In vivo evaluation of wound healing properties of Platanus orientalis L.

Background: According to the Iranian Traditional Medicine (ITM) references, Platanus orientalis L. possesses wound healing properties. Herein, we developed different topical formulations based on the ethanolic extract of P. orientalis leaves and evaluated its wound healing effects through an in vivo model. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract of the leaves was obtained from ethanol 80% and it was evaluated for DPPH radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents as well as the presence of tannins. Different topical formulations including ointment (D-O) and polymer film (D-F), were prepared and an in vivo test was run for 14 days in an excision wound model consisting of 5 groups of 6 rats. Results: Our results indicated the higher efficacy of D-O comparing with D-F, as wound surface area remarkably reduced within 14 days post-injury. Also, histological features including epitheliogenesis score, neovascularization, and collagen density indicated the potential wound healing effect of D-O. Conclusion: Wound healing properties of the ethanolic extract of P. orientalis leaves depended on the type of formulation and D-O was found to be much more potent than D-F, from reducing wound surface area, maximum epitheliogenesis score, proper neovascularization pattern, and early type I collagenization points of view.

Optimization and Evaluation of the In Vitro Permeation Parameters of Topical Products with Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs through Strat-M® Membrane

Pharmaceutical products containing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most prescribed topical formulations used for analgesic and antirheumatic properties. These drugs must overcome the skin barrier to cause a therapeutic effect. Human skin has been widely used as a model to study in vitro drug diffusion and permeation, however, it suffers from many limitations. Therefore, to perform in vitro permeation test (IVPT), we used a Strat-M® membrane with diffusion characteristics well-correlated to human skin. This study’s objective was to optimize the IVPT conditions using Plackett–Burman experimental design for bio-predictive evaluation of the in vitro permeation rates of five non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (diclofenac, etofenamate, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, naproxen) across Strat-M® membrane from commercial topical formulations. The Plackett–Burman factorial design was used to screen the effect of seven factors in eight runs with one additional center point. This tool allowed us to set the sensitive and discriminative IVPT final conditions that can appropriately characterize the NSAIDs formulations. The permeation rate of etofenamate (ETF) across the Strat-M® membrane was 1.7–14.8 times faster than other NSAIDs from selected semisolids but 1.6 times slower than the ETF spray formulation.

A Combination approach using Areca nut and Ketoconazole for Treating Cutaneous Candidiasis

Fungal infections caused by Candida are often associated with increasing rates of morbidity and mortality. It is a serious concern for patients with immunocompromised system. The resistance to Ketoconazole, a known antifungal agent is increasing at an alarming rate and a number of such cases have been reported in the recent years. In order to circumvent this problem, a study was carried out using ketoconazole-areca nut (Areca catechu L.) combination. When this combination was tested against Candida albicans, there was an increase in the antifungal activity of ketoconazole. The study can be explored further for the design of suitable topical formulations containing the above combination in the treatment of cutaneous candidiasis.

Vitamin E in Human Skin: Functionality and Topical Products

Vitamins are part of the antioxidant system of human skin, and are detectable in different layers, so the topical application can be an alternative to maintain the functionality of the system. The capacity of the antioxidant gradient of keratinocytes is associated with attenuation of the action of related free radicals in both esthetics and health. These problems arise from extrinsic aging and are related to the risk of cancer. Vitamin E has been proven to have antioxidant and moisturizing properties in the skin and can protect against the damage of UVB radiation, with emphasis on the reduction of acute erythema and photoaging. The choice for the use of topical vitamin E, compared to the oral is given by the safety as mild irritation and it has potential for multifunctional topical formulations. The purpose of the chapter is to review the topical use of formulations with vitamin E, addressing the development, safe use and evaluation of effectiveness.

Evaluation of the Wound Healing Potential of Some Natural Polymers on Three Experimental Models

The aim of this paper was the preparation and investigation of the wound healing properties of four topical formulations based on natural polymers such as collagen, chitosan, lyophilized egg white, and a mixture of them. The therapeutic assessment of these four ointments was carried out in vivo on the incision, excision, and thermal burn wounds induced on Wistar rats. The treatment was applied topically on wounds once a day, for 21 days. The experimental results were analyzed from a clinical and histopathological point of view. The rheological characterization of the topical formulations was also performed in order to verify their spreadability and structural stability. All ointments had a positive effect on wound contraction and re-epithelization processes, but the one based on total polymers had a significant healing potential on the designed cutaneous lesions due to its synergistic effects.