The objective of this work was to examine the effect of quaternary polymethacrylate (QPM), a water-insoluble polymer with a positive charge, on the characteristics of the sodium alginate (SA) dispersions and the calcium alginate (CA) gel beads containing propranolol HCl (PPN). The SA-QPM composite dispersions presented the formation of flocculates with a negative charge due to the electrostatic interaction of both substances. The QPM addition did not affect the SA dispersions’ Newtonian flow, but the composite dispersions’ viscosity enhancement was found. The PPN-loaded CA-QPM gel beads had more spherical than the PPN-loaded CA gel beads. The incorporation of QPM caused a bigger particle size, higher drug entrapment efficiency, and greater particle strength of the gel beads. Despite the similar water uptake property, the PPN-loaded CA-QPM gel beads displayed lower burst release and slower drug release rate than the PPN-loaded CA gel beads. However, the drug release from the PPN-loaded CA-QPM gel beads involved drug diffusion and matrix swelling mechanisms. This study demonstrated that adding QPM into the SA dispersions leads to a viscosity synergism. The CA-QPM gel beads display a good potential for use as a bioactive compound delivery system.

An examination of the diversity of Zingiberaceae in Thailand led to the discovery of two undescribed taxa within the genus Kaempferia: K. sakolchaii P. Saensouk, Saensouk & Boonma, a newly described species, and K. phuphanensis var. viridans P. Saensouk, Saensouk & Boonma, a novel variety. Additionally, our investigation encompassed the chromosome numbers, karyotypes, and pollen morphological characteristics of these taxa. Both taxa share a chromosome number of 2n = 22, accompanied by distinctive karyotype patterns. Kaempferia sakolchaii displays a karyotype of 12m + 10sm chromosomes, while K. phuphanensis var. viridans presents a karyotype of 10m + 10sm + 2st chromosomes. The pollen grains of K. sakolchaii and K. phuphanensis var. viridans are monads, spheroidal in shape, radially symmetrical, apolar, inaperturate, and exine sculpturing irregularly arranged elongated ornamentation elements with verrucate features. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the taxonomic classification of these two taxa, enriching our understanding of Zingiberaceae diversity in Thailand.

Tamarind gum (TG) is a natural polysaccharide rich in phenolic and flavonoid compound constituents that provide potent antioxidant activity. This study aimed to develop a gel-based cream containing TG and investigate various skin-related parameters for cosmetic applications. TG was extracted from the seed of tamarind with distilled water. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteu and colorimetric methods. A formulation comprising 0.3% w/v of TG was prepared by loading it into an oil-in-water (O/W) gel-based cream. A benchmark product was used as a control for comparison. In vivo investigations were performed over four weeks on the forearms of 26 healthy female volunteers aged 30-55. The product’s effects on transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin color, skin hydration, and skin elasticity were assessed by skin analyzer (Cortex Technology, model DermaLab® Combo). The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of TG were 44.60±14.01 mg GAE/g and 194±27.22 mg QE/g, respectively. The gel-based cream containing 0.3% w/v TG exhibited substantially higher TEWL percentage changes in week four. The skin melanin index decreased and skin lightening increased. Skin hydration gradually increased throughout the study period. Moreover, elasticity improved in all parameters, including Young’s modulus (E), retraction time (R), and viscoelasticity (VE). In summary, TG is a sustainable natural resource with potential antioxidant activities. It is an effective cosmetic active ingredient that may address skin health issues and improve overall skin appearance.