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Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by red, circumscribed, scaly, and erythematous plaques that can cover large skin areas. While conventional treatments such as topical corticosteroids and systemic medications are commonly prescribed, the interest in natural remedies for psoriasis has grown due to concerns about potential side effects and the desire for alternative treatment options. Rosa × damascena Mill. is rich in bioactive compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties; these properties make Rosa × damascena Mill. a promising candidate for the management of skin disorders such as psoriasis. In our previous studies, we successfully formulated and tested different topical preparations containing Rosa × damascena Mill. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores in psoriasis treatment using the abovementioned creams containing Rosa × damascena Mill. extract. Several tests were performed to study the correlation between the PASI and DLQI scores in psoriasis patients. Consequently, we were able to observe an improvement in terms of the area, induration, desquamation, and erythema; such an improvement implicitly produces an improvement in patients’ quality of life. The PASI and DLQI scores showed significant progress between visits. These results confirm Rosa × damascena Mill. to be a promising candidate for the topical treatment of psoriatic lesions.

The development of oral insulin drug delivery systems is still an ongoing challenge for pharmaceutical technology researchers, as the formulation process has to overcome a number of obstacles due to the adverse characteristics of peptides. The aim of this study was to formulate different sodium-alginate microparticles as a possible method for oral insulin administration. In our previous studies, the method has been successfully optimized using a small model peptide. The incorporation of insulin into alginate carriers containing nonionic surfactants has not been described yet. In order to enhance the absorption of insulin through biological barriers, Labrasol ALF and Labrafil M 2125 CS were selected as permeation-enhancing excipients. They were applied at a concentration of 0.10% (v/v%), along with various combinations of the two, to increase oral bioavailability. Encapsulation efficiency showed sufficient drug incorporation, as it resulted in over 80% in each composition. In vitro dissolution and enzymatic stability test results proved that, as a pH-responsive polymer, alginate bead swelling and drug release occur at higher pH, thus protecting insulin against the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract. The remaining insulin content was 66% due to SIF degradation after 120 min. Permeability experiments revealed the impact of permeation enhancers and natural polymers on drug absorption, as they enhanced drug transport significantly through Caco-2 cells in the case of alginate microparticle formulations, as opposed to the control insulin solution. These results suggest that these formulations are able to improve the oral bioavailability of insulin.

BGP-15 is an active ingredient with many advantages, e.g., beneficial cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects. The transdermal administration of BGP-15 has great potential, which has not been investigated yet, despite the fact that it is a non-invasive and safe form of treatment. The aim of our study was to formulate transdermal patches containing BGP-15 and optimize the production with the Box–Behnken design of experiment. The most optimal formulation was further combined with penetration enhancers to improve bioavailability of the active ingredient, and the in vitro drug release and in vitro permeation of BGP-15 from the patches were investigated. FTIR spectra of BGP-15, the formulations and the components were also studied. The most optimal formulation based on the tested parameters was dried for 24 h, with 67% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) content and low ethanol content. The selected penetration enhancer excipients were not cytotoxic on HaCaT cells. The FTIR measurements and SEM photography proved the compatibility of the active substance and the vehicle; BGP-15 was present in the polymer matrix in dissolved form. The bioavailability of BGP-15 was most significantly enhanced by the combination of Transcutol and Labrasol. The in vitro permeation study confirmed that the formulated patches successfully enabled the transdermal administration of BGP-15.

The aim of this study was to formulate and characterize CK2 inhibitor-loaded alginate microbeads via the polymerization method. Different excipients were used in the formulation to improve the penetration of an active agent and to stabilize our preparations. Transcutol® HP was added to the drug–sodium alginate mixture and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was added to the hardening solution, alone and in combination. To characterize the formulations, mean particle size, scanning electron microscopy analysis, encapsulation efficiency, swelling behavior, an enzymatic stability test and an in vitro dissolution study were performed. The cell viability assay and permeability test were also carried out on the Caco-2 cell line. The anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the formulations were finally evaluated. The combination of Transcutol® HP and PVP in the formulation of sodium alginate microbeads could improve the stability, in vitro permeability, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the CK2 inhibitor.

