Assessment of Nutraceutical Potential of Herbs for Promoting Hair Growth: Formulation Considerations of Herbal Hair Oil

Background: Hair loss is a relatively common occurrence that causes concern in people of all ages. In most cases, hair loss is permanent, but it can lead to alopecia. Hair root activation is necessary to improve hair development and prevent hair loss. Herbal cosmetics are increasingly widely used by the general public due to the concept of fewer adverse effects and a higher level of safety and security. Objective: The primary goal of this study is to prepare and evaluate herbal hair oil made from fresh components of various plants. Methods: Herbs were acquired from Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology's medicinal garden. Herbs were collected, dried, then ground in a mortar and pestle. Grinded herbs (Murraya koenigii, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn., Nigella sativa, Trigonella foenum-graecum) were combined with 60% Cocos nucifera oil, heated, cooled, and filtered. Physical appearance, viscosity, pH, sensitivity test, hair growth activity, hair weight, antimicrobial test, stability test, and other criteria were determined and are reported in this text for the created herbal hair oil. Results: Herbal hair oil was odourless and reddish brown in appearance. Herbal hair oil had an appropriate refractive index, pH, saponification value, and specific gravity. After application, the herbal oil demonstrated Newtonian flow, as well as good hair growth and weight, with no irritation. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of ascorbic acid, sulphur and saponins. The formulation was found to be stable for 30 days. Conclusion: Conclusively, combination of effective herbs could be used to improve hair growth.

Burn Care in the Era of Rapid Enzymatic Debridement: Challenging the Dogma that Healing Beyond 21 Days Results in Hypertrophic Scarring

Deep burns are characterized by the presence of a necrotic eschar that delays healing and results in a local and systemic inflammatory response and following healing by secondary intention: heavy scarring. Early surgical debridement followed by grafting was a major advance in deep burn care and is now the standard of care, reducing mortality and hypertrophic scarring. Eschars have alternatively been managed by non-surgical, autolytic debridement, which often results in infection-inflammation, slow epithelialization, granulation tissue formation and subsequent scarring. Studies based on these traditional approaches have demonstrated an association between delayed wound closure (beyond 21 days) and scarring. Early enzymatic debridement with NexoBrid (NXB) followed by appropriate wound care is a novel minimally invasive modality that challenges the well-accepted dictum of a high risk of hypertrophic scarring associated with wound closure that extends beyond 21 days. This is not surprising since early and selective removal of only the necrotic eschar often leaves enough viable dermis and skin appendages to allow healing by epithelialization over the dermis. In the absence of necrotic tissue, healing is similar to epithelialization of clean dermal wounds (like many donor sites) and not healing by the secondary intention that is based on granulation tissue formation and subsequent scarring. If and when granulation islands start to appear on the epithelializing dermis, they and the inflammatory response generally can be controlled by short courses (1-3 days) of topically applied low strength corticosteroid ointments minimizing the risk of hypertrophic scarring, albeit with wound closure delayed beyond the magic number of 21 days. Results from multiple studies and field experience confirm that while deep burns managed with early enzymatic debridement often require more than 21 days to reepithelialize, long-term cosmetic results are at least as good as with excision and grafting.

Development and Evaluation of Herbal Hair Serum: A traditional way to Improve Hair Quality

