The aim of this paper was to formulate microspheres based on biodegradable polymers (chitosan and sodium alginate), using the complex coacervation technique. Subsequently, the prepared microspheres were loaded with quercetin (QUE), a pharmacological active ingredient insoluble in water and unstable to light, temperature and air. After preparation, the loaded microspheres underwent several studies for physical chemical characterization (performed by scanning electron microscopy—SEM, laser 3D scanning, and thermal analysis—TA). Furthermore, they were analyzed in order to obtain information regarding swelling index, drug entrapment, and in vitro release capacity. The obtained experimental data demonstrated 86.07% entrapment of QUE into the microspheres, in the case of the one with the highest Ch concentration. Additionally, it was proved that such systems allow the controlled release of the active drug over 24 h at the intestinal level. SEM micrographs proved that the prepared microspheres have a wrinkled surface, with compact structures and a large number of folds. On the basis of the TA analysis, it was concluded that the obtained microspheres were thermally stable, facilitating their usage at normal physiological temperatures as drug delivery systems.

Blackberry fruit (Rubus spp.) has a powerful antioxidant capacity due to the high levels of anthocyanins and other phenols it contains. In this work, we investigated the physico-chemical characteristics, the bioactive compounds (total phenols, flavonoids, and monomeric anthocyanins), and the antioxidant capacity of seven blackberry cultivars belonging to the Rubus fruticosus L. and Rubus laciniatus L. genera growing in the NW region of Romania. In addition, the wild blackberry cultivar from the same area was also evaluated. Anthocyanins from the blackberry fruit were extracted using SPE (Solid Phase Extraction), and the anthocyanin profile was identified and quantified using HPLC-PDA analysis. In terms of polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, two of the cultivars examined stood out. The majority of anthocyanin found in blackberries was cyanidin-3-glucoside, with the highest amount recorded in the ‘Thorn Free’ cultivar at 329.26 ± 9.36 mg/g dw. Comparatively, ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Thorn Free’ fruits exhibited total phenol contents of 1830.98 ± 13.55 and 1687.14 ± 62.41 mg GAE/100 g dw, respectively. Antioxidant capacities varied significantly among the eight blackberry cultivars, with cultivars ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Thorn Free’ achieving high values in comparison to the others. The findings of the multivariate analysis also supported the experimental results. Knowing the phytochemical composition and antioxidant potential of different blueberry cultivars, one can use them as fresh, functional foods or for commercial purposes to produce products derived from fruits with a high concentration of bioactive components.

The healing of skin wounds remains an important concern in medicine, especially in chronic wounds caused by various diseases such as diabetes. Using herbs or herbal products to heal skin wounds is a therapeutic challenge for traditional medicine. In this context, the main aim of our work was to highlight the in vitro healing potential of Stellaria media (L.) Vill. (SM) extract using the scratch assay on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). The ability to stimulate cell migration and proliferation under the influence of different concentrations of SM extract (range between 12.5 and 200 µg/mL) was determined compared to the control (untreated in vitro-simulated wound) and positive control (allantoin 50 µg/mL). Our results showed that the concentration of 100 µg/mL SM extract applied on the simulated wound recorded the strongest and fastest (24 h) migration (with wound closure) and proliferation of NHDF compared with the control. In addition, the SM extract was characterized in terms of bioactive compounds (total phenols and flavonoids content), antioxidant capacity (FRAP (The Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power) assay and electrochemical method), and antimicrobial activity. The results show that the SM extract contains a considerable amount of polyphenols (17.19 ± 1.32 mg GAE/g dw and 7.28 ± 1.18 mg QE/g dw for total phenol and flavonoid content, respectively) with antioxidant capacity. Antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) is higher than E. coli at a dose of 15 µg/mL. This study showed that Stellaria media is a source of polyphenols compounds with antioxidant capacity, and for the first time, its wound healing potential was emphasized.

Plants are an inexhaustible source of compounds with different medicinal properties, suitable as alternative options for the prevention and treatment of various pathologies. They are safe, effective and economical. In this paper, a combined extract made of Ocimum basilicum and Trifolium pratense extracts (EOT) was used for the first time to demonstrate its healing effect on dermal pathologies. To evaluate the wound healing effect of EOT, a novel gel formulation was prepared and subsequently tested in vitro (using the scratch test assay) and in vivo (on an animal model). The in vitro tests demonstrated the complete recovery of the dermal fibroblast monolayer when treated with EOT in a concentration of 50 µg/mL. In vivo results using a hydrogel formulation based on EOT demonstrated improved wound contraction time and complete healing after 13 days of treatment. Moreover, a clinical case of Psoriasis vulgaris was presented, in which one week of treatment led to the significant improvement of the patient’s health. In conclusion, the topical use of the novel gel formulation containing EOT is a successful therapeutic alternative in the treatment of dermal diseases.

Florina Miere(groza), Alin Cristian Teusdea, Vasile Laslo, Luminita Fritea, Liviu Moldovan, Traian Costea, Diana Uivarosan, Simona Ioana Vicas, Anamaria Pallag - Natural Polymeric Beads for Encapsulation of Stellaria media Extract with Antioxidant Properties