Christensenella minuta (C. minuta), a member of a recently described bacterial family, is one of the most heritable next-generation probiotics. Many observational studies confirmed that the relative abundance of C. minuta is associated with lean body types with a low host body mass index (BMI), and is also influenced by age, diet, and genetics. By utilizing its benefits, it could be suited to many therapies, including human and animal health as well. However, a reliable method for culturing the strain must also be developed to enable the therapeutic administration of the microbe. Sludge microfiltration could be a promising solution for large scale-up cultivation. In this review, different processing methods are also described from pharmaceutical aspects.

Nasal drug delivery has been a focus of scientific interest for decades. A number of drug delivery systems and devices are available and have been highly successful in providing better and more comfortable therapy. The benefits of nasal drug delivery are not in question. The nasal surface provides an excellent context for the targeted delivery of active substances. In addition to the large nasal surface area and intensive absorption, the active substances delivered through the nose overcome the blood–brain barrier and can be delivered directly to the central nervous system. Formulations for nasal administration are typically solutions or liquid dispersed systems such as emulsions or suspensions. Formulation techniques for nanostructures have recently undergone intensive development. Solid-phase heterogeneous dispersed systems represent a new direction in pharmaceutical formulations. The wide range of possible examples and the variety of excipients allow for the delivery of a wide range of active ingredients. The aim of our experimental work was to develop a solid drug delivery system that possesses all of the above-mentioned advantageous properties. In developing solid nanosystems, we not only exploited the advantages of size but also the adhesive and penetration-enhancing properties of excipients. During formulation, several amphiphilic compounds with adhesion properties and penetration enhancing effects were incorporated. We used chlorpromazine (CPZ), which is mainly used in the treatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Chlorpromazine has been previously investigated by our team in other projects. With the availability of previous methods, the analytical characterization of the drug was carried out effectively. Due to the frequent and severe side effects of the drug, the need for therapeutic dose reduction is indisputable. In this series of experiments, we succeeded in constructing drug delivery systems. Finely divided Na nanoparticles were formed using a Büchi B90 nanospray dryer. An important step in the development of the drug carrier was the selection of suitable inert carrier compounds. Particle size determination and particle size distribution analysis were performed to characterize the prepared nanostructures. As safety is the most important aspect of any drug formulation, all components and systems were tested with different biocompatibility assays. The tests performed demonstrated the safe applicability of our systems. The bioavailability of chlorpromazine was studied as a function of the ratio of the active ingredient administered nasally and intravenously. As described above, most nasal formulations are liquids, but our system is solid, so there is currently no tool available to accurately target this system. As a supplement of the project, a nasal dosing device was developed, corresponding to the anatomical structure; a prototype of the device was made using 3D FDM technology. Our results lay the foundation for the design and industrial scaling of a new approach to the design and production of a high-bioavailability nasal medicinal product.

Bioavailability assessment in the development phase of a drug product is vital to reveal the disadvantageous properties of the substance and the possible technological interventions. However, in vivo pharmacokinetic studies provide strong evidence for drug approval applications. Human and animal studies must be designed on the basis of preliminary biorelevant experiments in vitro and ex vivo. In this article, the authors have reviewed the recent methods and techniques from the last decade that are in use for assessing the bioavailability of drug molecules and the effects of technological modifications and drug delivery systems. Four main administration routes were selected: oral, transdermal, ocular, and nasal or inhalation. Three levels of methodologies were screened for each category: in vitro techniques with artificial membranes; cell culture, including monocultures and co-cultures; and finally, experiments where tissue or organ samples were used. Reproducibility, predictability, and level of acceptance by the regulatory organizations are summarized for the readers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical profile and antioxidant properties of the extracts from three Rosa species (R. canina, R. damascena, R. cairo), to develop and investigate topical formulations with lyophilized forms of extracts for the treatment of psoriasis. Phytochemical screening and in vitro total antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, CUPRAC, SOD) of studied samples were examined and compared. Lyophilized extracts of roses were dissolved in Transcutol HP and different formulations of creams were prepared. Franz diffusion method was used to evaluate the drug release and biocompatibility was tested on HaCaT cells. Rosa damascene had the best results regarding all the analyses that were conducted. After the evaluation of topical products, the formulation with Rosa damascena extract in a self-emulsifying drug delivery system was tested on a human clinical study that involved 20 patients. At the end of the clinical study an improvement in the quality of life of the patients was observed and erythema, induration and scaling were reduced. The present study indicates that our examined extracts exhibited great phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and safety profile of topical formulation and therefore can be used as a reliable source of natural antioxidants and may be used as a complementary treatment to improve the quality life of patients with psoriasis or may be tested on another diseases.

