Sun Protection Properties Research Articles

Inula salicina L.: Insights into Its Polyphenolic Constituents and Biological Activity.

In this study, UHPLC-HRMS analysis of the defatted methanol extract obtained from Inula salicina L. led to the identification of 58 compounds-hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acids and their glycosides, acylquinic and caffeoylhexaric acids, and flavonoids and their glycosides. In addition, a new natural compound, N-(8-methylnepetin)-3-hydroxypiperidin-2-one was isolated and its structure was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy. The presence of a flavoalkaloid in genus Inula is described now for the first time. Chlorogenic acid was the main compound followed by 3,5-, 1,5- and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acids. The methanol extract was studied for its antioxidant potential by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays and sun protective properties. In addition, a study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the tested extract in inhibiting biofilm formation by Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Results from crystal violet tests revealed a notable decrease in biofilm mass due to the extract. The anti-biofilm efficacy was confirmed through the observation of the biofilm viability by live/dead staining. The obtained results showed that this plant extract could be used in the development of cosmetic products with antibacterial and sun protection properties.

EXPLORING THE PHOTOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF CALENDULA OFFICINALIS L. ESSENTIAL OIL IN SKINCARE

The study investigated the potential of Calendula officinalis L. essential oil in skincare formulations with sun protection properties. A comprehensive methodology encompassed extraction, characterization, formulation, and evaluation of the oil’s efficacy. Physicochemical parameters assessment indicated favorable results, with GC-MS analysis identifying twenty-two compounds, notably 1,8 cineole and α-pinene, with antioxidant properties suggesting UVB protection. Formulation of stable oil-in-water creams containing 1-5% Calendula oil exhibited no phase separation and maintained viscosity, highlighting robust physical stability. In vitro SPF testing demonstrated significant sun protection activity, particularly in formulations with higher oil concentrations. The study supports Calendula-based formulations as promising natural alternatives for sun protection in cosmetics, offering a sustainable approach without synthetic additives.

Thermosensitive ZnO-PMMA/PEG microgels: A smart sunscreen with adapting SPF to ambient temperature fluctuations

Increasing awareness of the importance of ultraviolet protection has led to the development and utilization of sunscreen products. The sun protection factor (SPF) value of traditional sunscreens is fixed and cannot be flexibly adapted to changing environmental requirements. Herein, we fabricate a series of thermosensitive ZnO-poly (methyl methacrylate)/nonlinear poly(ethylene glycol) (PMMA/PEG) core-shell microgel with different monomer ratios. The PMMA core particle is designed to immobilize ZnO nanoparticles for achieving high loading capacity, and the hydrophilic nonlinear PEG gel shell possesses good biocompatibility and provides adjustable SPF value in response to different environmental conditions. The prepared microgels are monodisperse spherical with a well-defined core-shell morphology. The shell thickness of the microgels can be easily controlled by changing the feeding ratios of shell precursors. The optimized ZnO-PMMA/PEG microgels display significant sun protection properties at a concentration of 10 wt% (SPF 45 ± 5.9, 20 °C) and enhanced UV resistance performance as the temperature increases (SPF 53.1 ± 1.1, 37 °C). Both cell and mouse experiments confirmed the limited skin penetration potential of the microgels and their good compatibility with biological systems. This developed ZnO-PMMA/PEG microgels exhibit promising application potential in intelligent sunscreen technology.

