Background: Application of topical moisturizers is an essential part of the management of atopic dermatitis (AD). Linoleic acid (LA), the most abundant fatty acid in the epidermis, and its derivatives have an essential role in the structure and function of the epidermal barrier, and their defects are prominent in AD. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two cosmetic products containing either LA or urea in patients with AD. Patients and methods: A total of 20 patients with AD who met the eligibility criteria and provided written informed consents were enrolled in this randomized, intra-individual split-body, single-center trial. Symmetrical lesions of patients were randomized for treatment with LA- or urea-containing water-in-oil (w/o) emulsions applied two to three times daily for 4 weeks. The efficacy of the two products was evaluated by local Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) of both lesions and also patient (or guardian) satisfaction. In addition, trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, pH, sebum, temperature, erythema, melanin content, and ultrasonographic thickness and echo density of epidermis and dermis were measured before, and 2 and 4 weeks after, treatment. Results: Four weeks of treatment with the LA-containing product resulted in a significant decrease in local SCORAD, TEWL, erythema, and echo density of dermis, as well as an increase in SC hydration compared to baseline. The urea-containing product also reduced the local SCORAD and echo density of dermis and increased SC hydration. In contrast to the LA-containing product, changes in TEWL and erythema were not significant. Moreover, the reduction of erythema was significantly higher in the LA-containing product-treated side compared to the urea-containing product-treated side ( p = 0.006). Conclusion: Both LA- or urea-containing w/o emulsions can significantly improve barrier dysfunction and clinical severity of AD. In agreement with literature, it was confirmed that an LA-containing w/o emulsion exhibited erythema-reducing effects. Since emollients should be used on a regular basis, patients should choose a product by individual preference following recommendation by their dermatologists. Keywords: emollient, moisturizer, humectants, epidermal barrier, erythema
Prostaglandins play a pivotal role in modulating hair growth cycle. Prostaglandin F2α and prostaglandin E have stimulating and prostaglandin D has inhibitory effects on hair follicle. Cetirizine inhibits release of prostaglandin D2 and stimulates the release of prostaglandin E2. In the present study, the efficacy and safety of twice daily application of topical cetirizine 1% versus minoxidil 5% solutions for 16 weeks were compared in male androgenetic alopecia (AGA).Forty men, aged 18 to 49 years, were randomly divided into two equal groups to apply either cetirizine 1% or minoxidil 5% solutions. The study was divided into two phases, a 16-week treatment phase either with cetirizine or minoxidil (anagen phase), followed by an 8-week drug-free (telogen phase) with a follow-up when patients used placebo. Efficacy outcomes included the change in total hair density, vellus and terminal hair density, hair diameter and the percentage of hair in anagen and telogen phases from baseline in 16 and 24 weeks.After 16 weeks, we observed a significant increase in total and vellus hair density in both minoxidil and cetirizine groups, but the improvement was much higher in the minoxidil group. The percentage of hair in the anagen phase also increased in both groups after 16 weeks of treatment, but then diminished after 8 weeks of placebo consumption. No significant adverse reactions associated with the administration of cetirizine solution were reported.Cetirizine 1% solution was effective in hair growth without any complications for treatment of male AGA.
Background: Various fillers have been used for the correction of nasolabial folds. This study investigated the efficacy and safety assessment of two hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers on moderate nasolabial folds. Methods: This study randomized 10 volunteers, aged 35 to 49 years, with moderate nasolabial folds. Volunteers received injections of HA A and HA B gels into the right or left skin folds. The volume and surface of nasolabial folds were analyzed using CSI computer software and high frequency ultrasonography of these folds before, and 2, 12, and 24 weeks after the injection. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20. P≤0.05 was considered significant. Results: Evaluation of the nasolabial folds before and after treatment showed significant reduction in volume of wrinkles 24 weeks after injection in both the HA gel A (-29.93±32%, P=0.022) and gel B (-23.60±26%, P=0.019). The surfaces of the wrinkles significantly decreased 24 weeks after injection of HA gel A (-29.90±31%, P=0.012) and gel B (-21.96±26%, P=0.026). Conclusion: These HA fillers provided a significant, long-lasting correction of moderate nasolabial folds. Overall, we observed no statistically significant differences in any of the measurements between the 2 gels. However, there were more observed changes made by gel A compared to gel B.
