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(1) Background: This systematic review explores the bioactive properties of Punica granatum (pomegranate) and its potential applications in the prevention and treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other oral diseases. (2) Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar, focusing on pomegranate and oral diseases. Inclusion criteria included studies evaluating the effects of pomegranate on oral health, while exclusion criteria eliminated non-peer-reviewed and non-English articles. This review aims to assess the efficacy of pomegranate extracts as a natural alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals in oral health care. A structured search strategy included key terms such as “pomegranate”, “oral health”, “gingivitis”, and “periodontitis”. A total of 125 relevant references were reviewed to identify the most pertinent findings. (3) Results: The results indicate that pomegranate extracts have demonstrated efficacy in reducing plaque, inhibiting harmful oral microorganisms, and promoting overall oral health. Furthermore, clinical studies highlight the potential of pomegranate-based products, such as mouthwashes and gels, as viable alternatives to conventional pharmaceuticals, particularly in resource-limited settings. However, the review also notes the need for further research, particularly in the form of clinical trials, to establish optimal formulations and long-term safety. (4) Conclusions: Pomegranate presents a promising, natural solution for preventing and treating gingivitis and periodontitis. Further studies should focus on long-term effects and clinical efficacy.

Mistletoe (Viscum album L.), a semi-parasitic medicinal plant, continues to be of interest, due to its phytochemical composition. The leaves of mistletoe contain phenols, which have a variety of biological effects. The main goal was to characterize the mistletoe that parasitized Robinia pseudoacacia L., (called VAR) in terms of phenolic compounds and to assess the wound healing potential in vitro using the scratch method. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacity was evaluated both by spectrophotometric techniques (DPPH, FRAP, TEAC), as well as by the ability of the mistletoe extract to synthesize green selenium nanoparticles. Among the phenolic acids, dihydroxybenzoic acid is in high level (2.86±0.03 mg/g dw), whereas isorhamnetin-glucuronides dominate the flavonol class (0.593±0.03 mg/g dw). The presence of phenolic compounds in the VAR leaves provides antioxidant capacity. The reducing capacity of VAR extract was demonstrated for the first time by the biosynthesis of nanoselenium particles (NSePs) with a regular, spherical shape and a diameter of around 130 nm. The VAR concentrations of 25-200 µg/mL showed no toxic effect on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF), and the concentration of 100 µg/mL exhibited the best percentage of wound surface closure in vitro (94.08%). The results show that mistletoe is a promising plant because of its phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity, which can modulate the wound repair process in vitro.

Periodontal disease and diabetes often co-occur; both are characterized by chronic inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of carvacrol and magnolol when incorporated into a periodontal hydrogel and topically applied to Wistar rats with diabetes-associated periodontal disease. Forty male albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups: PD (induced diabetes and periodontitis), PDC (induced diabetes and periodontitis treated with carvacrol), PDM (induced diabetes and periodontitis treated with magnolol), and PDCM (induced diabetes and periodontitis treated with both carvacrol and magnolol). Post treatment, gingival tissue samples were collected to measure levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. The PDCM group exhibited significantly lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) compared to the PD group. The combined application of a periodontal hydrogel containing carvacrol and magnolol may significantly reduce gingival inflammation in rats with diabetes-associated periodontal disease.

There has been a significant increase in the use of botanical resources for the formulation of topical products designed for medicinal and cosmetic applications. Sanguisorba minor Scop., a botanical species, exhibits a variety of properties and has significant potential for applications in the field of cosmetics. The aim of this study was to formulate topical preparations, incorporating an extract derived from the plant S. minor Scop. comprising a combination of roots, leaves, and flowers. In the initial phase, a total of seven combinations were prepared using extracts derived from the roots, leaves, and flowers of S. minor Scop. (v/v/v). These combinations were subsequently subjected to evaluation for their antioxidant capacity using four distinct methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). An extract of plant organs in a ratio of 1:2:1 (v/v/v), which had a strong antioxidant capacity and demonstrated synergistic effects according to the DPPH, TEAC, and CUPRAC assays (with values of 1.58 ± 0.1, 1.18 ± 0.09, and 1.07 ± 0.07, respectively), was selected for inclusion in three dermato-cosmetic products (hydrogel, emulgel, and cream). All the prepared preparations were evaluated in terms of topical formulation attributes and organoleptic characteristics. The testing of dermato-cosmetic products included assessments of their topical formulation properties and organoleptic characteristics. The hydrogel, emulgel, and cream exhibited varying degrees of stretchability. In addition, a study was carried out to assess the in vitro release of polyphenols from the cosmetic formulations using a Franz diffusion cell system. The results showed that the emulgel containing the extract of S. minor Scop. had the highest and most significant release of polyphenols, with a release rate of 84.39 ± 1.01%. This was followed by the hydrogel and cream, which had release percentages of 80.52 ± 0.89 and 75.88 ± 0.88, respectively, over an 8 h period. Thus, for the first time in the literature, a topical cosmetic product with high antioxidant potential containing S. minor Scop. extract was developed and optimized.