Bougenville Flower (Bougainvillae spectabilis Willd) Extract (In Vitro) Activity Test as Sunscreen

A research has been conducted on the Sunscreen Activity Test of Bougainvillae spectabilis Willd (Bougainvillae spectabilis Willd) Flower Ethanol Extract. Bougainvillae spectabilis Willd is a shrubby and thorny plant. The flowers are collected into three, belonging to the Nytaginaceae family, which is efficacious as a sunscreen because they contain active compounds such as flavonoids and phenolics, which are polyphenolic compounds. The researchers wanted to know whether or not Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd's ethanolic extract had any anti-inflammatory or sun protection properties, so they measured things like the SPF value, the amount of erythema transmitted (Te%), and the amount of pigmentation transmitted (Tp%). Bougainvillae spectabilis Willd was extracted by maceration for 3 days and remaceration for 2 days using ethanol as the solvent, and the yield percentage was 12.70%. Furthermore, phytochemical screening and an in vitro Sunscreen Activity Test were carried out using the UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of Bougainvillae spectabilis Willd contained flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and phenolics. Based on the sunscreen activity test, the ethanol extract made in 4 concentrations showed maximum sunscreen activity at SPF values with concentrations of 600 ppm (20,715), 800 ppm (64,367).

Assessing the safety and efficacy of DIY-homemade sunscreens with natural, aromatic and herbal ingredients

Sunscreen products are widely used during the summer months to protect against increased sunlight exposure. While there have been advancements in the effectiveness and safety of commercial sunscreens, there is a growing interest in "completely natural" and homemade skincare products, including sunscreens. These homemade alternatives often incorporating aromatic and medicinal herbal preparations, are being touted as safe alternatives on online social media platforms and alternative health websites. It is essential to recognize that scientific research has primarily focused on evaluating the effectiveness and safety of commercially available sunscreen products. Concerns have arisen regarding the potential risks associated with non-commercial sunscreens, particularly those labeled as "homemade" or "completely natural." Therefore, it is crucial to investigate whether these DIY sunscreen products, advertised as natural and additive-free, pose any health threats due to their inadequate sun protection properties. This study aims to examine the formulations of these proposed homemade sunscreen products, specifically evaluating their durability, protection against ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) radiation, and average sun protection factor (SPF) values from a toxicological perspective. Emphasizing the importance of safety in sunscreen products is paramount, as the use of unsafe sunscreens can lead to serious health risks, including skin cancer, premature aging, and other skin disorders.

The Potential of Grapevine Leaf Extract in Treating Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, characterized by the excessive accumulation of melanin in the skin, is a common dermatological concern triggered by various factors, including UV radiation exposure. This study investigates the potential of grapevine leaf extracts in treating hyperpigmentation induced by UV radiation, focusing on 11 European and 12 Israeli grapevine varieties. Our research explores the correlations between total polyphenol content (TPC), tyrosinase inhibition, sun protection factor (SPF), and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of these extracts. Our findings reveal substantial variation in TPC among grapevine varieties’ leaves, with the Israeli varieties showing higher TPC levels than the European ones. Correlation analysis demonstrates a robust link between TPC and SPF, indicating that increased TPC contributes to enhanced sun protection properties. However, TPC alone does not strongly correlate with tyrosinase inhibition, suggesting the importance of specific polyphenols in tyrosinase inhibition. Furthermore, the study identifies specific peaks in the HPLC analysis that correlate with desired activities. In summary, our research highlights the potential of grapevine leaf extracts, especially those from Israeli indigenous varieties, in addressing hyperpigmentation. It emphasizes the importance of specific polyphenols rather than TPC alone in achieving the desired effects. These findings open doors for further investigation into identifying and isolating active compounds from grapevine leaves for skincare applications.

Hyaluronic acid/polyphenol sunscreens with broad-spectrum UV protection properties from tannic acid and quercetin