Background: In the mammalian system, the hair follicle is known to be the most significant organ that determines appearance, gender distinction, provides intense temperature protection, and plays a role in self-defense. The younger generations have begun to suffer from extreme hair loss problems due to many lifestyle-related changes such as fatigue, anxiety, intake of junk foods, use of different hairstyling/coloring methods, etc. The loss of hair is not temporary in most cases, but it results in alopecia. Many people suffering from hair loss are in search of multiple treatments due to extreme anxiety and tension, from mythology to traditional and therapeutic healing to the use of minoxidil and finasteride. To improve hair growth and to prevent hair loss, hair root activation is required. Objective: The present study was intended to use different herbs to formulate herbal hair serum for general purposes (hair application). Methods: Crude herbs are obtained from nearby regions. In order to obtain the extract, the required part of herbs, such as Citrus sinensis peel, Zingiber officinale roots, and Linum usitatissimum seeds, Nigella sativa, and Trigonella foenum-graecum were specifically weighed and dispensed in water, boiled, allowed to cool, and then filtered. To the filtrate, castor oil and vitamin E were added. The formulated herbal hair serum was tested, and different criteria were determined and recorded in this text, such as physical appearance, viscosity, pH, homogeneity, eye sensitivity (Draize eye test), hair growth activity, hair weight, stability test, etc. Results: Prepared herbal hair serum was found to be pale brown in color with pseudoplastic behavior. The texture of the formulation was smooth and lubricative, and the pH was within the acceptable limit. Herbal hair serum revealed good hair growth as well as hair weight after application with minor sensitivity for the first time. The formulation was found to be stable for seven days. Conclusion: Herbal cosmetics are still commonly used by average citizens because of fewer side effects and greater protection and safety profile. Current research has revealed that herbal formulations are effective in enhancing hair consistency.

An Ayurvedic Based Dermal Treatment for Skin Sanitization

Background: Due to the prevailing coronavirus crisis, the use of sanitizers has become an urgent need of today to take preventive care as we step out for various reasons. Many brands and varieties of sanitizers are available in the market today. Objective: The present study has been undertaken to develop and analyse the effects of an Ayurvedic preparation to overcome all the ill effects exerted on the skin by the chemical-based sanitizers. As there are very bad long-lasting effects on skin after continuous use of synthetically derived sanitizers. This pandemic situation has forced all of us for using sanitizers at least 10 times a day, especially for children and the Geriatric population. Material and Methods: Formulation was developed with the help of natural ingredients and then it was evaluated on the safety and efficacy standards to make sure about the credibility of the designed preparation. The benefits of using this formulation were observed during the health camps organised by Diabport health care at various parks in Kanpur. The texture of the skin was improved and apart from this. This was assessed with the help of a questionnaire (KAP) which was developed and validated. Results: The herbal based sanitizer, derived from Ayurvedic principles, was found to be quite effective against germs, microbes and it was beneficial for the care of hands also. Hands were soft and irritation free when the herbal sanitizers were applied for optimum time. We have observed that those patients who have history of high sugar level are more prone of developing rashes due to excessive usage of sanitizers. Diabetic dermopathy was also relieved. The population which used this formulation showed sign of improvement in both the texture of skin as well as decreased number of rashes. Conclusion: Herbal-based sanitizers are the need of the hour to combat the danger of corona, keeping the hands mild and soft. More focus on them should be encouraged on a large scale.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Psoriasis

Introduction: Since the early 20th century, findings have demonstrated that psoriasis is frequently associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. The Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is a surrogate marker of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the CIMT in patients with psoriasis and investigate its correlation with the clinical features. Methods: The present case-control study involved 70 patients with psoriasis who visited Ho Chi Minh City Hospital of Dermato-Venereology from September 2018 to April 2019 and 35 healthy subjects. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were measured in both groups. Linear Doppler scanning was performed to evaluate the CIMT of the common, internal, and external carotid arteries and the presence of atherosclerotic plaques. Results: The mean CIMT value in psoriasis patients was significantly higher than that of controls [0.59 mm (0.53 - 0.71) vs. 0.54 mm (0.52 - 0.62), respectively, p = 0.036]. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between the CIMT and age (p = 0.043) and CIMT and the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (p < 0.0001). Moreover, the mean number of atherosclerotic plaques in psoriasis patients was significantly higher than that in controls [0.27 ± 0.68 vs. 0.03 ± 0.17, respectively, p = 0.035]. Conclusion: Elderly patients with severe psoriasis should be evaluated carefully regarding CIMT and atherosclerotic plaques, as these signs are representative of increased cardiovascular risk.

