Naringenin (NGN) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but it remains undetermined its topical actions against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and functional antioxidant stability of NGN containing formulations, and the effects of selected NGN containing formulation on UVB irradiation-induced skin inflammation and oxidative damage in hairless mice. NGN presented ferric reducing power, ability to scavenge 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydroxyl radical, and inhibited iron-independent and dependent lipid peroxidation. Among the three formulations containing NGN, only the F3 kept its physicochemical and functional stability over 180 days. Topical application of F3 in mice protected from UVB-induced skin damage by inhibiting edema and cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Furthermore, F3 inhibited superoxide anion and lipid hydroperoxides production and maintained ferric reducing and ABTS scavenging abilities, catalase activity, and reduced glutathione levels. In addition, F3 maintained mRNA expression of cellular antioxidants glutathione peroxidase 1, glutathione reductase and transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), and induced mRNA expression of heme oxygenase-1. In conclusion, a formulation containing NGN may be a promising approach to protecting the skin from the deleterious effects of UVB irradiation.

Betalains are naturally occurring pigments sourced mainly from Beta vulgaris (beetroot), Hylocereus spp. (dragon fruit), Amaranthus spp., and Opuntia spp. Betalains are widely used for their vibrant colors and health-promoting properties. These nitrogenous, water-soluble pigments are crucial colorants in the food industry, responsible for the red, purple, and yellow plant tissues, predominantly in the order Caryophyllales. They are grouped into betacyanins, with reddish-violet hues, and betaxanthins, yellow to orange. Examples include beetroot stems for betacyanins and yellow pitaya pulp for betaxanthins. Several pharmacological activities were reviewed in the scientific literature, describing their potential implications for human health. In this review, we focused on the main and latest studies on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of betalains, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Overall, betalain consumption is considered safe, with no major adverse effects or allergic reactions reported. We also approached topics such as the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, stability, and enhanced stabilization of betalains. This article provides a comprehensive overview of bioactive potential of betalains, highlighting the biochemical mechanisms involved. The current knowledge broadens the clinical applicability of betalains, making them potential sources of nutraceutical compounds that can be used to develop functional foods.

Acute exposure to UVB irradiation causes skin inflammation and oxidative stress, and long-term exposure to UVB irradiation may lead to carcinogenesis. Our organism has endogenous mechanisms to actively limit inflammation. Maresin 1 (MaR1; 7R,14S-dihydroxy-docosa-4Z,8E,10E,12Z,16Z,19Z-hexaenoic acid) is a pro-resolution lipid mediator derived from the docosahexaenoic acid, which presents anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution effects. However, it remains to be determined if treatment with MaR1 can inhibit inflammatory and oxidative alterations in the skin triggered by UVB. The treatment with MaR1 (0.1–10 ng/mice at −10 min relative to the UVB irradiation protocol) reduced UVB-induced skin edema, neutrophil recruitment (MPO; myeloperoxidase activity, and migration of LysM-eGFP⁺ cells), cytokine production, matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, keratinocyte apoptosis, epidermal thickening, mast cells counts and degradation of skin collagen in hairless mice. UVB irradiation caused a decrease of GSH (reduced glutathione) levels, activity of the enzyme catalase, ferric reducing ability (FRAP), and ABTS radical scavenging capacity as well as induced lipid hydroperoxide, superoxide anion production, and gp91^phox mRNA expression. These parameters that indicate oxidative stress were inhibited by MaR1 treatment. Therefore, these data suggest MaR1 as a promising pharmacological tool in controlling the deleterious effects related to UVB irradiation.