Currently, commercial sunscreens cause a number of biotoxicity and environmental issues, making it imperative to develop biocompatible alternatives. In this study, we aimed to develop an alternative sunscreen from two ecofriendly and biocompatible natural polyphenolic compounds, tannic acid (TA) and quercetin (Que). The sunscreen was prepared through a simple process using an oil-in-water emulsion as the medium and hyaluronic acid (HA) as the base polymer to improve biocompatibility. The HA/TA/Que. sunscreen prepared in this study exhibits 0 % transmittance in the UVB region and <15 % transmittance in the UVA region, resulting in excellent sun-protection properties (SPF 30). Remarkably, the as-prepared HA/TA/Que. sunscreen has a suitable viscosity and similar UV protection properties to those of commercial sunscreens. The HA/TA/Que. sunscreen also exhibits 90.4 % antioxidant activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, demonstrating an ability to effectively capture reactive oxygen species that directly affect the skin. In addition, the cell viability was >90 % at a concentration of 50 μg/mL after 7 days, indicating excellent cytocompatibility. Owing to its various advantageous features, the HA/TA/Que. sunscreen with excellent sun protection properties and multiple functionalities is expected to resolve many environmental and biological issues caused by commercial sunscreens.

Formulation, characterization of Quercus infectoria (Olivier) emulsions, and in vitro, in vivo evaluation as cosmeceutical formulation.

Pharmacological properties of Quercus infectoria Olivier (galls) have been determined to be astringent, antidiabetic, antipyretic, anti-tremor, local anesthetic, and anti-parkinsonism. The galls of Quercus infectoria have been used for millennia in traditional oriental medicine in Asian nations to treat inflammatory illnesses. The study's objective was to create a Quercus infectoria Olivier gall extract in stable water in oil (w/o) emulsion and to check its effects on the mechanical properties of skin and antiaging effects. The galls were macerated in absolute methanol. Quercus infectoria Olivier gall extract's antioxidant property was evaluated using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) technique. Stearic acid, cetyl alcohol, KOH, glycerin, and distilled water were used to create the emulsion. The test (with extract) and control (without extract) emulsions were made, respectively, using the same process. Stability tests (color, liquefaction, microscopy, phase separation, and pH) are performed in in vitro, lasted 72 days at four distinct storage temperatures that is 8°C, 25°C, 40°C, and 40°C + 75% RH for both the control and test formulations. By using spectrophotometry, the (SPF) sun protection factors of the two formulations were calculated at various concentrations. Extract from Quercus infectoria underwent phytochemical investigation as well. The results showed that Quercus infectoria Olivier has antioxidant and (SPF) sun protection properties, reduce sebum, increases elasticity and stable emulsion containing 04% Quercus infectoria gall extract which might be used as topical antiaging formulation.

Bioactive components, sun protective properties, and total phenolic contents of halobacterial extracts

Halophilic bacteria are microorganism groups with key industrial potential due to their primary and secondary metabolites. In this study, three halophilic bacteria were identified biochemically and phylogenetically, and visualized with advanced imaging systems such as scanning electron and atomic force microscopes. The data obtained identified the following species strains, Salinicoccus roseus strain EMK96, Salinicoccus amylolyticus strain RB5, and Salicola marasensis strain OSK. The industrial potential of halophilic bacteria were identified by investigating the catalase, oxidase, gelatinase, amylase, caseinase, and esterase enzyme activities, and pigments. The sun protection factors, total polyphenol content, and bioactive volatile components were also identified. SPF values and total phenolic content of the extracts obtained from different strains showed significant differences (P < 0.05). The highest SPF and total phenolic content were detected in the second extract of S. roseus (P < 0.05). In addition, bacterioruberin, commonly known as archaeal carotenoid, was also detected in the bacterial strain S. roseus. As a result of qualitative volatile component analysis of bacterial extracts, a total of 108 components were identified from different extracts. This is the first study to determine the sun protection factor, total polyphenol content, and volatile chemical components of these three halophilic bacterial extracts.

