were set as a sample group, and a survey was conducted for 2 weeks from the 1st week to the 2nd week of March 2022. Excluding insincere responses, only 236 valid data were used for the final analysis. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SPSS 27.0 and SPSS Macro 3.4. This involved assessing the validity and reliability of the measurement tools, examining correlations, and performing multiple regression analysis and bootstrapping for hypothesis testing. Results: First, among the consumption values of bio cosmetics, functional value, social value, and emotional value were found to have a significant positive (+) effect on trust. Second, trust in bio cosmetics was found to have a significant positive (+) effect on repurchase intention. Third, it was found that functional value, social value, and emotional value, which are factors of consumption value of bio cosmetics, had a significant positive (+) effect on repurchase intention. Fourth, the mediating effect of trust was confirmed in the relationship between the consumption value of bio cosmetics and the intention to repurchase. Conclusion: The results of this study will be meaningful in that it empirically examines the influence relationship between consumption value and repurchase intention for bio cosmetics and examines the mediating effect of trust. It will have great implications for the bio-cosmetics industry preparing for the post-corona era.

Maximizing Polysaccharides and Phycoerythrin in Porphyridium purpureum via the Addition of Exogenous Compounds: A Response-Surface-Methodology Approach.

Phycoerythrin and polysaccharides have significant commercial value in medicine, cosmetics, and food industries due to their excellent bioactive functions. To maximize the production of biomass, phycoerythrin, and polysaccharides in Porphyridium purpureum, culture media were supplemented with calcium gluconate (CG), magnesium gluconate (MG) and polypeptides (BT), and their optimal amounts were determined using the response surface methodology (RSM) based on three single-factor experiments. The optimal concentrations of CG, MG, and BT were determined to be 4, 12, and 2 g L-1, respectively. The RSM-based models indicated that biomass and phycoerythrin production were significantly affected only by MG and BT, respectively. However, polysaccharide production was significantly affected by the interactions between CG and BT and those between MG and BT, with no significant effect from BT alone. Using the optimized culture conditions, the maximum biomass (5.97 g L-1), phycoerythrin (102.95 mg L-1), and polysaccharide (1.42 g L-1) concentrations met and even surpassed the model-predicted maximums. After optimization, biomass, phycoerythrin, and polysaccharides concentrations increased by 132.3%, 27.97%, and 136.67%, respectively, compared to the control. Overall, this study establishes a strong foundation for the highly efficient production of phycoerythrin and polysaccharides using P. purpureum.

Optimization of Antioxidant Activity of Compounds Generated during Ginseng Extract Fermentation Supplemented with Lactobacillus.

Ginseng holds high medicinal and cosmetic value, with stem and leaf extracts garnering attention for their abundant bioactive ingredients. Meanwhile, fermentation can enhance the effectiveness of cosmetics. The aim of this study was to optimize ginseng fermentation to produce functional cosmetics. Ginseng stem and leaf extracts were fermented with five different strains of lactic acid bacteria. Using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (·OH), and superoxide anion (O2·-) scavenging activities as indicators, the fermentation process was optimized via response surface methodology. Finally, validation of the antioxidant activity of the optimized fermentation broth was performed using human skin cells (HaCaT and BJ cells). Based on the antioxidant potency composite comprehensive index, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1.140 was selected, and the optimized parameters were a fermentation time of 35.50 h, an inoculum size of 2.45%, and a temperature of 28.20 °C. Optimized fermentation boosted antioxidant activity: DPPH scavenging activity increased by 25.00%, ·OH by 94.00%, and O2·- by 73.00%. Only the rare ginsenoside Rg5 showed a substantial rise in content among the 11 ginsenosides examined after fermentation. Furthermore, the flavonoid content and ·OH scavenging activity were significantly negatively correlated (r = -1.00, p < 0.05), while the Rh1 content and O2·- scavenging activity were significantly positively correlated (r = 0.998, p < 0.05). Both the 0.06% (v/v) and 0.25% (v/v) concentrations of the optimized broth significantly promoted cell proliferation, and notable protective effects against oxidative damage were observed in HaCaT cells when the broth was at 0.06%. Collectively, we demonstrated that ginseng fermentation extract effectively eliminates free radicals, preventing and repairing cellular oxidative damage. This study has identified new options for the use of fermented ginseng in functional cosmetics.

