The prevalence of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with low water solubility has experienced a significant increase in recent years. These APIs present challenges in formulation, particularly for oral dosage forms, despite their considerable therapeutic potential. Therefore, the improvement of solubility has become a major concern for pharmaceutical enterprises to increase the bioavailability of APIs. A promising formulation approach that can effectively improve the dissolution profile and the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs is the utilization of amorphous systems. Numerous formulation methods have been developed to enhance poorly water-soluble drugs through amorphization systems, including co-amorphous formulations, amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs), and the use of mesoporous silica as a carrier. Furthermore, the successful enhancement of certain drugs with poor aqueous solubility through amorphization has led to their incorporation into various commercially available preparations, such as ASDs, where the crystalline structure of APIs is transformed into an amorphous state within a hydrophilic matrix. A novel approach, known as ternary solid dispersions (TSDs), has emerged to address the solubility and bioavailability challenges associated with amorphous drugs. Meanwhile, the introduction of a third component in the ASD and co-amorphous systems has demonstrated the potential to improve performance in terms of solubility, physical stability, and processability. This comprehensive review discusses the preparation and characterization of poorly water-soluble drugs in ternary solid dispersions and their mechanisms of drug release and physical stability.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun significantly damages the skin, leading to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and oxidative stress that disrupts skin homeostasis. UV radiation increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), accelerating skin deterioration. Although sunscreens remain the primary method for UV protection, chemical-based formulations are often associated with side effects, such as allergic reactions and acne. To address these concerns, the inclusion of natural ingredients in sunscreen formulations has gained attention. Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Java turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review explores the potential of curcumin as a natural ingredient for enhancing the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sunscreen products. A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 200 articles sourced from Google Scholar and PubMed using keywords such as “Curcumin”, “Curcuma”, “Antioxidant”, “Anti-Inflammatory”, and “Sun Protection Factor”. Studies unrelated to UV protection were excluded. The findings, presented in tabular form, indicate that curcumin and Curcuma exhibit significant potential to enhance SPF values due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and UV-absorbing properties. Additionally, curcumin may aid in skin repair following UV-induced damage. However, the specific concentration of curcumin in various Curcuma species remains unknown, and further research is necessary to determine its optimal use. Consideration of additional excipients in sunscreen formulations is also required to maximize efficacy. In conclusion, curcumin demonstrates considerable promise as a sustainable and effective natural ingredient for protecting the skin from UV radiation, offering a safer alternative to conventional chemical-based sunscreens.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.), an oilseed native to the Peruvian rainforest, has garnered attention for its valuable components and its potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. Sacha inchi oil is rich in fatty acids, particularly omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9, along with antioxidants such as tocopherols, which collectively contribute to cardiovascular health, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and neuroprotective effects. The susceptibility of the oil to oxidation poses significant challenges for both storage and processing, making it essential to employ microencapsulation technologies to preserve its integrity and extend shelf life. This paper aims to provide a review of the therapeutic potential, extraction methods, and microencapsulation strategies for enhancing the oil’s stability and bioavailability. Optimizing both extraction processes and encapsulation strategies would enhance the oil’s stability and bioavailability, enabling it to be more effectively utilized in functional foods and therapeutic applications across the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), commonly recognized as free radicals, significantly contribute to skin damage by disrupting defense and repair mechanisms, thereby accelerating the aging process. An effective strategy to prevent and alleviate skin aging involves the application of topical formulations enriched with powerful antioxidant compounds. Sacha inchi oil (Plukenetia volubilis L.) has been reported to possess significant antioxidant activity, while its oil contains a high content of omega-3 fatty acids, offering potential anti-aging benefits. This study aims to evaluate the stability, in vitro anti-aging activity, and skin irritation assessments of a facial serum containing Sacha inchi oil (SIO) formulated as a topical anti-aging agent. The stability of the serum was assessed by analyzing its organoleptic properties, homogeneity, viscosity, spreadability, pH, microbial contamination, and heavy metal content over a three-month period under controlled climatic conditions. The in vitro anti-aging activity was evaluated through enzyme inhibition assays for neutrophil elastase and collagenase, while skin irritation was assessed via human patch testing. The results indicated that the SIO facial serum exhibits excellent stability, significant anti-aging activity, and is safe for topical application, with no irritant effects observed during skin irritation assessments.