Recent advances in sunscreen agents and their formulations: A review

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has been shown to cause skin disorders, including sunburn and symptoms such as erythema, ageing and formation of wrinkles, pigmentation or dyspigmentation, DNA damage and ultimately photocarcinogenesis on prolonged exposure. It has been reported that sunscreens have beneficial effects in reducing the incidence of skin disorders and protect the skin against exogenous and endogenous harmful agents by absorption, scattering and by blocking phenomena. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are divided into three wavelength categories: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Skin exposure to sunlight and other climatic conditions induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can react with DNA, proteins, and fatty acids in the skin, resulting in oxidative damage and damage of the antioxidant system in the human body. Such injuries disrupt the skin’s regulation pathways, resulting in photoaging and the development of skin cancer. Active ingredients in sunscreen agents are synthetic substances which are classified into organic and inorganic filters. Synthetic agents have a number of serious side effects. As a result, to overcome this deleterious effects natural sunscreens were found by the researchers from nature. Natural products can be used as sunscreens and have healing, softening, rejuvenating, and sun protection properties. However, the use of sunscreen has a number of drawbacks, including inducing photoallergic dermatitis, environment pollution, and deficiency of vitamin D production. Therefore, consumers should use appropriate herbal formulations to improve sun protection as well as to avoid the side effects of synthetic sunscreens.

Total Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity and UV Radiation Protection Properties of Marigold (Calendula officinalis), Carrot (Daucus carota), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Hop (Humulus lupulus) Extracts

Total phenolic content using Folin–Ciocalteu method, antioxidant capacity by CUPRAC method and sun protection properties were measured for four different extracts of selected plants: marigold petals, carrot roots, tomato fruits and hop cones. Three types of extracts: water, oil and water-glycolic (1:4) were studied. Assessment of sun protection properties for extracts obtained from selected plants was first done by mathematical indication method and subsequently done spectrophotometrically. In a method of mathematical indication of UV protection based on absorption spectra, four parameters were determined regarding sun protection properties at different concentrations of selected plant extracts. Absorbance generally increased with an increase of concentration of extracts, but an expected increase of particular parameters was not obtained in all samples. The water-glycolic extract from hop cones was characterized by the highest content of phenolic compounds (among all studied samples) and high antioxidant activity. It also showed high radiation protection. Data for four parameters like UVA/UVB parameter, UVA1/UV parameter, SUI parameter and critical wavelength was generated, and the three first parameters were the highest for water and water-glycolic extracts of marigold. Among all plants, hop cones were characterized by the highest SPF for all types of extracts. SPF values increased with the concentration of extracts, but an increase of the weight of dried plants used to prepared extracts did not influence sun protection factor.

ESG approach in the valorization of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) by-products by subcritical water: Application in the cosmetic industry

In this research valorization potentials of cocoa hull extracts in cosmetic industry, following Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria, have been investigated and reported, presenting increased value of this biowaste. The extracts of cocoa hull obtained by subcritical water were characterized in respect to chemical composition and certain bioactive properties, and were used to develop functional cosmetic formulation. In this work cocoa hull of cocoa beans originating from different geographical locations (Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Grenada) were extracted by subcritical water to obtain functional extracts rich in valuable compounds. The extracts were characterized in respect to their total proteins (10–27%), total phenols (37–45 mg GAE/g) and total flavonoids (14–21 mg RE/g) contents. In addition, the minerals K (41–60 mg/100 g), Na (0.78–1.17 mg/100 g), and Ca (2.47–5.94 mg/100 g) were also quantified. Antiradical activity against DPPH (IC50 ∼ 11–13 μg/ml) and ABTS (IC50 ∼ 7–9 μg/ml) radicals, as well as total antioxidant activity (∼14–20 mg EAK/100 g DE), were determined and compared for all extracts. The extract with the highest antioxidant and antiradical activity was used for the formulation of a functional cosmetic product – a day cream with sun protective properties and added qualities. The prepared facial cream was analysed in respect to basic quality parameters for cosmetic products, proving the safety of the newly developed product based on subcritical water extracts of cocoa hull. The application of subcritical water extraction, as a green technology, can significantly enhance the ESG development in the cosmetic industry.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate loaded-zein nanoparticles: Characterization, stability and associated antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase and sun protection properties

