Research — nutricosmetics

Research Summary: Background: Oral Aloe vera gel is widely used by patients with inflammatory bowel disease and is currently under therapeutic evaluation for this condition.Aim: The study aims to assess the effects of Aloe vera in vitro on the production of reactive oxygen metabolites, eicosanoids, and interleukin-8, all of which may play a pathogenic role in inflammatory bowel disease.Methods: The anti-oxidant activity of Aloe vera was assessed in two cell-free, radical-generating systems and by the chemiluminescence of incubated colorectal mucosal biopsies. Eicosanoid production by biopsies and interleukin-8 release by CaCo2 epithelial cells in the presence of Aloe vera were measured...

Research Summary: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become increasingly popular in the United States during the last 10–15 years. The use of oral and topical supplements falls within this framework. Most oral and topical supplements are based on or include several botanical ingredients, many of which have long histories of traditional or folk medicine usage. Several of the available products derived from botanical sources are touted for their dermatologic benefits.The focus in this discussion will be on a select group of botanical compounds that have been used for dermatologic purposes or show promise for such applications. These include rosemary,...

Research Summary: Although many cosmeceutical formulations contain vitamin C and/or vitamin E, very few are actually effective in topical application. This is due to several factors. First, the concentration of these vitamins is often too low. Second, their stability is compromised once the product is opened and exposed to air and light. Third, the form of the molecule (either an ester or a mixture of isomers) may not be effectively absorbed or metabolized by the skin.However, when a stable formulation delivers a high concentration of the nonesterified, optimal isomer of the antioxidant, vitamins C and E can indeed inhibit the...

Research Summary: We are honored to present to the readers the book entitled *Carrier-Mediated Dermal Delivery: Applications in the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Disorders*, which is based on the systematic revision of the most recent findings. This book contains several contributions on new approaches for the management of skin aging and photocarcinogenesis, as well as topical formulations based on nanocarrier systems for skin disorders. These chapters discuss the structure and skin morphology in detail. Cosmeceuticals, laser and photodynamic therapy, and melatonin-based treatments are presented as important strategies for photoaging management. Photodynamic therapy and melatonin can also be used in...