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Background: This study explored the most suitable materials for incorporating cyano-phycocyanin (C-PC) into hydrogels, focusing on maintaining the C-PC's long-term structural integrity and stabilityNext, the release of C-PC from the hydrogels and its skin penetration were investigated. Methods: A series of 1% (w/w) C-PC hydrogels was prepared using various gelling agents and preservatives. Spectrophotometric measurements compared the amount of C-PC in the hydrogels to the initially added amount. After selecting the most suitable gelling agent and preservative, two C-PC hydrogels, with and without propylene glycol (PG) (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA), were produced for further testing. In vitro release studies utilized modified Franz-type diffusion cells, while ex vivo skin-permeation studies employed Bronaugh-type cells and human skin. Confocal laser scanning microscopy analyzed C-PC accumulation in the skin. Results: The findings demonstrated that sodium alginate (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA), and SoligelTM (Givaudan, Vernier, Switzerland) are effective biopolymers for formulating hydrogels while maintaining C-PC stability. After 6 h, C-PC release from the hydrogel containing PG was approximately 10% or 728.07 (±19.35) μg/cm2, significantly higher than the nearly 7% or 531.44 (±26.81) μg/cm2 release from the hydrogel without PG (p < 0.05). The ex vivo qualitative skin-permeation study indicated that PG enhances C-PC penetration into the outermost skin layer. Conclusion: PG's ability to enhance the release of C-PC from the hydrogel, coupled with its capacity to modify the skin barrier ex vivo, facilitates the penetration of C-PC into the stratum corneum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-based propolis extracts usually contain up to 10-fold lower quantities of active ingredients due to poor solubility in water of propolis bioactive compounds when compared with ethanol-based extracts. Since ethanol-based extracts are of limited use, water-based extracts are preferred nowadays. The application of alternative extraction techniques should be evaluated to improve extraction efficiency. Aqueous propolis extracts were prepared using purified water and propylene glycol, 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and sodium bicarbonate aqueous solutions. A microwave-assisted extraction method was applied in cycles. The total concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids in aqueous propolis extract produced by four extraction cycles was determined to be 1502.1 ± 130.1 μg/mL and 20% propylene glycol, 10% 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and 5% sodium bicarbonate aqueous solutions, increasing the total concentration of hydroxycinnamic acids by 1.6, 1.7 and 1.9-fold, respectively. An application of microwave-assisted extraction method and the procedure of repeating extraction cycles reliably increased the quantity of hydroxycinnamic acids in aqueous propolis extracts. Similarly, the presence of propylene glycol, 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and sodium bicarbonate increased the concentration of the hydroxycinnamic acids in propolis extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural oils are commonly used in topical pharmaceutical formulations as emulsifiers, stabilizers or solubility enhancers. They are presented as safe and inert components, mainly used for formulation purposes. It is confirmed that natural oils can affect the skin penetration of various substances. Fatty acids are mainly responsible for this effect. Current understanding lacks reliable scientific data on penetration of natural oils into the skin and their skin penetration enhancement potential. In the current study, fatty acid content analysis was used to determine the principal fatty acids in soybean, olive, avocado, sea-buckthorn pulp, raspberry seed and coconut oils. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry bioimaging was used to determine the distribution of these fatty acids in human skin ex vivo after application of the oils. Skin penetration enhancement ratios were determined for a perspective antioxidant compound dihydroquercetin. The results demonstrated skin penetration of fatty acids from all oils tested. Only soybean and olive oils significantly increased the skin distribution of dihydroquercetin and can be used as skin penetration enhancers. However, no correlation can be determined between the fatty acids' composition and skin penetration enhancement using currently available methodological approaches. This indicates that potential chemical penetration enhancement should be evaluated during formulation of topically applied products containing natural oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naftifine is used to treat fungal skin infections as it inhibits dermatophytes, which are the cause of onychomycosis. However, naftifine's ability to permeate the human nail barrier has not been investigated, thus, the antimycotic potential is not clearly established. This work aims to evaluate the effect of penetration enhancing factors on the accumulation of naftifine hydrochloride through human nail clippings. Naftifine polymeric nail lacquers with Eudragit RL100 were developed as a suitable delivery system. Low penetration of naftifine into nail has been determined as less than 10% of applied drug dose accumulated in the nail layers. Incorporation of thioglycolic acid into formulations resulted in increased accumulation of antifungal agent in the nail layers by 100% compared with a control group. Salicylic acid did not effect naftifine accumulation in the human nail. The permeation of naftifine through the nail increased by threefold when the thioglycolic acid-containing formulation was applied and the nail was pretreated with a fractional CO2 laser. Structural changes of the nail barrier, induced by fractional CO2 laser, were visualized by microscopy. The results suggest, that naftifine nail penetration could be significantly increased when physical and chemical enhancing factors are applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paradigm of how we manage allergic rhinitis is shifting with a growing understanding that it is a complex process, requiring a coordinated effort from healthcare providers and patients. Pharmacists are key members of these integrated care pathways resolving medication-related problems, optimizing regimens, improving adherence and recommending therapies while establishing liaisons between patients and physicians. Community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals to the public and allergic rhinitis is one of the most common diseases managed by pharmacists. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guidelines developed over the past 20 years have improved the care of allergic rhinitis patients through an evidence-based, integrated care approach. In this paper, we propose an integrated approach to allergic rhinitis management in community pharmacy following the 2019 ARIA in the pharmacy guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Topical monotherapy of nail infection is limited by poor drug permeability into the human nail plate. Numerous substances and methods are applied to improve the antifungal agent delivery across the nail plate. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of chemical and physical enhancers on the accumulation and permeation of amorolfine hydrochloride through human nail clippings. Polymeric nail lacquers with Eudragit E100 were developed as a potentially suitable delivery system for amorolfine hydrochloride. Incorporating thioglycolic acid and urea into formulations provided increased accumulation of antifungal agent in nail layers of up to 100% and 57%, respectively. Structural changes of nail barrier, induced by fractional CO2 laser, were visualized by microscopy. The permeation of amorolfine hydrochloride through the nail increased twofold when thioglycolic acid-containing formulation was applied and the nail was pretreated with a fractional CO2 laser. The results suggest that this novel combination of enhancers has the potential to be an effective option for topical drug delivery through the nail, and increased the efficacy of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Carrier development is one of the essential stages in the formulation of semisolid pharmaceutical dosage form for topical application. The stability of semisolid preparation during storage can be predicted from rheological testing. An adequate composition of semisolid preparation determines its stability and proper release of drug substance, and allows bypassing long-term heating and melting of the cream base components while incorporating complex extracts. Soft propolis extract, well known for its antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, was chosen as a complex biologically active ingredient for the development of emulsion dispersion system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of physical-chemical characteristics of the carrier on the release rate of biologically active ingredients from the modeled dosage form in vitro, thus justifying the relevance of the carrier composition and applied technologies., Material and Methods: Soft propolis extract (1%-3%) was incorporated into water-in-oil type emulsion. The quality of the model systems was evaluated referring to their viscosity, quantity of polyphenols and their rate of release from the preparation by applying an in vitro model. Quantitative determination of polyphenols was performed by spectrophotometry using a standard calibration curve of ferulic acid., Results: The results showed that a stable homogeneous semisolid emulsion system containing soft propolis extract could be produced when the concentration of emulsifier was in the range of 3%-12%. The quantity of emulsifier had an impact on the viscosity of semisolid systems, but practically had no effect on the release rate of polyphenols from the cream matrix. The results also demonstrated that the added amount of soft propolis extract had a less significant effect than temperature of the system., Conclusion: It was confirmed that changes in the viscosity of emulsion dispersion systems had no effect on the stability of model dispersion systems when temperature was increased, and this has to be evaluated to determine the storage conditions of the model preparations.