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an active polyphenol which has demonstrated interesting biological properties, such as antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. Nonetheless, its therapeutic use is limited due to its cost, instability and low bioavailability. In the skin aging process, the search for delaying/masking the elderly signs has increased greatly in the last years, boosting the skin care industry. Zein is a natural polymer whose biological features gained attention recently. It has demonstrated the ability to entrap bioactive molecules, improve their stability and also their biological activities. This study aimed to develop and characterize zein nanoparticles containing EGCG (ZNp-EG) and evaluate the antioxidant, anti-tirosinase activities as well as the associated sun protection factor (SPF), in view of improving the skin aplicability. ZNp-EG were prepared by nanoprecipitation and appreciated morphologically by transmission electronic microscopy, characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, pH, encapsulation efficacy (EE) and drug loading (DL). Finally the zein-EGCG association was evaluated by Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS radical scaverging method. The anti-tyrosinase and photoprotective activities were enumerated spectrophotometrically. The ZNp-EG nanoparticles showed an average size of 251.8 nm, EE and DL up to 98.43% and 28.35%, respectively. The ZNp-EG at 288 µg / mL remained stable up to 365 days under different storage conditions (5 °C, 25° and 40 °C). The interaction between zein and EGCG was confirmed by FT-IR and steady-state fluorescence. Both ZNp-EG and EGCG solution showed high antioxidant activity, with IC50 of 84.08 and 69.86 µg / mL after 48 h, respectively. The nanoencapsulation of EGCG enhanced the anti-tyrosinase activity (64.59%) compared to its solution (34.29%). Finally, BZNp, ZNp-EG and EGCG at 144 µg/mL presented SPF of 26.13, 29.71 and 15.69, respectively. In this context, our results demonstrate that zein nanoparticles were able to improve key biological properties related to the skin pigmentation and sun protection, where EGCG can be used in a nanodelivery system for pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic applications.

Evaluation on physicochemical properties and stability of Thanaka bark powder for natural face powder products

Thanaka (Hesperethusa crenulata Roem.) has been traditionally applied as cosmetics in Myanmar and the northern of Thailand [1] and exhibited anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, skin lightening, and sun protection properties [1-4]. Thanaka’s specifications for cosmetic development are sparse to be presented, although its flowability was reported [1]. Of which, the bark was more suitable than the stem for solid dosage form development [1]. Thus, this study was aimed to assess the physicochemical properties and stability of Thanaka bark powder. The yellowish light brown powder (L* = 75.63 ± 0.01, a* = 5.58 ± 0.02 and b* = 23.45 ± 0.02) (Figure 1A) with bulk and tapped densities of 0.25 ± 0.00 and 0.29 ± 0.00 g/mL, was able to absorb water and oil (17.31 ± 0.77% and 13.39 ± 0.29%). The powder was ICP-MS proved to be uncontaminated with heavy metals prohibited for cosmetics. The powder morphology was plate-like crystals with fractured as SEM observed (Figure 1B). Thermal properties examined by DSC resulted in glass transition, crystallization and melting temperatures of 66.43, 70.25 and 73.39°C, with 51.32 ± 4.13% of crystallinity by XRD. The color (ΔE ≤ 1.43 ± 0.04), morphology, thermal properties, water absorption capacity and oil absorption capacity slightly shifted following to 3-month storage under ambient temperature and 45°C.