Philadelphus coronarius is a versatile plant and its use in folk medicine has a long tradition; however, scientifically, the medical utilization of the herb is a less explored research field. The aim of our study was to identify and determine the quantity of the bioactive compounds of both the leaf and the flower and prepare a lyophilized product of them, from which medical ointments were formulated, since the topical application of P. coronarius has also not been studied. In vitro drug release, texture analysis and biocompatibility experiments were carried out, as well as the investigation of microbiological, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to our results the composition and the selected excipients of the ointments have a great impact on the drug release, texture and bioavailability of the preparation. During the microbiological testing, the P. coronarius leaf was effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, but it did not significantly decrease IL-4 production when it was tested on HaCaT cells. P. coronarius is a promising herb, and its topical application in antimicrobial therapy can be a useful addition to modern medical therapy.

Fenugreek is used as a spice and a traditional herbal medicine for a variety of purposes, given its antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) of herbal drugs are targets of extensive research aiming to increase bioavailability and stability. The study’s objective was to formulate SEDDS containing Trigonella foenum-graecum extract to improve the stability of herbal extract and to increase their permeability through a Caco-2 monolayer. A characterized fenugreek dry extract was used for the formulations, while the SEDDS properties were examined by particle size analysis and zeta potential measurements. Permeability assays were carried out on Caco-2 cell monolayers, the integrity of which was monitored by follow-up trans-epithelial electric resistance measurements (TEER). Cytocompatibility was tested by the MTT method, and an indirect dissolution test was performed, using DPPH antioxidant reagent. Two different SEDDS compositions were formulated from a standardized fenugreek dry extract at either the micro- or the nanoemulsion scale with sufficient stability, enhanced bioavailability of the compounds, and sustained release from HPMC capsules. Based on our results, a modern, non-toxic, cytocompatible fenugreek SEDDS formulation with high antioxidant capacity was developed in order to improve the permeability and bioavailability of all components.

The rapid progress in biotechnology over the past few decades has accelerated the large-scale production of therapeutic peptides and proteins, making them available in medical practice. However, injections are the most common method of administration; these procedures might lead to inconvenience. Non-invasive medications, such as oral administration of bio-compounds, can reduce or eliminate pain and increase safety. The aim of this project was to develop and characterize novel melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) formulations for oral administration. As a drug delivery system, penetration enhancer combined alginate beads were formulated and characterized. The combination of alginate carriers with amphiphilic surfactants has not been described yet. Due to biosafety having high priority in the case of novel pharmaceutical formulations, the biocompatibility of selected auxiliary materials and their combinations was evaluated using different in vitro methods. Excipients were selected according to the performed toxicity measurements. Besides the cell viability tests, physical properties and complex bioavailability assessments were performed as well. Our results suggest that alginate beads are able to protect melanin concentrating hormones. It has been also demonstrated that penetration enhancer combined alginate beads might play a key role in bioavailability improvement. These formulations were found to be promising tools for oral peptide delivery. Applied excipients and the performed delivery systems are safe and highly tolerable; thus, they can improve patients’ experience and promote adherence.

BGP-15 is a Hungarian-developed drug candidate with numerous beneficial effects. Its potential anti-inflammatory effect is a common assumption, but it has not been investigated in topical formulations yet. The aim of our study was to formulate 10% BGP-15 creams with different penetration enhancers to ensure good drug delivery, improve bioavailability of the drug and investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of BGP-15 creams in vivo. Since the exact mechanism of the effect is still unknown, the antioxidant effect (tested with UVB radiation) and the ability of BGP-15 to decrease macrophage activation were evaluated. Biocompatibility investigations were carried out on HaCaT cells to make sure that the formulations and the selected excipients can be safely used. Dosage form studies were also completed with texture analysis and in vitro release with Franz diffusion chamber apparatus. Our results show that the ointments were able to reduce the extent of local inflammation in mice, but the exact mechanism of the effect remains unknown since BGP-15 did not show any antioxidant effect, nor was it able to decrease LPS-induced macrophage activation. Our results support the hypothesis that BGP-15 has a potential anti-inflammatory effect, even if it is topically applied, but the mechanism of the effect remains unclear and requires further pharmacological studies.

