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Background Neck/shoulder, sudden pain, or muscular pain (not associated to structural or bone/joints components), due to fascial or muscular strain is common in active subjects, in non-professional athletes and sports performers. The aim of this supplement registry was the evaluation of a cream based on natural, active ingredients for topical application in supporting the improvement of pain and improving head/neck mobility, possibly minimizing the use of systemic drugs. Methods The cream includes standardized active ingredients of natural origin as an extract of Harpagophytum procumbes, an extract from Boswellia serrata, a CO2 extract of ginger and escin. Subjects were divided into three groups, all using the standard management (SM) in combination with the Sport Cream or in addition to Flector (diclofenac) patch. Results The groups were comparable and homogeneous at the baseline. No side effects or skin tolerability issues were observed with the Sport Cream nor with the SM or diclofenac patches. Subjects receiving sport cream + SM reported a significant improvement in pain, stiffness, altered mobility and altered working capacity, with a reduced need for rescue medication (diclofenac) compared to subjects in the other two groups. Conclusions Finally, subjects receiving sport cream + SM reported a more remarkable decrease in skin temperature in the affected area associated to an improvement in clinical symptoms.

Purpose The purpose of this in vivo study is to evaluate the acute clinical application of a multicomponent powder (Vitachelox®), including three naturally occurring standardized extracts rich in polyphenols (grape seed extract, green tea extract, oak wood/bark extract), on healthy volunteers by measuring prevention of any metal deposition within the stratum corneum (SC) following a 6-h exposure period in a polluted environment. Patients and methods In this in vivo study, we evaluated the skin protective activity of the multicomponent powder formulated in a base emulsion compared to a relevant placebo cream. Using the tape stripping method, SC samples of face skin obtained from 30 healthy volunteers were compared following a 6-h exposure in a polluted area. Results No statistically significant variations on the amount of heavy metals were found in the samples of SC cells obtained from the hemi-faces treated with the multicomponent powder, with respect to baseline. On the contrary, a significantly higher concentration of heavy metals was found in the cells samples obtained from the hemi-faces treated with the placebo cream. In particular, an increased concentration of heavy metals superior to 100% were found for iron and zinc (+130.2% and +142.6%, respectively; p

：Protein carbonylation (PC) is a marker of reactive oxygen species-mediated alterations induced by external stimuli such as UV and blue light irradiation. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of Vitachelox&reg, a mixture of three standardized natural extracts rich in polyphenols, against PC induced by blue light irradiation in human keratinocytes. We tested eight experimental conditions, including Vitachelox&reg, 0.01% and 0.005% w/v, used for 6 or 24 h before irradiation, and a solution of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as positive control of protection. PC was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy in situ and by absolute quantification (Carbonyl Score) upon protein extraction and separation. Both the in situ visualization study and the carbonyl score showed a considerable increase in protein oxidative damage upon blue light irradiation, and a decrease in PC in the presence of Vitachelox&reg, In particular, Vitachelox&reg, 0.005% showed superior results compared to NAC in terms of carbonyl score and protein quality, and it was estimated to exert a protective action against blue-light irradiation ranging from 72% (24 h) to 82% (6 h). The protective antioxidant effect of Vitachelox&reg, together with the anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties previously reported, make this natural active ingredient a valuable tool in the maintenance of healthy skin.

Quality, safety, and efficacy concerns added to instability, poor absorption, and the dispersion of actives are common problems while formulating plant-based cosmetics. Furthermore, a correct balance between the stability of the emulsion, the sensory profile, and the high efficacy has to be considered to formulate an effective product. In this paper, we demonstrate that rheology is a methodological tool that can be used while designing a new product. In particular, we developed an O/W emulsion which is easy to spread on irritated skin, and that can soothe the redness and discomfort caused by the exposure to both physical and chemical irritating agents. The green active mixture consists of three natural raw materials: Bosexil®, Zanthalene®, and Xilogel®. Each ingredient has a well-demonstrated efficacy in terms of soothing, anti-itching, and moisturizing properties respectively. Starting from the selection of a new green emulsifying system, through the analysis of the rheological properties, we obtained a stable and easy-to-apply o/w emulsion. The efficacy of the optimized product was assessed in vitro on intact and injured skin using the SkinEthic™ Reconstituted Human Epidermis (RHE) as a biological model.

