Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by pruritus and skin barrier dysfunction. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Pelargonium graveolens (Geraniaceae) in managing AD symptoms through its essential oil. Methods The chemical composition of Pelargonium graveolens flower essential oil (PFEO) was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties were assessed, along with the inhibitory effects of PFEO on key enzymes involved in skin repair: tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase. An in vivo evaluation of a gel formulation containing PFEO was also conducted to assess its anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy. Results GC-MS analysis identified major compounds in PFEO, including Geraniol (22.83%), beta-citronellol (19.51%), naphthalenemethanol (15.36%), and Geranyl tiglate (9.38%), with minor constituents such as linalool (3.81%) and neryl formate (1.31%). PFEO exhibited bacteriostatic activity against various bacterial and fungal strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus anthracis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Candida albicans, and Malassezia spp. The essential oil also demonstrated significant antioxidant properties and inhibited key enzymes linked to skin alterations in AD. Conclusions PFEO shows promising therapeutic potential for managing symptoms of atopic dermatitis due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its analgesic effects. The findings support further exploration of PFEO as a natural alternative in the treatment of AD.

Skin protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation has long been crucial due to its role in photoaging, sunburn, and wrinkles. This study focuses on developing a bio-based sunscreen from Calendula arvensis capitula extract. Various extraction methods (maceration, sonication, and infusion) and solvents (EtOH, EtOH-H₂O, and H₂O) were explored in order to identify the most effective extract for use in a sunscreen formulation. Each extract was analyzed for its phenolic content, as well as antioxidant activities (assessed through DPPH, CAT, and FRAP assays). Enzyme inhibition assays for tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase highlighted the low IC₅₀ values of the hydroethanolic extract. Furthermore, the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) against UVB radiation was measured using ultraviolet spectrophotometry. A phytochemical analysis showed phenolic levels between 8 and 27 mg GAE/g, flavonoid concentrations of 7–13 mg QE/g, and tannin levels of 1.15–1.68 mg/mL, alongside moderate antioxidant activity. The ethanol maceration extract reduced the interfacial tension to 2.15 mN/m in 600 s, outperforming the conventional emulsifier polysorbate 20. The sonicated hydroethanolic extract demonstrated remarkable SPF efficacy (SPF = 193.65 ± 0.02), far exceeding that of the standard zinc oxide (SPF = 11.88 ± 0.03). The proposed formulations meet the COSMOS standards, suggesting their potential for certification as biological products. Further clinical and in vivo studies are necessary to confirm their safety and commercial viability.

Skin protection against ultraviolet (UV) radiation has long been crucial due to its role in photoaging, sunburn, and wrinkles. This study focuses on developing a bio-based sunscreen from Calendula arvensis capitula extract. Various extraction methods (maceration, sonication, infusion) and solvents (EtOH, EtOH-H2O, H2O) were explored to identify the most effective extract for sunscreen formulation. Each extract was analyzed for phenolic content, with antioxidant activities assessed through DPPH, CAT, and FRAP assays. Enzyme inhibition assays on tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase highlighted the hydroethanolic extract for its low IC50 values. Furthermore, the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) against UVB radiation was measured using ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Phytochemical analysis showed phenolic levels between 8 and 27 mg GAE/g, flavonoid concentrations of 7-13 mg QE/g, and tannin levels of 1.15-1.68 mg/mL, alongside moderate antioxidant activity. The ethanol maceration extract reduced interfacial tension to 2.15 mN/m in 600 seconds, outperforming the conventional emulsifier polysorbate 20. The sonicated hydroethanolic extract demonstrated remarkable SPF efficacy (SPF = 193.65 ± 0.02), far exceeding standard zinc oxide (SPF = 11.88 ± 0.03). The formulations meet COSMOS standards, suggesting potential certification as a biological product. Further clinical and in vivo studies are necessary to confirm its safety and commercial viability.

Pelargonium graveolens has garnered attention for its therapeutic properties, especially in treating dermatological conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemicals, antioxidant action and antibacterial effect of its flower extracts obtained through maceration, sonication and infusion. The findings show that the highest total phenolic content was obtained from the hydroethanolic sonication extract (280.39 mg GAE/g), followed by the hydroethanolic maceration extracts (272.87 mg GAE/g). The total flavonoid content varied from 21.51 mg EQ/g (hydroethanolic maceration) to 12.32 mg EQ/g (aqueous infusion). Condensed tannins were highest in the hydroethanolic maceration extracts (8.40 mg/mL). Additionally, the antioxidant action was assessed using the DPPH, FRAP, TAC and ABTS methods. The extracts from hydroethanolic sonication showed a high free radical scavenging capacity (IC50 = 0.31 mg/mL) compared with extracts from aqueous infusion and hydroethanolic maceration. However, antibacterial tests revealed that all extracts had better activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The hydroethanolic maceration extracts showed pronounced sensitivity, exhibiting zones of inhibition ranging from 13 to 24 mm for Gram-negative bacteria and 19 to 24 mm for Gram-positive bacteria. These extracts demonstrated significant efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Panton-Valentine Leukocidin-Positive Staphylococcus aureus. These findings suggest potential applications in the pharmaceutical and dermatological fields, particularly for developing natural antioxidant and antibacterial agents.