Unlabelled: The aim of the study was to analyze phenolic acids in Lithuanian propolis and to compare it with the composition of propolis in neighboring countries (Latvia and Poland) according to the predominant flora in the collecting places. The study was also aimed at the evaluation of the effect of the layer thickness (mm) of the harvested propolis on the quality of the raw material in determining the amount of phenolic acids., Materials and Methods: The object of the study was propolis collected in Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia in late July of 2006 and 2007. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic acids was performed using the high-performance liquid chromatography technique (HPLC)., Results: The results of the study showed that the quantitative and qualitative composition of phenolic acids in propolis depended on the plants from which the bees in the area collected substances for the raw material of propolis. The predominant phenolic acids were determined to be ferulic and coumaric acids, and they may be among the main indicators of quality in the standardization of the raw material and preparations of propolis., Conclusion: We created an HPLC-based analysis method for the identification and quantification of phenolic acids in propolis. The variety of phenolic acids in propolis depends on the vegetation predominating in the harvesting area. Studies have shown that the highest amount of phenolic acids is observed in propolis harvested in areas characterized by the predominance of deciduous trees and meadows. Results have also shown that ferulic and coumaric acids are the predominant phenolic acids in propolis. The thickness of the layer of the collected propolis in the hive also influences its chemical composition.

