Marine macroalgae, classified into three major groups, brown (Phaeophyceae), red (Rhodophyta), and green (Chlorophyta), represent a source of structurally diverse compounds relevant for topical applications. This narrative review of the peer-reviewed literature and regulatory databases targets macroalgae-derived active ingredients in cosmetic formulations and in wound-healing applications. It outlines major compound classes (polyphenols, sulfated polysaccharides, carotenoids, fatty acids, and peptides), along with their documented biological effects on skin (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, photoprotective, and anti-aging activity) and regulatory/safety aspects with formulation strategies. This review also addresses the variability in compound concentrations resulting from species, environmental conditions, and seasonal factors, which impacts reproducibility and standardization. Common extraction techniques like solvent extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and enzyme-assisted methods are described in relation to compound class and yield. Analytical methods used for the identification and quantification of these compounds, including HPLC, GC-MS, and FTIR, are then summarized. Additionally, recent in vitro and in vivo studies evaluating the bioactivity and safety of macroalgae-derived ingredients are discussed. This review compiles relevant evidence to inform formulation strategies and ingredient evaluation in the context of marine-based topical products.

Phytoestrogens, natural compounds with structural similarity to 17-β-estradiol, are known to have potential health benefits, including in hormone-dependent malignancies. The therapeutic interest and some safety concerns observed triggered the need to develop accurate methods to assess their level in different matrices. This narrative review examines the existing analytical methods used to isolate, quantify, and characterize phytoestrogens and their metabolites in plants, foods, and biological samples. Different conventional and modern extraction techniques, such as ultrasonication-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, or enzyme-assisted extraction, were presented and compared. The advantages and limitations of the existing analytical methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography using different sensitive detectors, gas chromatography often coupled with mass spectrometry, and immunoassay methods, are highlighted, along with the need for ongoing research to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the analysis.

Oseltamivir (OST) phosphate is a prodrug, metabolized by hepatic carboxylesterase to its active metabolite (oseltamivir carboxylate). OST is efficient in treatment of influenza, in both children and adults. The protein bonding of the prodrug and its active metabolite is low (42% and 3%, respectively). It has a short half-life 1–3 h but its active metabolite has a half-life of 6–10 h, permitting twice daily administration. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal disturbances that are usually nausea and vomiting and can be reduced when taken simultaneously with food. OST phosphate is a white powder with bitter taste and the marketed oral suspension uses sorbitol for masking it. Cross-linked cyclodextrin polymers are known for their ability to increase the dissolution rate, solubility, stability, and permeability of insoluble drugs and provide prolonged release. Therefore, they are promising drug delivery systems that could improve its pharmacokinetic properties and patient adherence. In this study we focused on developing a therapeutic system of OST using cyclodextrin polymer crosslinked with pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA CD) to enhance its pharmacokinetic properties and to improve its compliance. PMDA CD polymer and PMDA CD polymer complex with OST were prepared. Physicochemical characterization by FTIR spectra, thermal analysis, DLS, SEM and EDX confirmed the existence of interaction between the two components. The prepared complex has a different pharmaceutical profile compared to OST, with higher stability and a controlled dissolution profile. Toxicity studies showed that the polymer complex has lower toxicity than OST, suggesting the protective effect of the polymer.

Healthcare professionals, the internet, and social circles serve as key sources of information regarding contraception. Women prefer medical experts while

In the present study, the complexes of aluminum and gallium with 5-hydroxyflavone were evaluated for their interaction with cyclodextrin polymers, as well as for the pharmacological effect of their inclusion. The cyclodextrin polymers were synthesized using diphenylcarbonate as a crosslinking agent, resulting in a lipophilic nanosponge (DPCNS), and pyromellitic dianhydride, resulting in a hydrophilic polymer (PMDACD). The inclusion complexes were synthesized and characterized via IR spectrometry and thermal analysis. The effect on the solubility of the metal complexes was also studied, where the hydrophobic nanosponge did not lead to an increase in solubility, but on the contrary, in the case of Al, it decreased; meanwhile, in the case of the hydrophilic polymer, the solubility of the metal complexes increased with the amount of polymer added. The cytostatic effect of inclusion complexes was investigated on two cell lines with different localizations, human colon adenocarcinoma (LoVo) and human ovarian adenocarcinoma (SKOV-3). The cytostatic efficacy is increased compared to simple complexes with efficacy on LoVo cells. Compared between the two metals, gallium complexes proved to be more active, with the efficacy of gallium complexes with the PMDACD being approximately the same as that of cisplatin, an antitumor agent used in therapy.