The status of parsley as a well-known folk medicine noted for its nutritional and medicinal properties prompted the exploration of its potential as a functional food and natural remedy. The paper aims to investigate the potential of parsley to enhance muscle function and alleviate psoriasiform dermatitis, eventually establishing it as a natural, well-tolerated alternative with specific benefits for both muscles and skin. This study examines the tolerability of parsley in a cohort of 937 participants by assessing immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactions. The findings reveal high tolerability, as 96.26% of participants experienced no adverse effects. Among the 902 individuals lacking hypersensitivity, 37.02% reported muscle cramps, with a notable 15.02% reduction observed in the subgroup consuming parsley juice. In the subset of 32 subjects with dermatitis, the application of parsley extract ointment led to a significant decrease in dermatological parameters (redness, thickness, scaling). While the control group exhibited improvements, statistical significance was not observed. Notably, four categories of affected area reduction were identified, with scaling demonstrating the most pronounced impact. The results propose that parsley holds promise for favorable tolerability, contributing to the alleviation of muscle cramps and presenting an effective alternative in dermatitis treatment. Nonetheless, sustained validation through long-term studies is imperative to substantiate these preliminary findings.

It is well recognized that oxidative stress contributes to chronic stress-induced cytotoxicity, which is a major factor in the progression of many diseases, including periodontitis and diabetes. Formulas based on natural extracts with antioxidant properties are alternative treatment perspectives in the management of such diseases. The aim of our study was to assess how carvacrol and magnolol influence periodontitis associated with diabetes in Wistar rats. Ninety Wistar rats were distributed in nine groups: I—control group; II—diabetes group (D); III—periodontitis group (P); IV—periodontitis and diabetes group (PD); V—periodontitis and diabetes with vehicle alone (PDV); VI—periodontitis and diabetes treated with carvacrol (PDC); VII—periodontitis and diabetes treated with magnolol (PDM); VIII—periodontitis and diabetes treated with carvacrol and magnolol (PDCM); IX—healthy group with vehicle alone (CV). Blood malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase activity levels (CAT) were measured as indicators of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity, respectively. Where diabetes and periodontitis were induced, MDA was augmented and CAT was depleted significantly. Whether given alone (PDM) or in combination with carvacrol (PDCM), magnolol significantly decreased MDA. Between the PDM group and the PDCM group, there were no notable differences. In Wistar rats with periodontitis related to diabetes, topical use of hydrogels containing magnolol, either alone or in combination with carvacrol, may reduce oxidative stress.

Natural compounds are used in modern dermal treatments to avoid side effects commonly associated with conventional treatments. The aim of our study was to develop a liposomal formulation including black mulberry extract and to highlight its potential on the healing of normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) in vitro using the scratch test. Mulberry-loaded liposomes (MnL) were prepared using a thin-film hydration method based on cholesterol (C) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) in a 1:3 (w/w) ratio. The liposomal formulation was characterized by analyzing its size, electric surface potential, morphology, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro healing effects. Also, the black mulberry fruits (Morus nigra L.) were characterized from point of view of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity by Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay. HPLC-DAD-MS (ESI+) (high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection-mass spectrometry (electrospray ionization)) analysis indicated the presence of phenolic compounds namely from hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonols. Among flavonols, quercetin-glucoside represented 50.56%, and chlorogenic acid was the predominant compound among hydroxycinnamic acids (37.06%). In vitro fibroblast wound closure was more effective with mulberry-loaded liposomes (MnL) than extracts of mulberries. According to our study, mulberry-loaded liposomes have been shown to be effective in wound healing and can be used as a natural treatment.