Dyeing Properties, UV Protection, and Deodorization of Silk Fabric Using Hot Water Extract of Ecklonia cava

To explore the potential use of Ecklonia cava as a natural dye for textiles, silk fabric was dyed with Ecklonia cava extracted by hot water under varied conditions, including temperature, duration, dye concentration, mordanting, and pH adjustment. The fabric was also evaluated for fastness, sun-protective property, and deodorization. Ecklonia cava extract was estimated by FT-IR to have polyphenol as a main functional colorant in plants, while the existence of phlorotannins through the UV-spectrum method was also confirmed. The fabric was optimized for maximum dye uptake at a temperature of 80°C for a duration of 50 minutes along all dye concentrations. The dyed fabric showed a hue of Yellow Red under all dyeing conditions while additional color tones, such as grayish and dark, were generated through mordanting and pH adjustment. Both good sunprotective properties and a positive deodorization rate were also recorded, with more than 20% (owf) Ecklonia cava extract on silk fabric. These results imply that Ecklonia cava has great potential to be used as an ecofriendly natural dye and in fashion goods with skin-health functions made of silk.

Development and Evaluation of a Broad spectrum Polyherbal Sunscreen formulation using Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Safranal.

UV absorption properties of bioactive agents has led to their screening and development to provide photoprotection. Safranal is one such secondary plant metabolite obtained from Saffron (Crocus sativus) and reported to possess antioxidant and antisolar properties. The objective of this research was to design a suitable delivery system for the topical delivery of Safranal and to develop broad-spectrum polyherbal sun protection cream with mild photoprotection. Safranal-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were formulated using probe sonication technique. The effect of variables like lipid concentration, surfactant concentration, and stirring time was studied using central composite design using Design Expert 7.0 (Stat-Ease, Inc., USA). These SLN were combined with zinc oxide, pearl powder, Pterocarpus santalinus, a natural colorant with skin whitening effect and dispersed in a dermatological acceptable carrier with excellent skin-nourishing properties. Other natural ingredients namely almond oil, hen egg oil, and aloe vera gel were also incorporated due to their sun protection properties. Particle size analysis of prepared SLN revealed the particles in the range of 460-980nm (F9). Entrapment efficiency was found between 88% and 99%. SLN was further characterized by techniques like DSC, FTIR, and TEM. Evaluation of sunscreen cream by transmittance method showed good texture, excellent rheological properties, optimum pH, and stability. The developed product showed broad spectrum of sunscreen protection with SPF 9.22, UV-A ++, and *** Boot Star Rating. The significant inhibitory activity of Safranal on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) analyzed by biochemical investigation method and a higher SPF established that this bioorganic molecule is a strong photoprotective agent. Designing solid lipid nanoparticles and incorporation of other traditional ingredients in the recipe augmented its antisolar property and provided an all natural sunscreen.

Design of a Fuzzy Logic Classification System for an Ocular Sun Protection Factor

There is no reliable and universal method to assess and compare protective properties of lenses, which is generally communicated to the purchasers by sunglasses categories based on lenses only, classifying the entire sun transmission spectrum (ultraviolet, infrared and visible), without accounting the geometry of the frame, nor the back reflection of the lenses, which is a serious problem. The present work develops a fuzzy classification system whose purpose is to create a reliable method to rate and compare sunglasses through their sun protective properties. This system treats the pre-acquired data relative to the lenses, i.e. ultraviolet transmittance and back reflection, in addition to the frame coverage data through the fuzzification interface, followed by the fuzzy inference process and later by the defuzzification interface. The output is an alphabetic rate of the protective eyewear to inform consumers, in a simple way to understand, regarding the sun protective properties of the sunglasses they purchase. Through the results it was possible to prove the effectiveness of choosing a fuzzy system for this classification system, as it was able to translate, in mathematical terms, the linguistic rules, classifying each of the various possible combinations of the inputs to one of the six factors stipulated for the ocular sun protection factor (OSPF) proposed in this work.