Basal Cell Carcinoma Destruction by a Concentrate of Proteolytic Enzymes Enriched in Bromelain: A Preliminary Report

Objectives: Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer generally treated by a variety of surgical and non-surgical destructive therapies. A Concentrate of Proteolytic Enzymes Enriched in Bromelain (CPEEB) derived from the stems of pineapples is approved for use for debriding deep burns. Prior studies suggest that bromelain also has anti-tumor effects. We describe our preliminary off-label treatment experience using topical CPEEB for the destruction of six BCCs in three patients. Methods: CPEEB was self-applied by three patients on six different Morphea, nodular, and superficially invasive BCCs. The CPEEB was applied as a thin layer prior to bedtime and left for a period of 9-12 hours. The wound was then covered with a petrolatum-based ointment for the next 24 hours. Application of the CPEEB was repeated up to 5 times over the course of 10 days, during which the patients were monitored daily and reevaluated by a board-certified plastic surgeon. If necessary, the CPEEB was reapplied up to five additional times over the next 10-day period. If necessary, any remaining lesion was surgically excised (MOHS surgery). The patients were then followed for up to 1 year. Results: Six BCCs located on the face, neck, and extremities were self-treated by three patients with 2-6 CPEEB applications. All of the BCCs were completely removed after the CPEEB application. CPEEB application was associated with local irritation and mild itching pain which resolved untreated within hours. In one patient, two of the lesion’s sites were surgically excised after 6 months with no tumor cells noted on histopathology. None of the BCCs recurred over the next 1 year. Conclusion: Our preliminary findings are a proof-of-concept that a concentrate of proteolytic enzymes enriched in bromelain may be a safe and effective destructive treatment for basal cell carcinomas. Future studies on larger groups of BCC patients are necessary in order to elucidate the potential use of CPEEB for this indication.

Case Report: Successful Treatment of Giant Condyloma Acuminata with Intralesional Injection of Purified Protein Derivative

Condyloma acuminata can be treated with different modalities, including topical and destructive procedures. However, treatment of large recalcitrant lesions tends to be difficult with the risk of pain, scarring and recurrence. Here we report a case of a large foul-smelling condyloma acuminata, treated successfully with intralesional purified protein derivative (PPD) injections.

Clear Cell Acanthoma of the Mammary Region: A Case Report

Clear cell acanthoma, also known as Degos acanthoma, is a rare benign epithelial skin tumor. Generally, it appears as a solitary lesion on the lower legs, but in this case, it appeared on the right mammary area near the areola, which is an exceedingly rare and exciting finding. This lesion's clinical features revealed elevated dome-shaped plaque with surface lobulations and shiny pink color with a size of 9 mm. Dermoscopy was characteristic with blood vessels lined up in a strings pattern. Excision biopsy was done as a therapeutic measure. Histopathology showed a collection of glycogen-containing cells in the epidermis consistent with the diagnosis of clear cell acanthoma. Classical dermoscopy features and diagnostic histology were exemplary for a case report.

The Impact of Vitiligo on Patients' Psychological Status and Sexual Function: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Study

Introduction: Vitiligo is a chronic pigmentary cutaneous disorder. Although vitiligo is not a life-threatening disease, it seriously affects patients' psychological status and Quality-of-Life (QoL). Moreover, the effect of vitiligo on genital image severely affects sexual function, especially in females. Patients & Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study had targeted patients with vitiligo of both genders. 173 patients who had responded to the given questionnaires were included and their responses were statistically analyzed. Patients’ files were revised for extraction of demographic and clinical data and the previous evaluation of the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) score. Results and Discussion: Median VIS-22 score was in the range of 21-49, but 109 patients had a median score of 28. Seventy-eight patients had mild and 15 patients had moderate depression. Regression analysis defined the sense of being unattractive, disappointed in self and discouragement about the future as the most significant underlying causes of depression. Ninety-two patients had sexual dysfunction and scoring of satisfaction by the sexual act was the highest while scoring for the desire was the lowest. Regression analysis revealed that female gender, high ASEX and VASI scores are the significant predictors for high BDI-II. ROC curve analysis defined a high ASEX score as a significant predictor for a high BDI-II score. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated a deleterious effect of vitiligo on patients’ psychological status that may progress to depression. The effects of the disease on body image, especially the genital area, induced sexual dissatisfaction with an impact on sexual function. Altogether, raise a suggested adjuvant role for psychotherapy in patients with vitiligo which might even indirectly lead to improvement of vitiligo.