Salidroside and rosavins (rosavin, rosarin, and rosin), biologically active compounds of Rhodiola rosea L., were analyzed in dried roots and rhizomes of the plants cultivated in Lithuania and naturally growing in Altai geographical region in Russian Federation. The quantitative analysis of the aqueous-ethanolic extracts prepared by percolation was performed employing solid-phase extraction and thin-layer chromatography followed by densitometric determination. Similar amounts of salidroside were found in the extracts (1.35-1.62 mg/mL), irrespective of the origin of the crude plant; however, the differences in the profile of rosavins were substantial with higher content of total rosavins in the extracts obtained from the plant cultivated in Lithuania (7.4 vs. 4.2 mg/mL). It was demonstrated that extracts prepared with 70% (v/v) ethanol contained low concentration of salidroside (0.16-0.17 mg/mL), while the extraction of rosavins with 70% (v/v) ethanol was more efficient compared to 40% (v/v) ethanol.

The paper presents a review of the scientific publications on Rhodiola rosea L. known for its adaptogenic characteristics. Biologically active substances salidroside, rosin, rosavin, rosarin and tyrosol, which are mainly found in plant rhizomes, demonstrate therapeutic effect. These active components effect the central nervous system by increasing the ability to concentrate, the mental and physical power; they are efficient in the asthenic states and improve general resistance of the cells and the organism against the harmful outer influence. They also prevent the heart system from stress and arrhythmias, and posses some antioxidant activity. Some data confirm that the Rhodiola rosea L. preparations stop the growth of the malignant tumors and metastases in the liver. Some preclinical and clinical data of the golden root preparations are discussed in the survey. The interaction of the herb with other medicines, its usage and effect, recommended doses, and its side effects are also reviewed in the paper.

The aim of the study was to determine quality and quantity of the main components of sea buckthorn oils, which were produced by different technological procedures, and to evaluate their antioxidant activity. An influence of thermal shock to antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn oils was also evaluated. Two kinds of sea buckthorn oils were chosen. Oil of pulp was produced by separating oil from soft part of the berries. The other oil was produced using berries extracted with fatty oils. The content of carotenoids (by spectrophotometry at 450 nm) and relative content of fatty acids (gas chromatography) were determined in sea buckthorn oils. Antioxidant activity was evaluated for the first moment and after storing in a thermostat at +60+/-2 degrees C temperature for 1, 2 and 8 hours. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethilbenzthiazolin-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS*+) methods were used. The results have demonstrated that extracted oil has 2.4 times more carotenoids. Analysis of sea buckthorn oils proved a difference of content of the fatty acids. Extracted oil is more potent antioxidant, showed by both methods. After storing samples at +60+/-2 degrees C temperature, antioxidant activity decreased. The results proved that the oils obtained by different production procedures have different content and different antioxidant activity.

The berries of black currant and black aronia are rich in polyphenolic compounds and especially in anthocyanins, demonstrating antioxidant activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible effect of thermal technological processes on the quantity of polyphenols and anthocyanins in berry juice concentrates, and on the antioxidant activity. After 8 hour storage of black currant and black aronia berry juice concentrates at 60 degrees C, the amount of polyphenols decreased by 46% and 22%, anthocyanins 31% and 35%, respectively. Antioxidant activity decreased by 26% and 56%, respectively. The results demonstrated insufficient stability of juice concentrates, and impropriety of application of long lasting drying processes in manufacturing of black currant and black aronia berry dry products. Fast and efficient drying methods for liquid products should be applied to preserve qualitative and quantitative composition and their antioxidant activity.

The task of this research work was to develop a formulation of hipromellose ophthalmic preparation by determining optimal composition of active ingredients and excipients. Aqueous solution of hipromellose 1% and sorbitol 4.5% was prepared with addition of phosphate buffer (pH 7.05) and preservative cetrimide 0.01%. Sterile filtration was used for solution sterilization. Polimeric membrane prefilters of 1 microm, 0.45 microm and 0.22 microm pore size were employed as sterilizing filter. It is recommended to increase the temperature up to 35-38 degrees C for more efficient filtration of the solution. Quality parameters and analytical methods for quality control have been developed to control the quality and to evaluate the stability of hipromellose eye drops during their storage for 24 months. The obtained results confirmed the sterility and stability of hipromellose eye drops for the period of two years.