Reviewing Outcomes and Complications with the Use of Mesh in Breast Reduction Surgery.

Reduction mammoplasty is a common reconstructive and esthetic procedure with variable long-term outcomes regarding breast shape, projection, and nipple-areolar complex. One common complaint is recurrent breast ptosis, which may be mitigated by sufficient support of the inferior pole. This review will look at the effects of mesh in mitigating postoperative ptosis following reduction mammoplasty. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed using the PubMed database. Manuscripts that provided data with respect to the effects of mesh on cosmetic outcomes, patient-reported outcomes, complications, and surveillance were utilized. Six studies with a total of 634 patients were included in this review. There is limited evidence to support a cosmetic benefit with the use of mesh in reduction mammoplasty patients. While subjective satisfaction was demonstrated in one paper, few others had objective measurements of the impact of mesh. Complications included infection, skin necrosis, and loss of nipple sensation. Mammography was found to not be affected by mesh placement. The use of mesh during reduction mammoplasty is a relatively modern innovation that does not appear to have a significantly different risk profile than that of traditional reduction procedures. There is limited cosmetic value based on currently available data. More objective future analysis is necessary in order to justify the use of mesh in reduction mammoplasty for its claimed cosmetic benefits. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine Ratings, please refer to Table of Contents or online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Engineering of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate-3-hydroxylase from Escherichia coli for efficient biosynthesis of piceatannol

Piceatannol, a catechol compound, exhibits various health benefits, with great application value in food, medicine, and cosmetics. However, the low natural abundance of piceatannol limits its cost-effective isolation, and chemical synthesis is difficult. Here, we report an efficient biocatalytic system for the production of piceatannol from resveratrol. Structure-based semi-rational engineering was used to generate HpaBCG209F, a novel HpaBC mutant of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate-3-hydroxylase from Escherichia coli. Biocatalytic activity assays revealed that HpaBCG209F exhibits 3.12 times higher activity toward resveratrol than wild-type HpaBC. We also introduced formic acid dehydrogenase (FDH) as an NADH-regeneration system for HpaBCG209F to support piceatannol production. Co-expression of HpaBCG209F and FDH in E. coli BL21(DE3) enabled the generation of 8.23 mM piceatannol from 10.2 mM resveratrol within 9.5 h under optimized conditions, representing an 80.6% molar conversion ratio. This study therefore successfully developed a highly active HpaBC variant for hydroxylating resveratrol to piceatannol, as well as demonstrated a promising biopathway for piceatannol production.

Polyether-Ether-Ketone (PEEK) and Its 3D-Printed Quantitate Assessment in Cranial Reconstruction.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, medical imaging, and implant design have all advanced significantly in recent years, and these developments may change how modern craniomaxillofacial surgeons use patient data to create tailored treatments. Polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) is often seen as an attractive option over metal biomaterials in medical uses, but a solid PEEK implant often leads to poor osseointegration and clinical failure. Therefore, the objective of this study is to demonstrate the quantitative assessment of a custom porous PEEK implant for cranial reconstruction and to evaluate its fitting accuracy. The research proposes an efficient process for designing, fabricating, simulating, and inspecting a customized porous PEEK implant. In this study, a CT scan is utilized in conjunction with a mirrored reconstruction technique to produce a skull implant. In order to foster cell proliferation, the implant is modified into a porous structure. The implant's strength and stability are examined using finite element analysis. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is utilized to fabricate the porous PEEK implants, and 3D scanning is used to test its fitting accuracy. The results of the biomechanical analysis indicate that the highest stress observed was approximately 61.92 MPa, which is comparatively low when compared with the yield strength and tensile strength of the material. The implant fitting analysis demonstrates that the implant's variance from the normal skull is less than 0.4436 mm, which is rather low given the delicate anatomy of the area. The results of the study demonstrate the implant's endurance while also increasing the patient's cosmetic value.

