Estimation of Dermatological Application of Creams with St. John’s Wort Oil Extracts

Abstract

Oleum Hyperici, the oil extract of St. John’s Wort (SJW), is one of the oldest folk remedies, traditionally used in the topical treatment of wounds, bruises, ulcers, cuts, burns, hemorrhoids and also as an antiseptic. Considering the advantageous characteristics of emulsion applications, in the present study we have formulated three O/W creams containing 15% (w/v) of SJW oil extract as an active ingredient. The aim was to estimate dermatological application of the prepared creams for the abovementioned indications. The extracts were prepared according to the prescriptions from traditional medicine, however with different vegetable oils used as an extractant, namely: Olive, palm and sunflower oil. The investigated O/W creams demonstrated significant antiinflammatory effects in an in vivo double-blind randomized study, using a sodium lauryl sulphate test. Both skin parameters assessed in the study (electrical capacitance and erythema index), were restored to the baseline value after a seven-day treatment with the tested creams. Almost all investigated SJW oil extracts and corresponding creams displayed the same antimicrobial activity against the most of the investigated microorganisms with obtained minimal inhibitory concentrations values of 1,280 µg/mL, 2,560 µg/mL or >2,560 µg/mL.

Stability, antioxidant activity, in vivo safety and efficacy of creams with standardized wild apple fruit extract: a comparison of conventional and biodegradable emulsifiers

“…Organoleptic characteristics of the creams have remained the same after 180 days of storage in dark at 22 ± 2°C (Table ), which might be an indicator of a good physico‐chemical stability of investigated samples. CEW cream was of denser consistency after 180 days of storage compared to consistency recorded after 7 days, which might be a result of subsequent structuration of the system in terms of solidification because of the presence of used conventional non‐ionic mixed emulsifier .…”

“…It is possible that after using of conventional non‐ionic mixed emulsifier, a larger amount of the water remains free, so called ‘free water’ placed within the emulsion system independently on liquid‐crystalline lamellar system (shown by polarization micrographs, Fig. ) , while after using the biodegradable mixed emulsifiers of alkyl polyglucoside type, water is bound intralamellarly within the structures of liquid crystals . Certainly, stable and unchanged values of pH and electrical conductivity hold at almost same level during the study period might be one of the indicators of samples physico‐chemical stability.…”

“…Cosmetic products containing bioactive substances (fruit acids‐FAs and polyphenolic compounds‐PFCs) after application on the skin might prevent, reduce and/or eliminate the adverse consequences of oxidative stress‐OS (wrinkles, hyperpigmentation), might effectively moisturize dry and irritated skin and improve skin functions and structure, as well as aesthetic appeal . In addition, favourable safety profile of these bioactive substances from plant extracts is in line with the current needs and expectations of modern consumers/users .…”

Investigation of the Effects of Different Emollients on the Structure and Skin Moisturizing Potential of the Cosmetic Creams

“…The highest skin moisture level was achieved 30 minutes after administration of the creams and those values were greater than after the application of the cream K1, and significantly lower than after application of the cream K2. It was reported that olive oil has a positive influence on the moisture of the skin, which was shown on healthy as well as sodium lauryl sulfas irritated skin (21). Statistically significant differences in the values of EC 300 minutes after the application of cream K3 were registered compared to the baseline values (p<0,05) ( Figure 3), indicating its excellent occlusive effect.…”

Uliginosin B, a natural phloroglucinol derivative, presents a multimediated antinociceptive effect in mice

“…The Hypericum genus is used in folk medicine to treat several diseases, including depression and painful conditions. H. perforatum , a native European species, is topically used for treating wounds, bruises, ulcers, cuts, burns and haemorrhoids [5,6]. Standardized extracts of H. perforatum (St John's wort) have clinical efficacy for treating depression [7,8].…”