Background We evaluated the ability of quercetin, a natural antioxidant formulated in a specific delivery system, to reduce skin inflammation induced by a variety of stimuli, including UV radiation, stimulation with a histamine solution, or contact with chemical irritants. In particular, we tested the soothing and anti-itch effect of Quercevita®, 1% cream for external use, a formulation characterized by a phospholipids-based delivery system. Patients and methods The study was a monocentric, single blind trial that enrolled a group of 30 healthy volunteers. The back of each subject was examined to identify four quadrants with no previous skin damage or naevi that were treated in order to induce a controlled and reversible form of skin stress. The areas were treated as follows: no product; Quercevita® 1% cream, 2 mg/cm2; placebo; positive control (a commercially available topical formulation containing 1% dexchlorpheniramine). Results Only quercetin phospholipids 1% and dexchlorpheniramine 1% achieved a significant reduction in erythema with comparable results: (–10.05% [P=0.00329] for quercetin phospholipids 1% vs –14.05% [P=0.00046] for the positive control). Moreover, quercetin phospholipids 1% and dexchlorpheniramine 1% were both associated with a significant decrease in mean wheal diameter: (–13.25% and –12.23% for dexchlorpheniramine 1%, respectively). Similar findings were reported for the other tested parameters. Conclusion Quercetin has a skin protective effect against damage caused by a variety of insults, including UV radiation, histamine, or contact with toxic chemical compounds. Indeed, quercetin is able to reduce redness, itching, and inflammation of damaged skin; it may also help restore skin barrier function, increasing hydration, and reducing water loss., Video abstract

BACKGROUND Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is a symptomatic condition including vaginal dryness, irritation, dyspareunia and recurrent urinary tract infections which affects 40-54% of post-menopausal women. Although several estrogen-based therapies are available, it is generally preferable to avoid hormonal therapy, particularly in women with mild symptoms or at risk for estrogen-responsive neoplasia. Therefore, the most common treatment options are over-the-counter vaginal creams for symptomatic relief. METHODS Thirty-three postmenopausal women suffering from GSM were enrolled in this observational study. A multi-component cream (Ginetrox®, Indena, Milan, Italy) was applied on the vestibular area of the vagina for three months. The primary endpoints were: vaginal burning and/or pain, assessed by Visual Analog Scale and dyspareunia, assessed using the Marinoff Score. As a secondary endpoint, vestibular health was evaluated through a four-point scale. Side effects and adherence to treatment were also recorded. RESULTS Statistically significant improvement was observed in pain scores and dyspareunia at the end of the treatment compared to baseline values. The vestibular health index significantly decreased after 3 months. Tolerability was acceptable. CONCLUSIONS This preliminary study suggests that the plant-based, multi-component cream Ginetrox® could be effective and safe in counteracting menopause-related vaginal discomfort symptoms.

Addressing skin challenges in baby care formulations is quite a challenge itself, as the formulation not only needs to be active, but it should also meet specific requirements in terms of ingredients, agreability and rational of the formulation design. Object of this study was the realization of a few different cosmetic formulations blending soundly documented natural active ingredients in systems matching the most common requirements of the baby care products. Additionaly, compatibility evidences of the employed natural actives within the tested systems have also been observed. We are therefore presenting the formulation design of four different formulations for baby care: a baby wash, an immediate rash recovery, an after sun emulsion and a calming and soothing product, each one described for the rational of the actives it contains and provided with a detailed formulation design. Specific attention will be directed to those ingredients for which clinical data supporting the expected skin benefits are available.

