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Ethosomes are novel lipid‐based vesicular systems that demonstrate unique improvements in drug delivery with respect to other nanoparticles, especially for transdermal applications. Their high ethanol content strongly improves flexibility and deformability, which allows squeezing through the intercellular spaces without any drug leakage. The ethanol, moreover, contributes to increase the fluidity of the lipids of the cell membranes in dermal layers, allowing an in‐depth penetration of the nanostructures. Moreover, the high ethanol content of ethosomes allows the promotion of the encapsulation of either hydrophilic or lipophilic active agents, a feature particularly useful when it deals with natural extracts, a family of compounds characterized by a huge chemical variability. As a further advantage, being natural extracts often obtained in ethanol‐based solutions, their incorporation in ethosomes makes not necessarily expensive and time‐consuming procedures finalized at solvent removal. Following the initial exploitation of ethosomes, research focuses on the development of variants such as invasomes and transethosomes, which show improved drug encapsulation and delivery capacity. This review provides the state‐of‐the‐art on ethosomal research, with special attention on the encapsulation and delivery of natural extracts and their transdermal delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Spirulina platensis (SP) and Salvia verbenaca (SV) extracts added to skimmed milk (SM) extender on ram sperm quality and fertility. Semen was collected using an artificial vagina, extended in SM to reach a final concentration of 0.8 × 109 spermatozoa/mL, stored at 4°C and evaluated at 0, 5 H and 24 H. The experiment has been performed in three steps. Firstly, from four extracts (methanol: MeOH, acetone: Ac, ethyl acetate: EtOAc and hexane: Hex) of SP and SV, only acetonic and hexanoic extracts of SP and acetonic and methanolic extracts of SV showed the highest in vitro antioxidant activities and were then selected for the following step. Thereafter, the effects of four concentrations (1.25, 3.75, 6.25, and 8.75 μg/mL) of each selected extract on stored sperm motility were evaluated. The output of this trial led to select the best concentrations having beneficial effects on sperm quality parameters (viability, abnormalities, membrane integrity, and lipid peroxidation) and fertility after insemination. The results showed that the same concentration (1.25 μg/mL) of both Ac‐SP and Hex‐SP, as well as 3.75 μg/mL of Ac‐SV and 6.25 μg/mL of MeOH‐SV, maintain all sperm quality parameters at 4°C during 24 H of storage. Besides, no difference was found in fertility between the selected extracts and the control. In conclusion, SP and SV extracts were shown to improve the quality of ram sperm and to maintain fertility rate after insemination as similar or competitive to many previous studies published in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acorn shell residue is valorized for the efficient obtention of antioxidant extracts by ultrasound‐assisted extraction and applied in the development of biopolymer‐based films, studying its influence in different matrices for the subsequent preparation of emitting sachets for active food packaging. The effect of increasing extract addition on the physical, mechanical, optical, and antioxidant properties of biopolymer films is studied. It is observed that the water resistance increases with increasing amounts of extract in PVA films and from 5% extract in chitosan films. Furthermore, 3% extract in both types of matrices increases the UV‐light blocking capacity (up to 97%). Considering the mechanical performance, not weakening of the structure is observed because of the extract addition. Films possess radical scavenging activity against DPPH with the incremental amounts of extract. Moreover, acorn shell extract as active additive in biopolymer‐based sachets demonstrates an effective delay of soybean oil oxidation during 10 days of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Listeria monocytogenes is a widespread common contaminant in food production facilities during preparation, storage, and distribution, and minimally processed ready‐to‐eat products are considered at high risk of contamination by this bacterium. Increased antibiotic resistance has led researchers to search for plant‐based natural alternatives to control pathogenic microorganisms. Among these products, essential oils and plant extracts have previously shown antimicrobial activity and are possible alternatives to manage food pathogens. In this study, commercial essential oils (cinnamon, clove, oregano, ginger, and thyme) and plant extracts (pomegranate, acorn, olive, strawberry tree, and dog rose) were tested against L. monocytogenes in a dry‐cured ham‐based model. RESULTS: Essential oils and plant extracts were screened by agar diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration for anti‐L. monocytogenes activity. Cinnamon, pomegranate, and strawberry trees returned the strongest results and were therefore evaluated in a dry‐cured ham‐based medium assay with water activity of 0.93 or 0.95. The 10% essential oil of cinnamon was capable of completely inhibiting bacterial growth, while strawberry tree and pomegranate extract also showed antilisterial activity (P > 0.05). Water activity influenced the bacterial count of L. monocytogenes in a dry‐cured ham‐based medium. CONCLUSIONS: There was a reduction in L. monocytogenes with the application of cinnamon essential oil but, because of the negative sensory impact of this particular compound in meat products, we suggest the use of pomegranate or strawberry tree for the biocontrol of Listeria in ready‐to‐eat products. