In vivo efficacy and evaluation of gel-cream containing dehydrated betamethasone dipropionate nanocapsules.

This study aimed to develop gel-creams from the lyophilised product of betamethasone dipropionate-loaded lipid-core nanocapsule suspensions and evaluated its efficacy in a model of contact dermatitis. The gel-creams were prepared and characterized followed by a study of in vitro drug penetration/permeation and its in vivo efficacy. The suspensions and lyophilised products showed nanometric size; the betamethasone content was 0.25 ± 0.01 mg/mL and the encapsulation efficiency was approximately 100%. The nanocapsules and redispersed powders presented control of the drug release. The gel-creams presented pH between 6.0-6.5 and exhibited non-Newtonian flow behavior, following the Herschel-Bulkley model. The skin penetration/permeation study indicated that betamethasone dipropionate can reach different skin layers. For in vivo efficacy, the contact dermatitis model was capable of causing tissue damage with changes in enzyme activities of the purinergic system in lymphocytes. The gel-creams showed the best dermatological and immunological efficacy and reduced oxidative damage in the evaluated tissues.

Novel Pemulen/Pullulan blended hydrogel containing clotrimazole-loaded cationic nanocapsules: Evaluation of mucoadhesion and vaginal permeation.

In this work, hydrogels containing clotrimazole-loaded nanocapsules were developed through the innovative association of two mucoadhesive polymers: Pemulen® TR1 and Pullulan. Furthermore, the hydrogels macroscopic characteristics, pH and spreadability were evaluated. The formulations showed homogeneous appearance and pH compatible with vaginal application (around 5.0). Similar spreadability profiles were found in hydrogels containing clotrimazole-loaded nanocapsules and in the free drug as well. Hydrogels were evaluated considering their mucoadhesive potential by the falling liquid film method and the permeation/penetration capacity through cow vaginal mucosa in Franz cell. The results showed that the concentration of 3% Pullulan was important to increase the adhesive strength on the layer used (mucin gel or animal mucosa). The results of the permeation/penetration study showed that the hydrogel containing clotrimazole-loaded nanocapsules remained on the vaginal mucosa surface, what is ideal for the treatment of superficial vaginal infections. This way, the Pemulen/Pullulan blended hydrogel is a promising alternative for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Essential Oils for Treatment for Onychomycosis: A Mini-Review.

Onychomycosis are fungal infections affecting finger and toenails mainly caused by dermatophyte fungi and some Candida species. Low cure rates and frequent recurrence, development of a fungal resistance front to various antimicrobial agents topical and systemic, and an ineffective topical treatment make onychomycosis difficult to treat. Essential oils are excellent candidates for the topical treatment for onychomycosis because the development of resistance by fungi is rare, and the presence of side effects is low. They are composed of a complex variety of compounds, mainly terpenes, with low molecular weight, which may easily penetrate into the nail plate, finding the fungi elements. The complex mixture confers a broad antifungal spectrum of action, through interaction with biological membranes, interference in radical and enzymatic reaction of fungi cells. Essential oils may become the source of new therapeutic molecules, and the use of an essential oil incorporated into a topical formulation is an interesting, safe, and effective alternative for the treatment for onychomycosis. However, studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of essential oils in the treatment for onychomycosis in vivo. This mini-review aims to present the potential use of essential oils for the treatment for onychomycosis, focusing on the last decade.