Olea europea and By-Products: Extraction Methods and Cosmetic Applications

Currently, in addition to the use of olive oil in cosmetics, the use of olive-derived bioactives and their incorporation into cosmetics is a growing trend. The olive oil industry produces vast quantities of by-products, such as olive mill wastewater, olive pomace and leaves from which new ingredients may be obtained for cosmetic use. In this way, by-products are revalorized, which contributes to the implementation of a sustainable economy or upcycling. This review intends to provide a detailed overview of the different extraction techniques reported in order to obtain the bioactive compounds of cosmetic value that can be found in olive by-products: fatty acids, tocopherols, polyphenols, phytosterols and squalene. Different extraction techniques are presented, including some traditional techniques (solid–liquid extraction) and more novel or “greener” ones: ultrasound, microwave, supercritical extraction, pressurized fluids and deep eutectic solvents. Additionally, different applications of olive by-products in skin care products are explored: emollient, antioxidant, anti-age, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial, and the perspective of consumers is also considered since they increasingly demand products formulated with natural ingredients.

Dermocosmetics in management of cancer-related skin toxicities: International expert consensus.

e24115 Background: Skin toxicities – one of the most frequent adverse events associated with cancer therapies – can occur with all types of cancer therapeutic interventions. New side effects emerge as new oncology drugs are approved (eg, targeted therapies, immunotherapies), which are associated with a negative impact on quality of life, oncologic treatment dose reductions and/or treatment discontinuation. From a pathophysiologic point of view, skin toxicities during cancer treatment result mostly from alterations in skin barrier function, inflammation, altered immune responses, and phototoxicity. Minimizing alterations in skin barrier function and photoprotection facilitate prevention and management of adverse events to optimize treatment outcomes. Methods: In partnership with the Association Francophone des Soins Oncologiques de Support (AFSOS) and Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), a group of international experts (dermatologists, oncologist, radiation oncologist, oncology nurse) involved in management of cancer patients performed a literature review and a consensus meeting to discuss the role of dermocosmetics to prevent or manage skin adverse events induced by oncology treatments. Dermocosmetics, or cosmeceuticals, include a range of products that can have both therapeutic and cosmetic value. These products help support and maintain the epidermal skin barrier and cutaneous microbiome. Some have been formulated for skin that is fragile, pathological, and sensitive. Results: General recommendations: 1) skin care should be implemented at initiation of therapy for drugs associated with skin toxicities, since prevention is a crucial aspect of management. 2) Skin hydration relieves symptoms and reduces exacerbations of xerosis. 3) Cleansers should have a pH close to 5, while basic and neutral pH cleansers should be avoided. 4) Urea, particularly in the case of some oncology treatments leading to hand foot syndrome, is important due to its exfoliating and hydrating actions. Urea should be avoided with irritated skin. The group also developed recommendations for the management of specific skin toxicities. Conclusions: Emerging evidence is providing support for the beneficial impact of dermocosmetics in management of treatment-related skin toxicities.

Enrichment of Argan [Argania spinosa (L.) Skeels] Oil with Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Stigma Powder and Induced Changes in Oil Quality Attributes

Argan oil (AO) is a globally reputed vegetable oil thanks to its nutritional and cosmetic value. AO oxidation induces changes that result in a low quality. In this research, we aimed at fortifying AO using saffron stigmas powder (SSP) and assessing its quality. Dried and grounded saffron stigmas were added to AO at three different concentrations (0.2, 0.5, and 1%). All enriched AOs were stored for six consecutive months under two conditions, namely, light and darkness. Quality indices including free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and specific extinction coefficients K232 and K270 as well as profiling of fatty acids, sterols, and tocopherols were monitored on a monthly basis. Our outcomes reveal that the addition of SSP improved AO oxidation parameters by significantly decreasing ( p &lt; 0.05 ) FFA, PV, K232, and K270 of enriched AO (EAO) as compared to unenriched AO (UAO) especially when AO samples are stored in darkness. Such decrease of oxidation parameters was SSP dose-dependent as a general trend. However, AO enrichment did not induce significant changes ( p &lt; 0.05 ) in fatty acid and sterol profiles. Furthermore, the quality parameter values of EAO and UAO did not exceed the limits set by the Moroccan standard throughout the storage period. Sensory analysis results indicate that EAO showed a low rancidity but high scores of saffron smell, flavor, and color as compared to UAO especially with SSP 1%. In conclusion, AO enrichment using SSP could be used to improve AO oxidative stability and its nutritional value.

