Hyperglycemia, when sustained over a long time in diabetes mellitus (DM), leads to biochemical and cellular abnormalities, primarily through the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). In the treatment of diabetes, beside blood-sugar-lowering medications, a consumption of herbal products that can inhibit the AGEs’ formation is recommended. This study investigated the in vitro antiglycoxidative potential of extracts and fractions from the rhizomes of Japanese, Giant, and Bohemian knotweeds (Reynoutria japonica (Houtt.), R. sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai, and R.× bohemica Chrtek et Chrtkova). Their effects on glycooxidation of bovine and human serum albumin were evaluated by incubation of the proteins with a mixture of glucose and fructose (0.5 M) and 150 µg/mL of extract for 28 days at 37 °C, followed by measuring early and late glycation products, albumin oxidation (carbonyl and free thiol groups), and amyloid-β aggregation (thioflavin T and Congo red assays). The highest antiglycoxidative activity, comparable or stronger than the reference drug (aminoguanidine), was observed for ethyl acetate and diethyl ether fractions, enriched in polyphenols (stilbenes, phenylpropanoid disaccharide esters, and free and oligomeric flavan-3-ols). In conclusion, the antiglycoxidative compounds from these three species should be further studied for potential use in the prevention and complementary treatment of DM.

This study aimed to develop and optimize polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based polymeric films containing resveratrol (RSV) and to evaluate their applicability as oral mucosal wound dressings. Given the dynamic and complex nature of the oral environment, physicochemical parameters such as elasticity, mucoadhesive strength, and the release profile of the RSV were systematically investigated. The therapeutic performance of pure resveratrol was compared with that of an extract derived from Reynoutria japonica. Films were fabricated using a solvent casting method and characterized in terms of thickness uniformity, weight, color consistency, and flexibility, all of which met the required pharmaceutical criteria. Two tested formulations, FR2 (RSV/PVA/PVP/MCA15C/NaCMC/W/PGE), FE2 (extract/PVA/PVP/MCA15C/NaCMC/W/PGE), showed the best mucoadhesive properties (261.11 ± 0.5 g for FR2 and 299.43 ± 0.38 g for FE2) and a favorable release profile both in water (72.42% for FR2, 77.23% for FE2) and in saliva (49.74% for FR2, 49.70% for FE2). Moreover, the optimized films are characterized by hydrophilicity (contact angle < 90°) and the pH value of the extract after their blurring is close to physiological, which promotes better tolerance and reduces the risk of irritation. Obtained results for polymeric films with resveratrol and R. japonica extract confirmed their great potential for use in dentistry as modern, mucoadhesive dressings, improving the effectiveness of local therapies.

The aim of this study was to develop and optimize polymeric films based on cellulose derivatives—hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC)—as well as pullulan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and glycerol (GLY) as plasticizer incorporating Reynoutria japonica extract for potential use in periodontal and gum disease treatment. Over 80 formulations were fabricated using the solvent-casting method, 6 of which were selected for further investigation based on their mechanical properties, mucoadhesion, and disintegration profiles, including three placebo films (OP1 (PVA/PVP/MC400CP/NaCMC/GLY), OP2 (PVA/PVP/MCA15C/NaCMC/GLY), and OP3 (PVA/PVP/HPMC/NaCMC/GLY)) and three films containing R. japonica extract (OW1, OW2, and OW3). The films demonstrated uniform structural characteristics, with the formulations containing PVA with a high hydrolysis degree (98–99%) and methylcellulose derivatives showing prolonged dissolution times due to physical cross-linking, while the inclusion of NaCMC reduced dissolution time without compromising mucoadhesiveness. The study also described the release kinetics of resveratrol and piceid from the OW2 films using three semi-empirical models: the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, a first-order kinetic model, and a multidimensional approach. The multidimensional model demonstrated a strong fit, with a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.909 for resveratrol, compared to 0.894 and 0.908 for the Korsmeyer–Peppas and first-order models, respectively. For piceid, the multidimensional model showed a correlation coefficient (R²) of 0.958, outperforming the Korsmeyer–Peppas (0.823) and first-order models (0.932). The active compounds released in sustained-release tests, including resveratrol and piceid, suggest that these films could provide an extended therapeutic effect.

Many substances are used to increase the viscosity of eye drops and reduce their surface tension. Their function is to prolong the persistence of the product on the surface of the eyeball and to increase the bioavailability of the pharmacologically active ingredient. To investigate the surface tension of substances added to the eye drops, with the main aim of modulating properties of the preparation. Five substances contained in solutions proposed for the development of eye drops were studied: sodium hyaluronate macromolecular (H-Na W), sodium hyaluronate ultramolecular (H-Na UM), hyaluronic acid 4% (K-H), methylcellulose (MC), and polyacrylic acid (PA). The main method was to study the surface tension using the du Noüy ring tensiometer. The research presented in this paper shows the various effects of different eye drop ingredients on the surface tension of the solutions. The surface tension values of PA solutions are in the range of 48.89-56.03 mN/m, of MC in the range of 68.94-89.32 mN/m, of K-H 54.54-65.66 mN/m, of H-Na UM 67.18-70.97 mN/m, and of H-Na W 67.09-71.73 mN/m. The use of different polymers affects the surface tension of model solutions proposed for use in ophthalmic preparations. Compounds containing carboxyl groups and anionic polymers have a similar effect on reducing the surface tension of the solution as classical surfactant compounds.

Background/Objectives: Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a common oral condition in older women and is characterized by a multifactorial etiology. To date, no standardized treatment strategy has been established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of topical application of capsaicin (0.025 mg/cm²) in the form of a mucoadhesive bilayer polymer reducing burning sensations in BMS. The study assessed levels of depression, sleep disturbances, and quality of life. Material and Methods: The proof-of-concept study included 29 patients with symptoms of BMS. The peripheral origin of BMS was confirmed by lingual nerve block. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ). Depression, sleep disturbances, and quality of life were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS), and WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQoL). Results: A reduction in pain was observed in over 86% patients. Decrease in burning at treatment sites was recorded immediately after treatment and also at the 3-month follow-up. Gender, taste disturbances, depression, and age were found to have a significant effect on final NRS-11 scores. Conclusions: Significant reduction in pain intensity was achieved in nearly all treated patients, with adverse effects being rare.

Background/Objectives: This study evaluated how variations in emulsion composition influence the viability of a probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG within biphasic systems, as well as the overall stability of the resulting formulations. Methods: Eight biphasic emulsions were prepared, each in two versions—with and without a preservative—and subsequently analysed for pH, FTIR spectroscopy, and emulsion type. The viability of L. rhamnosus GG in each formulation was determined using the plate count method. This method is regarded as the reference technique for the quantitative determination of viable bacteria, expressed as colony-forming units (CFUs). Results: The pH indicated that an emulsion with a pH of 4.65 provides the most favorable conditions for L. rhamnosus GG survival, as values below pH 6 promote its proliferation. This acidity aligns with the natural pH of human skin, although it falls slightly below the recommended 4–5 range for topical formulations. FTIR analysis confirmed the structural stability of the emulsions and revealed spectral shifts attributable to the presence of the bacteria. The spectra remained largely consistent throughout the study period, demonstrating good temporal stability. Conclusions: Microbiological evaluation showed that all produced formulations supported bacterial growth, the presence of the preservative did not inhibit viability of L. rhamnosus GG, corroborating findings from an independent assessment. All emulsions were classified as O/W systems, due to the high water content which is advantageous for microbial viability. Furthermore, O/W emulsions are user-friendly, easy to remove, limit the penetration of the active component into deeper skin layers, supporting their suitability for probiotic-based topical applications.