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work is to prepare biodegradable films of corn starch, replacing a part of the distilled water used in the formulation of the filmogenic solution with an aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HSE) and evaluate its functional properties and antimicrobial capacity. The films are made by casting method, adding different HSE:water volume ratios: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100 as control. All films with HSE showed an antimicrobial effect, giving positive results against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli. It is observed that, with the increase in the proportion of HSE, the films are more manageable and glossy than those of starch alone and a more intense red color as the extract content increased, significantly improving its mechanical properties, mainly when the HSE content is above 25% on the filmogenic solution. Likewise, the addition of the extract significantly improved the water vapor barrier capacity of the films. According to the results obtained in this study, corn starch films with aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa are an excellent alternative as a biodegradable packaging material for the food industry, with good functional properties and antimicrobial capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Sulfite is commonly used to preserve lamb burger meat in the EU. Nevertheless, its consumption has been related to certain health problems, which has increased consumer demand for sulfite‐free products. Natural compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties may be a feasible alternative to preserve lamb burger meat. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of carvacrol, green tea and their combination in preserving lamb burger meat. Their effect was also compared with that of 400 ppm sulfite. RESULTS: Lamb burger meat was mixed with different concentrations of the extracts, packaged aerobically and displayed for 8 days at 4 °C. Total polyphenols, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, colour, and microbial and sensory analyses were performed. Both green tea and carvacrol avoided lipid oxidation even at 300 ppm, while only carvacrol, which showed a concentration‐dependent action, delayed discolouration and microbial growth. Carvacrol and green tea also limited the development of oxidation odour and flavour, but the former brought about herbal odours and flavours to the meat. On the other hand, sulfite provided a higher colour stability and lower microbial counts than both natural compounds but presented a higher lipid oxidation. CONCLUSION: Carvacrol seems to be a promising alternative to replace sulfite in lamb burger meat, whereas green tea should be combined with an antimicrobial agent. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Objective The objective of this study was to synthesize a novel glucosamine-imprinted sorbent based on ionic and non-covalent dual approach to purify glucosamine from chicory root extracts. Methods The synthesis of the molecularly imprinted polymer was optimized in terms of choice of monomers, porogen, cross-linker and initiator to have the best recognition as possible for targeted molecule. The sorbent obtained was characterized by nitrogen sorption ( BET), scanning electron microscopy ( SEM) and solid-phase extraction ( SPE) to plot adsorption isotherms. The selectivity of polymer between glucosamine and interfering salt as ammonium sulphate was calculated. Extraction procedure was optimized in terms of loading, washing and elution solvents, to have the best recovery of glucosamine. Compounds were analysed by HPLC- UV after chemical derivatization. Results The results showed that the optimal conditions of extracting glucosamine on this new type of sorbent were as follows: percolation of plant extract in EtOH/aqueous HCl pH 3, washing of cartridge with water and elution of compound of interest with aqueous acetic acid solution at 5%. The recoveries of glucosamine were around 53% and 70%, from aqueous standard solution and aqueous chicory roots extracts, respectively, on the molecularly imprinted polymer. And, only 11% and 7% of the ammonium sulphate were recovered from standard solution and chicory roots extract, respectively. Conclusion The use of the MIP as solid-phase extraction sorbent was able to