This study investigates the development and comparative evaluation of new dermatocosmetic preparations based on hydroalcoholic macerates of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), focusing on their antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. For this purpose, rosemary hydroalcoholic macerations were analyzed by evaluating the content of biologically active compounds, determining their antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity. Total polyphenol content (TPC), determined via the Folin–Ciocâlteu method, reached 2155 ± 2.45 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight in the 70% ethanol macerate (RDS2) of rosemary from Dobrogea, significantly exceeding (p < 0.05) the values observed in the Bulgarian samples. The highest antioxidant activity (745 ± 2.33 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight) correlated with this extraction. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) analysis revealed elevated calcium (119.5 mg/kg), zinc, and iron levels in Dobrogean rosemary compared to its Bulgarian counterparts. Antimicrobial assessments demonstrated that the 70% ethanol macerate (RDS2) of Dobrogean rosemary exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (inhibition zone: 11–23 mm), while its activity against Escherichia coli was moderate (10–17 mm at 30 µL). Candida albicans was also significantly inhibited, with an inhibition zone of 9–20 mm. In contrast, the Bulgarian rosemary macerate (RBS2) exhibited weak inhibition against the tested microorganisms. The higher antimicrobial activity of the RDS2 is likely due to its enriched polyphenolic content, including carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, which are known for their bioactive properties. These findings highlight Dobrogean rosemary’s superior bioactive properties, supporting its use in formulations with antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.

Black poplar buds have high contents of many compounds with therapeutic potential, which are useful in cosmetics and the treatment of various dermatitis, respiratory diseases, etc. The aim of this study was to identify and exploit the local plant resources with biologically active properties from the Dobrogea area, Romania. For this purpose, materials were collected from the mentioned area, and macerates of black poplar were prepared in order to evaluate their qualities as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. Three different black poplar buds’ hydroalcoholic macerates were analyzed by the Folin–Ciocâlteau method to estimate the total content of phenolic compounds, by the HPLC-DAD method for identification and quantification of the main bioactive compounds and by the DPPH radical scavenging method to evaluate the antioxidant activity. All hydroalcoholic macerates showed high concentrations of phenolic compounds, the main individual compounds being gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, and methyl gallic acid. The antioxidant activity of the black poplar buds’ hydroalcoholic macerates, evaluated by the DPPH radical scavenging test, showed high values, between 496 and 1200 mg GAE /100 g d.w. The Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb concentrations released in dry poplar buds, determined by AAS, were below the detection limits. Hydroalcoholic macerates of black poplar were tested against two groups of gram-positive bacteria (Enterococcus and Staphylococcus) using an agar well diffusion assay. The in vitro inhibitory activities of the macerates were important and ranged from 8.2–9.4 mm inhibition zones (Staphylococcus) to 8.6 −10 mm inhibition zones (Enterococcus).

Lilium spp. bulbs are traditionally valued for their medicinal properties, yet their phytochemical profile and biomedical potential remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and dermatocosmetic potential of ethanolic macerates from five Lilium spp. cultivars. Bulb macerates were obtained using 70% and 96% ethanol and evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannins (CTC), mineral composition, and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). Spectroscopic (FTIR) and antimicrobial analyses were also performed. Macerates from Lilium “Dark Secret” (LD-70) and Lilium asiaticum “White” (LA-70) exhibited the highest levels of TPC (225 and 162.5 mg GAE/100 g f.w.), TFC (26.12 and 21.75 mg QE/100 g f.w.), and antioxidant activity (81.5 and 58.75 mg GAE/100 g f.w.). FTIR confirmed the phenolic composition, while mineral analysis revealed a high potassium content and negligible toxic metals. Selective antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, particularly for LD-70 and LA-70 macerates. Based on these findings, stable hydrogel formulations incorporating LD-70 and LA-70 were developed, showing favorable pH, rheology, and sustained antioxidant activity over 60 days. These findings support the integration of Lilium-derived macerates into dermatocosmetic formulations targeting skin protection and microbial defense.

The total phenols concentration in two sage macerates has been estimated by Folin-Ciocâlteau method, identified and quantified using HPLC-DAD method in order to assess the biological activity. The results for total phenols values of Folin Ciocalteau method indicate that Salvia officinalis L macerate S2, presents a higher amount of phenolic compounds than macerate S1. By HPLC-DAD method, six individual phenolic compounds were identified in sage macerates among which where cinnamic acid was found in highest concentration (652.478 mg/100g d.w. in S2 and 473.381 mg/100g d.w. in S1). The antioxidant activity of sage macerates was evaluated using DPPH Radical Scavenging test. Sage macerates exhibited high antioxidant activity, between 439.5 mg GAE /mL and 400 mg GAE /mL. Antibacterial activity of sage macerates was evaluated against 20 Gram positive and Gram negative bacterial strains isolated from clinical specimens. Both macerates showed significant but variable antibacterial activity with inhibition zones ranging from 4.97 mm (S2) to 7.28.mm (S1). The effect was stronger on Gram positive (Enterococcus, Staphyococcus) than Gram negative bacteria (Escherichia sp, Proteus sp, Klebsiella sp). Eleven metals concentrations were determined by AAS method in sage leaves; it has been found that Cd, Ni and Pb concentrations are below the detection limits.