D134. Comparison of Nipple-sparing Mastectomy versus Skin-sparing Mastectomy in Bilateral Implant-based Breast Reconstruction with Unilateral Radiotherapy: A Matched Cohort Study

PURPOSE: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) preserves natural nipple-areola complex and entire native breast skin with a goal of better cosmetic outcomes in breast reconstruction. In bilateral tissue expander (TE)/implant-based reconstruction requiring unilateral post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT), progressive radiation-induced fibrosis can lead to increasing nipple asymmetry with cosmetic dissatisfaction. Thus, PMRT may ultimately negate the intended positive cosmetic value of NSM compared to skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM). This study compares, 1) surgical complications, 2) patient satisfaction, and 3) aesthetic outcomes between NSM vs. SSM in bilateral implant-based reconstruction with unilateral PMRT. METHOD: This retrospective matched cohort study included consecutive NSM patients with TE/implant breast reconstruction + unilateral PMRT matched 1:2 to SSM group. All patients completed PMRT and TE exchange to implants. Demographics, oncologic stage, co-morbidities, and complication data were collected. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by BREAST-Q. Aesthetic outcome was assessed by blinded reviewers with a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Among 58 patients who underwent bilateral TE/implant reconstruction with unilateral PMRT, 17 NSM patients were matched to 41 SSM patients by age, BMI, and co-morbidities. No significant difference existed between overall surgical complications (p=0.2) and BREAST-Q questionnaire scores. The average adverse effects of radiation score was higher in the NSM. Preliminary aesthetic outcomes demonstrated higher total average aesthetic score in SSM compared to NSM. CONCLUSION: Although NSM is generally associated with better cosmetic outcome compared to SSM, it has far less impact in bilateral implant-based breast reconstruction with unilateral PMRT. This may be related to the additional negative post-radiotherapy impact on nipple asymmetry.

Systematic modulating carbon metabolism to improve α-farnesene production in Pichia pastoris

α-farnesene, a simple acyclic sesquiterpenes, has significant economic value in medicine, condiments, cosmetics and bioenergy. In this study, we increased α-farnesene production through modifying three module pathways: the main MVA biosynthesis module, the farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP) branch module and the cytosolic acetyl-CoA supply module. To do these, the appropriate promoters were used to control the expression level of the key enzymes to strengthen the main MVA biosynthesis module and the cytosolic acetyl-CoA supply module as well as to weaken FPP branch module in P. pastoris X33 with expression of α-farnesene synthase (αFS) from Malus domestica. As a result, a α-farnesene high-producing strain P. pastoris XF22 was obtained, which produced 17.92 ± 1.35 g/L of α-farnesene with a productivity of 0.107 g/(L·h) and a yield of 0.078 g/(g glucose) after 168 h in fed-batch fermentation. Although the titer of α-farnesene is not the highest, the productivity and the yield in this study are the highest among the reported literatures, demonstrating that strain XF22 is a competitive platform strain for α-farnesene production.