The healing of skin wounds remains an important concern in medicine, especially in chronic wounds caused by various diseases such as diabetes. Using herbs or herbal products to heal skin wounds is a therapeutic challenge for traditional medicine. In this context, the main aim of our work was to highlight the in vitro healing potential of Stellaria media (L.) Vill. (SM) extract using the scratch assay on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). The ability to stimulate cell migration and proliferation under the influence of different concentrations of SM extract (range between 12.5 and 200 µg/mL) was determined compared to the control (untreated in vitro-simulated wound) and positive control (allantoin 50 µg/mL). Our results showed that the concentration of 100 µg/mL SM extract applied on the simulated wound recorded the strongest and fastest (24 h) migration (with wound closure) and proliferation of NHDF compared with the control. In addition, the SM extract was characterized in terms of bioactive compounds (total phenols and flavonoids content), antioxidant capacity (FRAP (The Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay and electrochemical method), and antimicrobial activity. The results show that the SM extract contains a considerable amount of polyphenols (17.19 ± 1.32 mg GAE/g dw and 7.28 ± 1.18 mg QE/g dw for total phenol and flavonoid content, respectively) with antioxidant capacity. Antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) is higher than E. coli at a dose of 15 µg/mL. This study showed that Stellaria media is a source of polyphenols compounds with antioxidant capacity, and for the first time, its wound healing potential was emphasized.

Periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus are two pathologies that are extremely widespread worldwide and share the feature of chronic inflammation. Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpenoid, produced by a variety of herbs, the most well-known of which is Origanum vulgare. Magnolol is a traditional polyphenolic compound isolated from the stem bark of Magnolia officinalis, mainly used in Chinese medicine. The purpose of this paper is to review the therapeutic properties of these bioactive compounds, in the treatment of periodontitis and diabetes. Based on our search strategy we conducted a literature search in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify studies. A total of one hundred eighty-four papers were included in the current review. The results show that carvacrol and magnolol have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-osteoclastic, and anti-diabetic properties that benefit both pathologies. Knowledge of the multiple activities of carvacrol and magnolol can assist with the development of new treatment strategies, and the design of clinical animal and human trials will maximize the potential benefits of these extracts in subjects suffering from periodontitis or diabetes.

Nowadays, the tendency in pharmaceutical and food industries is to replace synthetic antioxidants with the natural ones. For this reason, there is a growing interest in analyzing natural, healthy and non-toxic additives as potential antioxidants. Some plants, which contain high levels of phenolic compounds, present an increasing interest for medicine due to their ability to scavenge free radicals, along with other pharmacological activities, such as antibacterial activity, wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect, to mention only a few. The aim of this review is to explore the therapeutic potential of Ocimum basilicum and Trifolium pratense in relation with their phytochemical profile and to highlight the pharmacological activity of aqueous or ethanol extracts. Special attention was devoted to the dermal pathology and wound healing effects, in the context of multiple skin conditions such as acne, eczema boils, psoriasis and rashes. Additionally, both extracts (Trifolium sp. and Ocimum sp.) are characterized by high content of antioxidant compounds, which are responsible for the radiance and resistance of the skin and slowing down of the aging process by maintaining estrogen levels. Moreover, the potential combined effect of the mixed extract is pointed out in terms of future applications for wound healing, based on some preliminary results obtained from a “scratch tests” assay performed with respect to human dermal fibroblasts.

(1) The metabolic syndrome (MS) promotes acute and chronic infections, due to the pro-inflammatory condition given by TNFα and IL6 or by affecting the microbiota. MS is also correlated with insulin resistance, causing inflammation and infections throughout the organism. (2) The purpose of this study was to track the effect of using the essential oil of Origanum vulgare L. (EOO) as an antibacterial treatment, compared to allopathic treatment with antibiotics in MS patients. A group of 106 people with MS was divided into four subgroups: L1—staphylococcal infection group, L2—Escherichia coli infection group, L3—streptococcal infection group with EOO treatment, and CG—control group without infection or treatment. (3) EOO is responsible for the antibacterial effect, and reduced minor uncomplicated infections. After a 10-day treatment, intestinal side effects were absent, improving the phase angle. (4) The results suggest that EOO may exhibit an antibacterial effect, similar to the antibiotic treatment, without promoting MS-specific dysbiosis, and it also improves the phase angle in patients, which is used as an index of health and cellular function.