The objective of this study was to produce grape (Vitis vinifera L.) extracts using efficient solvents and to compare antioxidant activity, polyphenol and anthocyanin content and composition in the produced extracts to the same characteristics of grape juices and wines. Methanolic and aqueous extracts of red and blue grapes were produced. Total amounts of polyphenols and anthocyanins in grape extracts, juices and wines were determined. Total polyphenols were spectrophotometrically determined measuring absorption after using Folin-Ciocalteau reagent. Total anthocyanins were determined by pH-differential method. Antioxidant activity of all those grape products was analyzed in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) and 2,2'-azine-bis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical binding model systems. The results obtained by both antioxidant activity determination methods were comparable and permitted to evaluate the ability to inactivate free radicals. Individual polyphenols and anthocyanins were separated by high performance liquid chromatography. Compounds of malvidine, delphinidine and petunidine were identified as main anthocyanins present in grape products demonstrating antioxidant activity. The determined amounts of polyphenols and anthocyanins in red wines were relatively higher than in other investigated objects. The wines possessed the highest antioxidant activity, which correlated with the determined amounts of total polyphenols. Correlation between total anthocyanins contents and antioxidant activity of appropriate objects was not established.

Pharmaceutical herbal preparations have been used for the treatment of respiratory diseases for a long time. Alongside with the well known herbs, there are many of crude drugs to be investigated and applied in therapeutics. Respiratory diseases are mainly treated by chemical medicines and antibiotics. The use of herbal preparations is limited and they are usually used as supplemental ones. Application of modern research techniques, the new data on biochemical processes in plants, chemical compounds and information on their value in therapy were obtained. The pharmacological effect of the compounds could be foreseen from their chemical structure. The development of rational technology of pharmaceutical preparations follows the identification of active constituents in pharmaceutical herbs. The proper use of pharmaceutical herbs supplies the organism with the natural substances, thus preventing various diseases. The primrose dried raw material for use in production of pharmaceutical preparations has been analyzed and its quality was evaluated. The dry primrose extract was produced and tested, and later it was used in development of pharmaceutical preparations. The liquid primrose extract and two compositions of primrose syrup were developed. The stability of experimental preparations was evaluated.

One of the factors influencing the release of active substance from the drug formulation is presence of polymeric substance resulting in increase of viscosity of eye drops. Diffusion of sodium cromoglycate from polyvinyl alcohol 1.4%, 3% solutions and hypromellose 1% aqueous solution was investigated using in vitro method and diffusion coefficients were evaluated. Release of sodium cromoglycate from polyvinyl alcohol 1.4%, 3% solutions and hypromellose 1% aqueous solution was slower than the release from aqueous solution of sodium cromoglycate. The sodium cromoglycate diffusion from ophthalmic vehicle process kinetics was influenced by viscosity of these solutions and nature of the used polymers. The diffusion process of sodium cromoglycate from 1.4% PVA solution was more intensive if compared to diffusion from 1% hypromellose solution. The influence of excipients on sodium cromoglycate diffusion from eye drop formulation was evaluated when polymeric solutions have been used as vehicles.

The article deals with the production of the "Saules" tincture in a way of selecting an extractive agent concentration, the size of particles of the raw material and the method of extraction. The experiment indicates that the optimum concentration of ethanol in the tincture is 70% V/V, the particles' size is in the range from 1 to 2 mm; the production method recommended for use is percolation. The quality of the tincture was evaluated by determining the quantity of flavonoids and dry residue, the concentration of the ethanol, the density and the microbial contamination. The presence of quercetin, rutin and hyperoside was confirmed using high-pressure liquid chromatography. The stability of the tincture was evaluated.

The article deals with the production of the complex tincture of Hyperici herba 80.0 g, Cinnamomi cortex 20.0 g, Rosmarini folium 20.0 g, Lavandulae flos 20.0 g, Zingiberis rhizoma 60.0 g and the selection of an extracting liquid phase, and the choice of extraction method. The experimentally determined optimal conditions for tincture preparation were as follows: concentration of ethanol--70% (V/V), the particle size of the leaves, herb, flowers--2.0-3.0 mm, for the bark and the roots--0.3-0.5 mm, the extraction method--percolation. The quality of the tincture was evaluated by analyzing the sum of flavonoids (recalculated into equivalent amount of rutin), dry residue, the concentration of ethanol, density of the extractive preparation, and microbial contamination. Also the overall appearance was checked, the identification of flavonoids was performed by color reactions and high-pressure liquid chromatography.