Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract is proposed for cosmetic use, but no data on biological effects of KRG-loaded vehicles exist. The study aimed to optimize new multi- and monophase vehicles for KRG extract delivery, assess their biocompatibility and evaluate their radical scavenging effect in vitro. Storage stability of oil-in-water nanoemulsions (NEs) and hydroalcoholic gels (2 % w/w KRG) was assessed over twelve weeks using dynamic light scattering, rheology and pH measurements. Release profiles of ginsenosides Rb1 (more hydrophilic) and Rg1 (moderately lipophilic) through a cellulose membrane were also investigated employing Franz diffusion cells. Antioxidant potential and biocompatibility were assessed via 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and cell viability assays. Vehicles remained stable over twelve weeks at 8 °C (NEs D_h stable, gel viscosity + 3.5 %). Diffusion studies showed higher release of Rg1 vs. Rb1 (7.10 vs. 1.39 µg/cm^-2 after 28 h). KRG-formulations demonstrated good biocompatibility with primary human dermal fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes (72-94 % viability). Radical scavenging capacity of KRG extract did not differ between pure and incorporated form and was lower than that of a Hypericum extract or ascorbic acid. Results render KRG-formulations a potentially promising alternative to conventional antioxidants used in daily products.

Progressive myopia in children is a highly prevalent condition in societies worldwide and is often treated with compounded low-dose atropine sulfate (AS) eye drops without preserving agents to avoid irritation/sensitisation. Surprisingly, there is a lack of data regarding the in-use stability of contamination-free LDPE dispenser units (CFDs) for this compounded multidose product, which causes uncertainty among prescribers and patients in Europe. Thus, our aim was to compare the effect of different dispenser types on the chemical and microbial stability of unpreserved AS eye drops (0.01% w/w). A dripping simulation was performed to obtain information on microbial stability over 4 weeks through plating and separately over 12 weeks through direct inoculation, HPLC and pH analysis. For CFDs, no contamination was found after 4, 8 or 12 weeks of use when stored at 23 or 4 °C as opposed to the control. AS content remained within 0.01 ± 0.0002% w/w after 12 weeks, with higher chemical stability at 4 °C despite decreasing pH. A stress test confirmed the validity of the CFD system. In conclusion, using CFDs and refrigerated storage was found to be safe for compounded unpreserved AS eye drops over 12 weeks of use.

Drug-induced photosensitivity is a recognised adverse reaction, yet systematic quantification remains limited. This study investigates the quantitative impact of commonly prescribed drugs on human skin physiology following oral intake and subsequent UV exposure. Ten drugs with known photosensitising potential were selected: acetylsalicylic acid, amiodarone, diclofenac, doxycycline, enalapril, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, pantoprazole, verapamil, and voriconazole. Twelve healthy volunteers received five allocated substances, separated by washout periods. Defined skin areas were exposed to gradual UVA and UVB doses according to individual skin type. Skin parameters including confocal Raman spectroscopy (CRS), transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum (SC) hydration, skin surface pH, melanin and erythema indices were measured 24 h after exposure. Highest increase in erythema was caused by enalapril, amiodarone, furosemide and verapamil in response to both UVA and UVB irradiation. UVA predominantly increased melanin levels, while UVB caused pronounced erythema. No deterioration of natural moisturising factor or urea was observed throughout the entire analysed skin depth; TEWL remained unaffected. Trends towards increased SC hydration after irradiation were noted, but CRS analysis of minimal erythema dose skin sites did not reveal significantly increased water mass within the upper 30 µm of the skin. Average skin pH increase remained below 10%. The study underlines the need for standardisation of assessment tools for evaluating drug-induced photosensitivity, which complement visual evaluation. The marked interindividual variability across all skin parameters demonstrates the complexity of skin reactions.