The cultivation of alfalfa is crucial for farmers as it is an excellent forage crop with a high nitrogen-fixing capacity, making it indispensable in crop rotations. Breeding programs face challenges in advancing more rapidly in genetic diversity to achieve a higher heterosis effect and, consequently, greater yield. In this study, we used 30 alfalfa varieties, which were used for molecular analyses by 5 ISSR primers and 13 RAPD primers. The results obtained highlighted the greater efficiency of ISSR primers in identifying genetic diversity. On the other hand, the simultaneous use of ISSR + RAPD allowed for clearer clustering of varieties that enabled more efficiently distinguishing the genetic diversity. The most efficient ISSR primer, A17, generated 31 polymorphic bands, while the most efficient RAPD primer, L-07, generated only 21 bands. Varieties such as "Pastoral" and "F1413-02" exhibited low similarity coefficients (0.39), suggesting their potential for enhancing genetic variability through crossbreeding, thereby increasing the potential of achieving a greater heterosis effect. Conversely, varieties with high similarity coefficients, such as "Cristal" and "Viking" (0.81) are less suited for this purpose. The correlation between specific markers highlights that using both ISSR and RAPD markers together offers a clear understanding of genetic diversity in alfalfa, aiding in more effective selection for crossbreeding in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest hazelnuts are very valuable fruits, both for their phytochemical content and economically for cultivation. In this work, the development of some hazelnut varieties, such as Tonda Gentile Delle Longue, Butler, Tonda Romana, Tonda di Giffoni, and Barcelona, has been studied. Morphological characteristics were analysed in two periods, at 30 days and 60 days, "in vitro," by recording the number of roots and leaves as well as their length. From the analyses carried out, it was found that the genetic variation of the five varieties studied had a significant influence on all the morphological characteristics examined and the varieties Tonda di Giffoni and Barcelona show higher plasticity under in vitro conditions compared to the other varieties included in the study. In addition, total polyphenol (TPh) content and antioxidant capacity were analysed using FRAP and DPPH assays and the results reported that the Tonda di Giffoni cultivar recorded the highest TPh content (192.71±0.77 mg GAE/100 g Fw), with high antioxidant capacity (FRAP = 5.9±0.02 and DPPH = 216.31±1.38 mol TE/100 g Fw), compared to the other varieties studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is one of the essential elements for the development of the body, both plant and human, facilitating the processes of cell division as well as the maintenance of cellular physiological processes in normal parameters. In this work, the effects of zinc were monitored regarding the activity of mitotic division, in different time intervals and with different concentrations. Following the effect of different concentrations of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), through the correlative links between the number of cells in division (MI), the mitotic index, the index of chromosomal aberrations (IAC), and the exposure time to the treatment, we managed to monitor the cytotoxic effect of ZnSO4. From the analysis of the correlations between the percentage of chromosomal aberrations and the different concentrations of ZnSO4, it was found that there was a strong positive correlation (r> 0.89). Therefore, the increased Zn concentration in cells favors the appearance of chromosomal aberrations (IAC). The increase in the exposure time from 24 hours to 72 hours, as well as the increase of the concentration from 10 ppm to 50 ppm, causes a strong negative correlation (r=-0.84). From the experiments, we can deduce the importance that zinc has in the cell and how much it can affect if it is present in excess. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eye is an essential organ, very sensitive and delicate. The diseases that can reach the eye are numerous, among them being with a quite high frequency a condition called dry eye syndrome or dry keratoconjunctivitis. The objective of the study is to optimize an artificial tear formula and pharmaceutical characterization to be well tolerated when applied on the conjunctiva. The use of artificial tears has a certain limitation, because human tears have a complex behavior, whereas artificial tears cannot completely replace them. Special attention is paid to the preparation of ophthalmic preparations for obtaining drugs with good tolerability in the eye area. Tolerability is dependent on therapeutic efficacy, determining optimal bioavailability. We obtained 6 formulas of artificial tears based on 940 carbomer neutralized with NaOH 10% and triethanolamine respectively. After preparation, the pH, the refractive index, the density and the viscosity were determined for the artificial tears. The formula containing 0.3% carbomer 940 shows the physical characteristics specific to the ophthalmic preparations specified in the compendial prevision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]