A topical formulation containing quercetin-loaded microcapsules protects against oxidative and inflammatory skin alterations triggered by UVB irradiation: enhancement of activity by microencapsulation.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation causes free radical production, increase inflammation and oxidative stress, thus, supporting the use of antioxidants by topical administration as therapeutic approaches. Quercetin (QC) is a flavonoid with antioxidant activity, however, high liposolubility makes it difficult to remain in the viable skin layer. Thus, this study evaluated whether microencapsulation of QC would enhance its activity in comparison with the same dose of free QC (non-active dose) and unloaded-microcapsules added in formulation for topical administration in a mouse model of UVB irradiation targeting the skin. Topical formulation containing Quercetin-loaded microcapsules (TFcQCMC) presents physico-chemical (colour, consistence, phase separation and pH) and functional antioxidant stability at 4 °C, room temperature and 40 °C for 6 months. TFcQCMC inhibited the UVB-triggered depletion of antioxidants observed by GSH (reduced glutathione), ability to reduce iron, ability to scavenge 2,2'-azinobis radical and catalase activity. TFcQCMC also inhibited markers of oxidation (lipid hydroperoxides and superoxide anion production). Concerning inflammation, TFcQCMC reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, skin edoema, collagen fibre damage, myeloperoxidase activity/neutrophil recruitment, mast cell and sunburn cell counts. The pharmacological activity of TFcQCMC was not shared by the same pharmaceutical form containing the same dose of free QC or unloaded control microcapsules.

Morpho-anatomical characters of Limonium brasiliense leaves

Abstract Limonium brasiliense (Boiss.) Kuntze, Plumbaginaceae, is a coastal herb of the Southern Brazilian states and Rio de Janeiro State. In folk medicine, it is used in the treatment of female genitourinary tract infections and menstrual cycle irregularities. The aim of this study was to describe morpho-anatomical characters with details on venation pattern of L. brasiliense leaves, collected on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul State, in Southern Brazil. Leaf samples fixed in FAA50 (5% formaldehyde, 5% acetic acid and 90% ethanol: water mixture 50:50 v/v) and 1% glutaraldehyde and preserved in 70% ethanol, were histologically sectioned and analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. The L. brasiliense leaves were simple, entire, incomplete, oboval-lanceolate, venation penninervous and showed rosulated phyllotaxy, entire and revolute margin, with apex rounded to slightly retuse, base attenuate and venation pattern brochidodromous. On microscopic analysis, these leaves showed a thick and striated cuticle, salt glands, isobilateral mesophyll thicker in the apical region of the leaf blade, abundant aerenchyma in the petiole and main vein, collateral vascular bundles surrounded by fiber-sclereids, lipid substances in the cuticle and polyphenols in phloem cells.