Stefano Togni,1 Giada Maramaldi,1 Francesco Di Pierro,2 Massimo Biondi3 1Indena S.p.A., Milan, Italy; 2Velleja Research, Milan, Italy; 3Dermatology Unit, ASL Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy Background: Boswellic acids (BAs) show anti-inflammatory properties in a variety of inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and asthma. A topical administration route is currently used to deliver active compounds in psoriatic and eczematous patients. In this double-blind study we compare a novel BA formulation (containing Bosexil®, INCI [International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients]: lecithin, Boswellia serrata resin extract) with a placebo formulation. A third arm of the trial received a formulation of Vaccinium myrtillus seed oil, previously demonstrated as an effective local treatment for psoriatic lesions. Methods: Patients with psoriasis or erythematous eczema were randomly assigned, in a 1:1:1 ratio, to Bosexil®, V. myrtillus seed oil, or placebo. In order to evaluate the effects of treatment, the changes of scales and erythema from diagnosis to the end of treatment were scored in psoriatic patients, while changes in itch and erythema were analyzed for erythematous eczema patients. Psoriasis Area Severity Index and Eczema Area and Severity Index scores were also calculated. Results: In patients with psoriasis, scales and erythema improved both with Bosexil® and the V. myrtillus seed oil treatment in comparison with placebo. In particular, the treatment with Bosexil® formulation improved scales (70% of cases) and erythema (50% of cases) without any case of worsening. In patients with eczema, the administration of placebo did not result in any improvement in 90% of cases, and in the remaining 10% worsened both itch and erythema. Bosexil® formulation improved both itch (60% of cases) and erythema (60% of cases) without any case of worsening. V. myrtillus seed oil improved itch and erythema in 66.7% and 77.8% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: A topical formulation of Bosexil® may be promising for the treatment of psoriasis and erythematous eczema. Long-term studies are recommended to evaluate the adherence to this topical treatment and its clinical benefits in real life. Keywords: boswellic acids, cosmeceutical, inflammation, psoriasis, erythematous eczema

Giada Maramaldi,1 Stefano Togni,1 Federico Franceschi,1 Elian Lati21Indena SpA, Milan, Italy; 2Laboratoire BIO-EC, Longjumeau, FrancePurpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the topical efficacy of a new purified extract from Madagascar, Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica [L.] Urban), both on human explants and on human volunteers, in relation to skin wrinkling and skin protection against ultraviolet light exposure. The extract, with a peculiar content of biologically active molecules, was investigated as a novel anti-inflammaging and antiglycation agent. Its typical terpenes, known as collagen synthesis promoters, represent at least 45% of the extract. It also contains a polyphenolic fraction cooperating to the observed properties.Methods: C. asiatica purified extract was assayed on human skin explants maintained alive, and several parameters were evaluated. Among the most relevant, the thymine dimerization was evaluated by immunostaining. Malondialdehyde formation was evaluated as free-radical scavenging marker by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of interleukin-1a was observed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as well. The product was further evaluated as an antiglycation agent, being glycation quantified by the advanced glycation product carboxymethyl lysine. C. asiatica purified extract was also evaluated as an antiwrinkling agent in a single-blind, placebo-controlled study. Formulated in a simple oil-in-water emulsion, the extent of wrinkling was assessed by skin replicas, skin firmness, skin elasticity, and collagen density measurements.Results: C. asiatica purified extract could protect DNA from ultraviolet light-induced damage, decreasing the thymine photodimerization by over 28% (P

Cellulite is thought to affect 80-90% of postpubertal women, and is considered much of a cosmetic concern by the large majority of them. In this study, the objective was to assess the efficacy of a topical cosmetic product containing various active ingredients of botanical origin on cellulite blemishes on female volunteers affected by fat accumulations, as well as by slight-to-moderate cellulite in the lower limbs. The assessment was performed by means of various objective evaluations, including contact thermography, morphometric measures of thigh circumference, and microcirculation evaluation. The obtained results indicate that the use of synergistic botanical standardized extracts, through the exploitation of different mechanisms of action and acting on different biological targets, provides visible and measurable results in the improvement of cellulite signs and symptoms.

Publisher Summary Skin aging may be caused by internal and external causes, defining internal aging as the natural physiological process, and external aging as a host of conditions (sunlight, pollution, smoke, dietary habits) capable of mimicking the effect of physiological aging. Furthermore, as we grow old, we become gradually sensitized to external skin damage by the dwindling healing properties of our organism. For this reason, research of antiaging products is currently hotly pursued at genomic, pharmacological, and cosmetic levels. Recent studies also suggest a correlation between the intake of olives and olive oil and skin wrinkling, as well as a link between dietary nutrient intake and skin-aging appearance. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables with olives and olive oil as the major source of fats is considered an important protection against the main diseases associated with oxidative stress. Olive derivatives (fruits, olive oil, and olive leaves) are very rich in antioxidant compounds. Polyphenols like oleuropein (in the leaves), verbascoside (in the fruit), and tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol (in all olive foodstuffs) may exert an interesting antioxidant activity in various districts of the organism, including the skin. Various extracts have been developed in order to provide olive-based antioxidant products as dietary ingredients. Unsurprisingly, olive oil has become a very active area of multidisciplinary research.