Natural products are considered an important source of the therapeutic arsenal currently available. Among these alternatives are the seeds of Ambrosia peruviana (altamisa), whose extract has shown an anti-inflammatory effect. The main objective of this work was to perform a preformulation study of Ambrosia peruviana seeds ethanolic extract, where the main factors that affect the physical, chemical, and pharmacological stability of the extract were evaluated, as well as a compatibility study by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis against different excipients. A dry extract was obtained by rotary evaporation of the seeds macerated with 96% ethanol. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by measuring its effect on NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, stimulated with LPS. The results showed that the dry extract maintained its stability over time when stored at a temperature of 4 and 25ºC, demonstrating its biological activity, the content of phenolic compounds, and its physicochemical parameters remain practically invariable. However, when exposed to high temperatures (60 ºC) it was affected. The thermal analysis revelated that the behavior of most of the selected excipients and the dry extract was maintained, which indicates that it did not present incompatibilities, therefore they can be candidates for formulating a microemulsion.

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that has a significant impact on quality of life. The immune response and allergy symptoms in AD are triggered by the recognition of specific allergens by IgE antibodies. Cross-reactivity can lead to auto-IgE responses, potentially worsening AD symptoms. Our research aimed to enhance our understanding of allergenic sources, including A. fumigatus, and their role in AD. We focused on molecular mimicry between human AQP3 and A. fumigatus aquaporin. Methods In our in-silico analysis, we compared the amino acid sequences of human aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and A. fumigatus aquaporin with 25 aquaporins from various allergenic sources, sourced from the UniProt and NCBI databases. Phylogenetic relationship analysis and homology-based modeling were conducted. We identified conserved antigenic regions located within the 3D structures. Results The global identity levels among the studied aquaporins averaged 32.6%. One antigenic site exhibited a remarkable local region, with a conserved identity of 71.4%. We categorized the aquaporins into five monophyletic clades (A–E), with group B showing the highest identity (95%), including six mammalian aquaporins, including AQP3. When comparing A. fumigatus aquaporins, the highest identity was observed with Malassezia sympodialis at 35%. Both human and A. fumigatus aquaporins have three linear and three discontinuous epitopes. Conclusions We identified potential linear and conformational epitopes of AQP3, indicating a possible molecular mimicry between humans and A. fumigatus aquaporins. This suggests autoreactivity and potential cross-reactivity, although further validation using in vitro and in vivo experiments is required.

Background/Objectives: Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) seed is an agro-industrial by-product with significant pharmacological potential. This study aimed to conduct a preformulation assessment of aqueous seed extracts from Criollo (M1) and Hass (M2) cultivars. Methods: The extracts were characterized for total phenolic content (TPC) and ABTS^•+ scavenging capacity, and their compatibility with pharmaceutical excipients was evaluated in binary mixtures by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with Pearson correlation and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and isothermal stress testing (50 °C, 15 days) with HPLC quantification of epicatechin (IST-HPLC). Results: M2 showed significantly higher TPC (192.80 ± 4.90 µg GAE/mg) than M1 (27.08 ± 0.51 µg GAE/mg; p < 0.0001). ABTS^•+ inhibition was 59.92 ± 1.76% for M1 (0.05 mg/mL) and 50.79 ± 1.19% for M2 (0.01 mg/mL). The DSC transition enthalpies of both extracts did not differ significantly (p = 0.1271). Maltodextrin and gum arabic were compatible with both extracts, suggesting that they could serve as common excipients for both cultivars, whereas the chemical stability of five M2 mixtures could not be determined by IST-HPLC. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was incompatible with M1, as shown by a 29.44 percentage-point decrease in epicatechin recovery (p < 0.0001), separate HCA clustering (Euclidean distance > 0.009), and the lowest FTIR spectral correlation (r = 0.990). Conclusions: These findings provide a scientific basis for the rational development of solid dosage forms from avocado seed extracts.

Background: The rapid expansion of aquaculture and the declining availability of fish meal, together with concerns regarding its environmental impact, have increased interest in alternative and sustainable protein sources. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM, Hermetia illucens) has emerged as a promising ingredient because of its high protein content and favorable amino acid profile. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a diet containing black soldier fly larvae meal on the growth performance, feed utilization, survival, and economic efficiency of red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) fingerlings reared under semi-intensive conditions in the Colombian Caribbean. Methods: A granulated feed was formulated using BSFL as the principal protein and lipid source (38.6% crude protein and 35.8% lipids, dry matter basis), with polyvinylpyrrolidone as a binder. A total of 180 fingerlings were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments with three replicates of 30 fish each. The control group received a commercial diet, whereas the experimental group received the BSFL-based diet. Growth performance, survival, feed conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), and economic conversion ratio (ECR) were evaluated over a 30-day period. Results: Fish fed the commercial diet reached a final weight of 60.50 ± 1.06 g, whereas those fed the BSFL-based diet reached 58.90 ± 1.20 g. No significant differences were observed in growth performance or survival between treatments (p > 0.05). Feed conversion ratios were 1.38 and 1.42, and specific growth rates were 10.37% and 10.28% day⁻¹ for the commercial and BSFL-based diets, respectively. The ECR was higher for the BSFL-based diet (13.10 USD/kg) than for the commercial diet (9.66 USD/kg), primarily because of the higher cost of BSFL meal. The BSFL-based feed exhibited slightly low buoyancy, while its angle of repose was 36.13°, indicating acceptable flow properties. Conclusions: The results indicate that BSFL meal can serve as a substitute for conventional protein ingredients, as it is technically viable in diets for tilapia fry without compromising their growth or survival rate. However, its economic competitiveness was limited by the high cost of insect meals. It is necessary to reduce BSFL production costs to improve its commercial viability in tropical aquaculture systems.