Although several commercial moisturizers are available in the market, the continued role of pharmaceutical compounding has been still felt in dry skin management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a ureabased compounded moisturizer on barrier function, compared with a similar commercial product. Thirty volunteers with a mean age of 36.15 ± 9.55 years (range 21-56 years) and dry skin were recruited in two groups, one group to apply 5% urea containing hydrophilic petrolatum and the other 10% urea containing hydrophilic petrolatum. In each cohort, the upper parts of right and left forearms were randomly assigned for twice a day application of commercial or compounded products. Whereas the right lower forearm was assigned for application of a cream-based formulation, the left lower one served as the control site and with application of no topical product. Biophysical assessments [transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration, friction coeffi cient, pH, and surface lipids], were performed before intervention, at 1 and 4 h after single application, and at 24 h and 1 week twice daily application. In both groups, commercial and compounded moisturizers showed an appropriate and comparable effect on skin barrier function compared with creambased formulation and no treatment area. However, commercial products led to better improvement in TEWL, 4 h after single application in both groups (p-value = 0.04). In case of 10% urea base formulation, the rate of increase in skin hydration was also signifi cantly higher for a commercial emollient than a compounding product (57.48 ± 11.23 vs. 50.59 ± 11.42, p-value = 0.02). Commercial formulation led to higher acceptability and better improvement in the skin barrier function after single application, probably because of the influence of excipients. The present study did not find sufficient added value for cream-based pharmacy product relative to commercial one and suggests to be replaced in a similar condition.
The use of macro algaes in various industries has led researchers to a great deal of enthusiasm for spacious studies on anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-cancer properties. The present study was accomplished to determine the anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activity of alginate and fucoidan extracted from brown algae (S. boveanum) collected from the Persian Gulf coast. In this study, the antioxidant activity, iron chelating agent, DPPH and superoxide free radical inhibitory activity showed that alginates and fucoidan extracted from these algae showed high antioxidant activity. Anti-bacterial activity against seven pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacterial species showed that, Y. ruckeri was resistant to alginate and fucoidan. According to the results of this study, brown algae extract from S. boveanum can be used as anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant composition in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries to increase the durability and prevent the oxidation of nutrients.
Background: The cutaneous effects and suitability of a sanitary pad have been studied globally. Potassium alum has been used in menstrual pads as an antiseptic, astringent, deodorizer and antiperspirants. The aim of this study is to assess safety and suitability of a sanitary pad containing potassium alum (test) in comparison of simple pads (control) on healthy women residing in Iran. Keywords: Sanitary pad, clinical study, cutaneous effects, antiseptic, astringent, deodorizer, antiperspirant.
Background: Treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders is a challenge because of the side effects of current topical treatments. Thus, research for potent alternatives, especially of herbal origin, with comparable potency and less side effects is ongoing. Morus alba L. is a perennial plant with multiple established pharmacological effects, including antimelanogenesis effect. This effect has been demonstrated from different parts of the plant, including twigs, root barks, and leaves by measuring tyrosinase inhibition, melanin content, and melanin index, and it has been attributed to phenolic compounds such as oxyresveratrol and moracin M, to name a few. However, no study has considered formulating the total phenolic compounds from the leaves of this plant so far. Objectives: The aim of this study was to extract phenolic compounds of leaves with repeated maceration using 70% ethanol, formulate the crude extract, inspect its physicochemical stability under accelerated conditions, and assay for microbial growth and active phenolic compounds. Methods: Total phenolic compounds were extracted using 70% ethanol with repeated maceration, and then they were concentrated. The extract was then assayed for total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent. A 3% cream of this extract was manufactured, and its physicochemical parameters, microbial growth, preservative effectiveness, and total phenolic content were examined. Results: The prepared 3% cream was completely stable and homogeneous during the accelerated conditions and passed the physicochemical, total phenolic content, and microbial tests. Conclusions: The manufactured cream is a promising formulation for in vivo use as a skin lightening agent.
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