Exposure to reactive oxygen species can easily result in serious diseases, such as hyperproliferative skin disorders or skin cancer. Herbal extracts are widely used as antioxidant sources in different compositions. The importance of antioxidant therapy in inflammatory conditions has increased. Innovative formulations can be used to improve the effects of these phytopharmacons. The bioactive compounds of Plantago lanceolata (PL) possess different effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bactericidal pharmacological effects. The objective of this study was to formulate novel liquid crystal (LC) compositions to protect Plantago lanceolata extract from hydrolysis and to improve its effect. Since safety is an important aspect of pharmaceutical formulations, the biological properties of applied excipients and blends were evaluated using assorted in vitro methods on HaCaT cells. According to the antecedent toxicity screening evaluation, three surfactants were selected (Gelucire 44/14, Labrasol, and Lauroglycol 90) for the formulation. The dissolution rate of PL from the PL-LC systems was evaluated using a Franz diffusion chamber apparatus. The antioxidant properties of the PL-LC systems were evaluated with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assessments. Our results suggest that these compositions use a nontraditional, rapid-permeation pathway for the delivery of drugs, as the applied penetration enhancers reversibly alter the barrier properties of the outer stratum corneum. These excipients can be safe and highly tolerable thus, they could improve the patient’s experience and promote adherence.

BGP-15 is a new insulin sensitizer drug candidate, which was developed by Hungarian researchers. In recent years, numerous research groups have studied its beneficial effects. It is effective in the treatment of insulin resistance and it has protective effects in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, diastolic dysfunction, tachycardia, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, and it can alleviate cardiotoxicity. BGP-15 exhibits chemoprotective properties in different cytostatic therapies, and has also proven to be photoprotective. It can additionally have advantageous effects in mitochondrial-stress-related diseases. Although the precise mechanism of the effect is still unknown to us, we know that the molecule is a PARP inhibitor, chaperone co-inducer, reduces ROS production, and is able to remodel the organization of cholesterol-rich membrane domains. In the following review, our aim was to summarize the investigated molecular mechanisms and pharmacological effects of this potential API. The main objective was to present the wide pharmacological potentials of this chemical agent.

Nowadays, the safety of parabens as pharmaceutical preservatives is debated. Recent studies investigated their interference with the oestrogen receptors, nevertheless their carcinogenic activity was also proved. That was the reason why the re-evaluation of the biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of parabens is required using modern investigation methods. We aimed to test the cytotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial effect of parabens on Caco-2 cells, C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, E. coli, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Two complex systems (glycerol—Polysorbate 20; ethanol—Capryol PGMC™) were formulated to study—with the MTT-assay and microdilution method, respectively—how other excipients may modify the biocompatibility and antimicrobial effect of parabens. In the case of cytotoxicity, the toxicity of these two systems was highly influenced by co-solvents and surfactants. The fungi and bacteria had significantly different resistance in the formulations and in some cases the excipients could highly modify the effectiveness of parabens both in an agonistic and in a counteractive way. These results indicate that with appropriate selection, non-preservative excipients can contribute to the antimicrobial safety of the products, thus they may decrease the required preservative concentration.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficacious and commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. However, its clinical use is limited due to dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Several mechanisms have been proposed to play a role in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, such as free radical generation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, altered apoptosis, and autophagy dysregulation. BGP-15 has a wide range of cytoprotective effects, including mitochondrial protection, but up to now, there is no information about any of its beneficial effects on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. In this study, we investigated whether the protective effects of BGP-15 pretreatment are predominantly via preserving mitochondrial function, reducing mitochondrial ROS production, and if it has an influence on autophagy processes. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were pretreated with 50 μM of BGP-15 prior to different concentrations (0.1; 1; 3 μM) of DOX exposure. We found that BGP-15 pretreatment significantly improved the cell viability after 12 and 24 h DOX exposure. BGP-15 ameliorated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and cell apoptosis induced by DOX. Additionally, BGP-15 pretreatment attenuated the level of mitochondrial oxidative stress and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, BGP-15 further slightly modulated the autophagic flux, which was measurably decreased by DOX treatment. Hence, our findings clearly revealed that BGP-15 might be a promising agent for alleviating the cardiotoxicity of DOX. This critical mechanism appears to be given by the protective effect of BGP-15 on mitochondria.