The aim of this study was assess the effect of collagen‐based films containing usnic acid as a wound dressing for dermal burn healing. Second‐degree burn wounds were performed in forty‐five Wistar rats, assigned into nine groups: COL—animals treated with collagen‐based films; PHO—animals treated with collagen films containing empty liposomes; UAL—animals treated with collagen‐based films containing usnic acid incorporated into liposomes. After 7, 14, and 21 days the animals were euthanized. On 7th day there was a moderate infiltration of neutrophils, in UAL, distributed throughout the burn wounds, whereas in COL and PHO, the severity of the reaction was slighter and still limited to the margins of the burn wounds. On the 14th day, the inflammatory reaction was less intense in UAL, with remarkable plasma cells infiltration. On the 21st day, there was reduction of the inflammation, which was predominantly composed of plasma cells in all groups, particularly in UAL. The use of the usnic acid provided more rapid substitution of type‐III for type‐I collagen on the 14th day, and improved the collagenization density on the 21st day. It was concluded that the use of reconstituted bovine type‐I collagen‐based films containing usnic acid improved burn healing process in rats.

The present study was carried out to evaluate antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of essential oil from R. maritima (RMO) in experimental protocols. The essential oil from the roots and rhizomes of RMO were obtained by hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus, and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Here, we evaluated free radical scavenging activities and antioxidant potential of RMO using in vitro assays for scavenging activity against hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radicals, and nitric oxide. The total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP) and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) indexes and in vitro lipoperoxidation were also evaluated. The ability of RMO to prevent lipid peroxidation was measured by quantifying thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). NO radical generated at physiological pH was found to be inhibited by RMO, that showed scavenging effect upon SNP-induced NO production at all concentrations. Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated by acetic acid writhing reflex, Formalin-induced nociception and Carrageenan-induced edema test. The majors compounds identified was remirol (43.2%), cyperene (13.8%), iso-evodionol (5.8%), cyperotundone (5.7%), caryophyllene oxide (4.9%), and rotundene (4.6%). At the TRAP assay, RMO concentration of 1 mg.mL−1 showed anti-oxidant effects and at concentration of 1 and 10 ng.mL−1 RMO showed pro-oxidant effect. RMO at 1 mg.mL−1 also showed significant anti-oxidant capacity in TAR measurement. Concentrations of RMO from 1 ng.mL−1 to 100 μg.mL−1 enhanced the AAPH-induced lipoperoxidation. RMO reduced deoxyribose oxidative damage, induced by the Fenton reaction induction system, at concentrations from 1 ng.mL−1 to 100 μg.mL−1. We observed that RMO caused a significant increase in rate of adrenaline auto-oxidation. On the other hand RMO did not present any scavenging effect in H2O2 formation in vitro. The results of this study revealed that RMO has both peripheral and central analgesic properties. The RMO, all doses, orally (p.o.) administered significantly inhibited (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) the acetic acid-induced writhings and two phases of formalin-induced nociception in mice. The RMO demonstrated antioxidant and analgesic profile which may be related to the composition of the oil.

Introduction: Vitiligo is one of the most important acquired depigmentation disorders, with an average worldwide prevalence of 0.5–2.0%. The exact etiology of vitiligo is not fully understood, but the principle theories focus on the mechanism responsible for the destruction of melanocytes, which is proposed to be autoimmune, neurogenic, or self-destructive. There is no cure for vitiligo and the results of current treatments vary between individuals, being unsatisfactory in most cases. Despite being a cosmetic disease, the disorder can be psychologically devastating and stigmatizing. Areas covered: In this review, the authors summarize new synthetic drugs for the treatment of vitiligo developed between 2010 and 2015, which include MC1 R agonists and peptides, as well as considering new approaches and strategies using existing drugs. Expert opinion: In conclusion, we found significant advancement in this field of research, demonstrating the growing interest of academic and industrial groups in developing successful products for the treatment of vitiligo. New therapeutic options could contribute to improving the quality of life of patients and advance the search for a truly effective treatment of vitiligo.