DFT study of molecular interaction between Menthol and Myristic Acid

Menthol is used to treat minor aches and pains of the joints and muscles, whereas Myristic Acid is a surfactant, emulsifier and cleansing agent and plays various roles in the cosmetic industry, even as a lubricant. Considering their extensive pharmaceutical usage and cosmetic value, the molecular interaction between Menthol and Myristic Acid is investigated in our current work. Density Functional Theory at B3LYP/6–311 + G (d, p) basis state is employed to study the interacting mechanisms of the two compounds. The occurrence of a charge transfer path between Menthol and Myristic Acid is confirmed by second-order delocalization energies E(2) using the natural bond orbital (NBO) study. The atom in molecule (AIM) study is performed using Multiwfn Software. Thefrontier molecular orbitals(FMOs) and molecularelectrostatic potential(MEP) of the complex were analyzed by theoretical calculations. The detailed analysis of the vibrational spectra has been carried out using the Vibrational Energy Distribution Analysis (VEDA) program. The theoretical and experimental FTIR vibrational spectra are compared and found in good correlation. Molecular docking analysis of the complex with the protein receptor 5KF4 PDB ID has been performed using Autodock tool and binding energy is −4.07 kcal/mol.

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS ON DRAVYA OF MUKHALEPA: A LITERARY REVIEW

Skin is the body's largest organ and has excellent cosmetic value. It is one of the five gyanendriya (sense organs). i.e., sparsha gyan (touch sensation) gets from it. So, it has immense importance for an individual's physical and mental well-being. It is most vulnerable to diseases as it exposes to the external environment. There are many reasons behind skin problems; the most striking is today’s busy and stressful life. Skin disorders affect all ages, from neonates to elderly persons. Ayurveda has explained vast descriptions of lepa kalpana, of various skin diseases and beauty. The medicines in the form of a paste used for external applications are called lepas. Ayurveda has explained a lot of things which are unique concepts about beauty and also an effective and cheaper, long-lasting therapy without any side effects. Mukha lepa (face pack) is a concept in which a thick and consistent paste is applied on the face to treat acne, pimples, scars, marks and pigments in Ayurveda Mukha lepa is simply effective skin care treatment mainly for the nourishment of skin and also aids in skin cleansing and make it soft and transparent. Mukha lepa also helps to increase the skin's elasticity and thereby prevents skin ageing, avoids wrinkles on the face and gives a good elasticity and tone. The primary purpose of this article is to provide details about the lepa kalpana from Ayurveda, which offers more benefits to the skin for complexion and skin ailments.

Update on Major Active Constituents, Medicinal Values, and other Uses of Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a well-known medicinal plant belonging to the Liliaceae family. The plant has been used for medicinal purposes by different countries and in several cultures. There is a broad list of the therapeutic claims of different parts of Aloe vera due to its pharmacological activities which are employed in traditional management of diverse veterinary and human diseases. The plant leaves contain numerous minerals, enzymes, amino acids, natural sugars, and other bioactive compounds with emollient, purgative, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-helminthic, antifungal, antiseptic, and cosmetic values for health care. Aloe vera may also be used in food supplements, is a flavoring agent in food products, and helps to balance metabolism.

Assessment of genetic diversity among wild rose in Morocco using ISSR and DAMD markers

BackgroundMorocco is considered one of the main biodiversity hotspots in the Mediterranean region and contains various plant species including wild and domestic Rosa. This genus is the most important among cultivated ornamental plants in the world, with a high economic value in cosmetics, pharmaceutical industries, and floriculture. In the present study, genetic diversity among the collected accessions of wild Rosa species in Morocco was assessed using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and Directed Amplification of Minisatellites DNA (DAMD) markers. ResultsResults confirmed that both markers used have a good efficiency to assess genetic diversity in wild roses. Ten ISSR and eight DAMD primers amplified 276 and 203 loci, with an average of 27.4 and 25 polymorphic alleles per primer, respectively. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values were 0.34 with ISSR and 0.31 with DAMD. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that genetic variation in wild rose occurs mainly within populations (86%) rather than between populations (14%). The region of Azrou (Middle Atlas of Morocco) is the area that registered the highest genetic diversity in the present study with He = 0.21. The 39 rose accessions were divided into three main groups with among-group similarity of 30%. Principal component analysis and the hierarchical classification were consistent with genetic relationships derived by structure analysis. ConclusionThe findings revealed that the patterns of grouping are weakly correlated with geographical origin. ISSR and DAMD markers showed that the accessions have a good genetic diversity.