Antibacterial, antioxidant, and sun protection potential of selected ethno medicinal plants used for skin infections in Uganda

BackgroundRural populations in Uganda rely heavily on medicinal plants for the treatment of bacterial skin infections. However, the efficacy of these medicinal plants for their pharmacological action is not known. The study aimed at evaluating the antibacterial, antioxidant, and sun protection potential of Spermacoce princeae, Psorospermum febrifugum, Plectranthus caespitosus, and Erlangea tomentosa extracts.MethodsThe plant samples were extracted by maceration sequentially using hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water. Antibacterial activity of each extract was carried out using an agar well diffusion assay against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonie, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Salmonella typhi. Acute dermal toxicity of the aqueous extract of S. princeae and P. febrifugum, and E. tomentosa was assessed in young adult healthy Wistar albino rats at a dose of 8000 and 10,000 mg/kg body weight. The antioxidant activity of each extract was carried out using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The sun protection factor was determined using Shimadzu UltraViolet-Visible double beam spectrophotometer between 290 and 320 nm.ResultsThe plant extracts showed good antibacterial activity against the tested bacterial strains with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging between 3.12 and 12.5 mg/ml. There was no significant change in the levels of creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase in the rats even at a higher dose of 10,000 mg/kg, which was related to the results of biochemical analysis of the blood samples from the treated and control groups. The aqueous and methanol extracts of S. princeae showed potential antioxidant properties, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 59.82 and 61.20 μg/ml respectively. The organic and aqueous extracts of P. caespitosus showed high levels of protection against Ultraviolet light with sun protection potential values ranging between 30.67 and 37.84.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that the selected medicinal plants possessed good antibacterial, antioxidant, and sun protection properties. Therefore, the plants are alternative sources of antibacterial, antioxidant, and sun protection agents in managing bacterial skin infections.

Glycerol‐Filled Silicone Adhesive Patches with Excellent Sun Protection

AbstractNumerous medical conditions such as cancer, eczema, moles, and burns may leave patients with increased sensitivity to UV light. A UV‐protective patch that provides a healing environment for sensitive or broken skin is therefore developed from two‐phase glycerol‐silicone adhesives. The adhesives are prepared using a simple processing method in which high shear forces mix glycerol and silicone prepolymers that are subsequently cured to form a stable, free‐standing adhesive containing inherent discrete glycerol droplets. These materials are excellent candidates for wound care adhesives, since glycerol increases the silicone adhesives’ water absorption while providing low peel forces and gentle adherence to the skin. Adhesives show increased sun protection properties with increasing glycerol content. When TiO2, a well‐known ingredient in sunscreen products, is added to the glycerol‐filled silicone adhesives, the sun protection factor reached SPF 100 without compromising the mechanical or peel strength properties. Further, the sun protective properties of the TiO2‐filled glycerol‐silicone adhesives prove to be stable when exposed to 80% relative humidity for 20 h to simulate performance during typical usage.

Evaluation of antioxidant potential of pigments extracted from Bacillus spp. and Halomonas spp. isolated from mangrove rhizosphere.

The present study aimed to isolate different pigment-producing bacteria from the mangrove rhizosphere habitat and to extract their pigments for evaluating their antioxidant and sun-protective properties. Three pigment-producing bacterial cultures were isolated from soil samples and were identified by morphological analysis and 16S rDNA sequencing. The pigments were isolated by the solvent extraction method and named as MZ (Pink), Orange, and Yellow. They were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The sun protection factor (SPF) values of these pigments were then determined using the Mansur equation. The total polyphenol content was estimated by the Folin-Ciocâlteu method, and the antioxidant activity of the pigments was determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), and ABTS (2,2-azinobis-3-ethyl-enzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assays. The in vitro antioxidant potential of the pigments in the presence of oxidative stress (H2O2) was confirmed in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 by using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The pigment-producing bacterial isolates were identified as Bacillus infantis (MZ), Halomonas spp. (Orange), and Bacillus spp. (Yellow). The pigments were found to be carotenoid in nature, and the SPF values were in the range of 3.99 to 5.22. All three pigments had high polyphenol content (22 to 48 μg tannic acid equivalent) and showed significant antioxidant properties in both chemical and cell line-based studies. The results of this study indicate that these pigments have the potential to be used as an antioxidant agent and can be further developed as a pharmaceutical compound.