No abstract

Species of the genus Kalanchoe have a long history of therapeutic use in ethnomedicine linked to their remarkable healing properties. Several species have chemical and anatomical similarities, often leading to confusion when they are used in folk medicine. This review aims to provide an overview and discussion of the reported traditional uses, botanical aspects, chemical constituents, and pharmacological potential of the Kalanchoe species. Published scientific materials were collected from the PubMed and SciFinder databases without restriction regarding the year of publication through April 2023. Ethnopharmacological knowledge suggests that these species have been used to treat infections, inflammation, injuries, and other disorders. Typically, all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes either as crude extract or juice. Botanical evaluation can clarify species differentiation and can enable correct identification and validation of the scientific data. Flavonoids are the most common classes of secondary metabolites identified from Kalanchoe species and can be correlated with some biological studies (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential). This review summarizes several topics related to the Kalanchoe genus, supporting future studies regarding other unexplored research areas. The need to carry out further studies to confirm the popular uses and biological activities of bioactive compounds is also highlighted.

Background: This paper highlights the formulation of a solid THC-loaded ingestible prepared from pure THC distillate. A THC ethanol-assisted cannabinoid nanoemulsion (EACNE) was created without the need for specialized emulsification equipment such as a high-pressure homogenizer or a microfluidizer. Stress-testing was performed on the EACNE to evaluate its chemical and colloidal stability under the influence of different environmental factors, encompassing both physical and chemical stressors. Subsequently, the EACNE was converted to a solid powdery material while still retaining its THC potency, and suited for “microdosing” applications. Methods: An ethanol-assisted emulsification method was used to generate a THC nanoemulsion. The EACNE was fully characterized, imaged, and subjected to stress-tests. The EACNE was then mixed with a solid matrix material post facto and lyophilized to create a solid ingestible substance. Upon ball-milling, a dense powdery material was obtained. Flow properties and thermal properties of this material were recorded. Potency of the material was evaluated in triplicate using HPLC and correlated with the potency of the starting EACNE. Results: EACNE had an average lipid droplet size of ca. 190 nm, with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.15, and an average droplet zeta potential of -49±10 mV. The nanoemulsion was colloidally stable for at least 6 weeks, with no meaningful change in cannabinoid potency over the experimental period, as determined by HPLC analysis. The EACNE remained stable when subjected to physical stresses such as heat, freeze/thaw cycles, carbonation, dilution to beverage concentrations, high sucrose concentrations, and a pH range between 5-8. The effect of undesirable events during the lyophilization of the EACNE were minimized by ball-milling the resulting solid. The microencapsulated EACNE demonstrated limited free-flowing behaviour but was freely redispersible in water without any visible phase separation. Conclusions: A solvent-mediated emulsification protocol creates a THC-loaded nanoemulsion that can subsequently be converted to a water-soluble powder. These materials are particularly suited for THC “microdosing”, a practice that might decouple the health benefits of THC from its psychotropic effects.

Species of the genus Kalanchoe have a long history of therapeutic use in ethnomedicine linked to their remarkable healing properties. Several species have chemical and anatomical similarities, often leading to confusion when they are used in folk medicine. This review aims to provide an overview and discussion of the reported traditional uses, botanical aspects, chemical constituents, and pharmacological potential of the Kalanchoe species. Published scientific materials were collected from the PubMed and SciFinder databases without restriction regarding the year of publication through April 2023. Ethnopharmacological knowledge suggests that these species have been used to treat infections, inflammation, injuries, and other disorders. Typically, all parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes either as crude extract or juice. Botanical evaluation can clarify species differentiation and can enable correct identification and validation of the scientific data. Flavonoids are the most common classes of secondary metabolites identified from Kalanchoe species and can be correlated with some biological studies (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial potential). This review summarizes several topics related to the Kalanchoe genus, supporting future studies regarding other unexplored research areas. The need to conduct further studies to confirm the popular uses and biological activities of bioactive compounds is also highlighted.