Research

Research Summary Humankind has utilized natural mineral resources for millennia, which have been central to the technological progress of human societies by providing mineral-based materials and their derivatives that shape everyday life. Human survival and development depend upon natural resources such as water, land, forests, and minerals. Minerals are present, albeit not always visibly, in every car, plane, bicycle, computer, TV set, cell phone, lamp, tile, brick, tableware, plaster, pigment, paper, cement, and glass. In fact, humans coexist with minerals. They also serve as fundamental constituents in the human body, as well as in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics that contribute to...

Research Summary Clay mineral facial masks are used to treat various dermatological diseases, as well as for cleansing and reducing the amount of oil secreted by sebaceous glands. There are several types of clays, which vary in mineralogical and chemical composition, color, and origin. However, the literature lacks studies involving clay facial masks, particularly regarding their influence on the skin's biomechanical properties. Thus, this work aimed to characterize colored clays and evaluate their influence on skin firmness and elasticity through a short-term clinical study.Different clays, specifically magnesium aluminum silicate (MAS), white, pink, and green, were chemically characterized, and facial mask...

Research Summary α-Bisabolol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol that was first isolated from *Matricaria chamomilla* (Asteraceae) in the twentieth century. Since then, it has been identified in other aromatic plants, including *Eremanthus erythropappus*, *Smyrniopsis aucheri*, and *Vanillosmopsis* species. Recently, α-bisabolol was recognized as a major constituent of *Salvia runcinata* essential oil, a plant indigenous to South Africa.The use of α-bisabolol or bisabolol-rich oil as an anti-inflammatory agent is widespread. This compound also exhibits several other pharmacological properties, such as analgesic, antibiotic, and anticancer activities. Additionally, the mutagenicity and genotoxicity of bisabolol have been investigated. Due to its low toxicity,...

Research Summary This review summarizes the current knowledge on essential vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B5. These B-complex vitamins must be obtained from the diet, with the exception of vitamin B3, which can also be synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. All of these vitamins are water-soluble, which determines their main properties. Specifically, they are partially lost when food is washed or boiled, as they migrate to the water; they require membrane transporters for their permeation into cells; and they are generally safe since any excess is rapidly eliminated via the kidneys.The therapeutic use of B-complex vitamins is mostly limited...