extract preferentially glucosamine from structural analogues and ammonium salt. Assays on chicory roots extracts were carried out, and the MIP showed good results allowing the transfer methodology at semi-industrial scale for cosmetic companies. The optimized protocol of extraction of glucosamine allowed using only eco-friendly solvents, as ethanol, water and acetic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synopsis Several treatments for skin whitening are available today, but few of them are completely adequate, especially owing to the carcinogenic potential attributed to classical drugs like hydroquinone, arbutin and kojic acid. To provide an alternative and safer technology for whitening, we developed two botanical compounds originated from Brazilian biodiversity, an extract of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi and a linoleic acid fraction isolated from Passiflora edulis oil. The whitening effect of these compounds was assessed using biochemical assays and in vitro models including cellular assays and equivalent skin. The results showed that S. terebinthifolius Raddi extract is able to reduce the tyrosinase activity in vitro, and the combination of this extract with linoleic acid is able to decrease the level of melanin produced by B16 cells cultured with melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Furthermore, melanin was also reduced in human reconstituted epidermis (containing melanocytes) treated with the compounds. The combination of the compounds may provide a synergistic positive whitening effect rather than their isolated use. Finally, we demonstrated that the performance of these mixed compounds is comparable to classical molecules used for skin whitening, as kojic acid. This new natural mixture could be considered an alternative therapeutic agent for treating hyperpigmentation and an effective component in whitening cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this review is to discuss the effect of natural antioxidant compounds as modulators of the 20 S proteasome, a multi-enzymatic multi-catalytic complex present in the cytoplasm and nucleus of eukaryotic cells and involved in several cellular activities such as cell-cycle progression, proliferation and the degradation of oxidized and damaged proteins. From this perspective, proteasome inhibition is a promising approach to anticancer therapy and such natural antioxidant effectors can be considered as potential relevant adjuvants and pharmacological models in the study of new drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chloroatranol and atranol are degradation products of chloroatranorin and atranorin, respectively, and have recently been identified as important contact allergens in the natural fragrance extract, oak moss absolute. Oak moss absolute is widely used in perfumery and is the cause of many cases of fragrance allergic contact dermatitis. Chloroatranol elicits reactions at very low levels of exposure. In oak moss absolute, chloroatranol and atranol are present together and both may contribute to the allergenicity and eliciting capacity of the natural extract. In this study, 10 eczema patients with known sensitization to chloroatranol and oak moss absolute were tested simultaneously to a serial dilution of chloroatranol and atranol in ethanol, in equimolar concentrations (0.0034–1072 µM). Dose–response curves were estimated and analysed by logistic regression. The estimated difference in elicitation potency of chloroatranol relative to atranol based on testing with equimolar concentrations was 217% (95% confidence interval 116–409%). Both substances elicited reactions at very low levels of exposure. It is concluded that the differences in elicitation capacity between the 2 substances are counterbalanced by exposure being greater to atranol than to chloroatranol and that both substances contribute to the clinical problems seen in oak moss absolute-sensitized individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation has been performed on the activity of spurge flax ( Daphne gnidium L., Thymelaeaceae), a typical component of the Mediterranean vegetation, on the development of the elm leaf beetle ( Xanthogaleruca luteola Muller; Col., Chrysomelidae), one of the most serious defoliators of urban forests. Different concentrations of ethanolic extracts of D. gnidium leaves were added to the natural diet (elm leaf discs) of X. luteola, starting with L2 larvae, and the effects induced on the vitality, growth and phase duration of the different stages have been evaluated. A significant reduction of larval survival and adult emergence, together with an increased length of the larval period, heavy reduction of weight gain and appearance of malformations in emerged imagines were observed in presence of spurge flax extracts. These findings agree to ascribe to D. gnidium leaf extracts a growth inhibitory activity and allowed identifying what should be the optimal concentration to be applied on elm leaves to prevent heavy damages by X. luteola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]