Majdi Hammami

The cosmetic and personal care industry is increasingly shifting toward plant-derived ingredients that combine multifunctional biological activity with favorable safety and sustainability profiles. Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (fenugreek), a leguminous plant traditionally used in food and medicine, has recently attracted growing attention as a potential cosmetic and cosmeceutical ingredient. This review provides a comprehensive and critical synthesis of current knowledge on fenugreek in the context of skin and hair care applications. First, the phytochemical profile of fenugreek relevant to cosmetics is examined, with emphasis on polyphenols and flavonoids, steroidal saponins, alkaloids (notably trigonelline), and mucilage-rich galactomannans. The biological activities of these constituents are then discussed in relation to key cutaneous and scalp mechanisms, including antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, anti-glycation and dermal matrix protection, skin hydration and barrier support, as well as hair growth promotion and scalp health. Particular attention is given to recent in vitro, ex vivo, and emerging clinical evidence supporting anti-aging, moisturizing, and hair-care claims. Current formulation strategies and green extraction technologies enabling the incorporation of fenugreek-derived ingredients into topical products are reviewed, alongside considerations of safety, toxicity, and regulatory status under EU cosmetic legislation. Finally, existing research gaps are identified, highlighting the need for standardized extracts, robust clinical validation, and advanced omics-based approaches. This review highlights fenugreek’s strong potential as a versatile plant-based ingredient in cosmetics, despite remaining understudied in topical applications.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), is renowned for its bioactive compounds, offering significant potential in cosmetic applications due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This study presents a sustainably sourced cosmetic ingredient developed by enriching pomegranate seed oil with peel powder using optimized ultrasonication, followed by encapsulation in alginate nanobeads and integration into a minimalist hydrogel formulation. A Box–Behnken experimental design was employed to optimize ultrasonication parameters (15 min, 90% power, 202 mg/mL powder-to-oil ratio), yielding an enriched PSO with significantly enhanced total phenolic content (TPC: 69.23 ± 1.66 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (TFC: 61.09 ± 1.66 mg QE/g), and robust DPPH antioxidant activity (78.63 ± 3.81%). The enriched oil exhibited enhanced oxidative stability (peroxide value: 5.75 ± 0.30 meq O₂/kg vs. 50.95 ± 0.07 meq O₂/kg for neutral oil), improved fatty acid profile, and significant anti-inflammatory (IC₅₀ = 897.25 µg/mL for NO inhibition) and antibacterial activities. Alginate nanobeads (432.46 ± 12.59 nm, zeta potential: −30.74 ± 3.20 mV) ensured bioactivity preservation, while the hydrogel maintained physicochemical and microbial stability over 60 days under accelerated conditions (40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5% RH). This multifunctional formulation, integrating sustainable extraction, advanced encapsulation, and a minimalist delivery system, represents a highly promising natural ingredient for anti-aging and antioxidant cosmetic applications.

Nanotechnology has revolutionized dermocosmetic innovation by improving the stability, bioavailability, and efficacy of active ingredients. In this study, we developed and optimized a novel xanthan gum-based hydrogel containing quercetin-loaded chitosan lactate nanoparticles for antioxidant and antimicrobial skincare applications. Chitosan was converted to its lactate form to enhance water solubility and enable nanoparticle formation at physiological pH via ionic gelation with citric acid. The formulation was optimized using Box–Behnken response surface methodology to achieve minimal particle size and maximal zeta potential. The final gel was structured with xanthan gum as the gelling polymer, into which the optimized nanoparticles were incorporated to create a stable and bioactive hydrogel system. Encapsulation efficiency was measured separately to assess the effectiveness of drug loading. The optimized nanoparticles exhibited a mean diameter of 422.02 nm, a zeta potential of +29.49 mV, and a high quercetin encapsulation efficiency (76.9%), corresponding to the proportion of quercetin retained in the nanoparticle matrix relative to the total amount initially used in the formulation. Antioxidant assays (TAC, DPPH, and reducing power) confirmed superior radical-scavenging activity of the nanoformulation compared to the base hydrogel. Antibacterial tests showed strong inhibition against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC values comparable to streptomycin. Accelerated stability studies demonstrated excellent physicochemical and microbiological stability over 60 days. This natural, bioactive, and eco-friendly formulation represents a promising platform for next-generation cosmeceuticals targeting oxidative stress and skin-related pathogens.

Bioavailability prediction remains a significant challenge in early-stage drug development, where conventional experimental approaches are time-consuming and resource-intensive. This study explores the application of machine learning techniques to enhance the efficiency of bioavailability prediction. By leveraging computational workflows within the KNIME Analytics Platform, we aim to automate bioavailability assessment and reduce dependence on costly in vitro and in vivo studies.A dataset comprising 475 drug-like compounds characterized by key molecular descriptors was analyzed using multiple machine learning models, including Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Decision Trees, k-Nearest Neighbors, and neural networks. Model performance was assessed through 5-fold cross-validation, with ensemble models outperforming linear and neural network-based approaches. Random Forestdemonstrated the highest predictive performance (R² = 0.87, RMSE = 0.08). Feature importance analysis identified topological polar surface area and solubility as the most influential factors in bioavailability prediction.The findings underscore the potential of integrating open-source tools and machine learning methodologies in pharmaceutical research, improving workflow efficiency while adhering to FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data principles. This approach facilitates rapid and cost-effective bioavailability assessment, supporting AI-driven predictive modeling and digital health applications in drug development.

Olive fermentation is renowned for its ability to enhance the olives nutritional value. In this study, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay among various brine formulations. Our findings underscore significant variations in critical parameters. Total phenolic content in the five brine solutions spans a wide spectrum, with values ranging from 2.80 mg equivalent gallic acid (EGA) mL⁻¹ (Chétoui olive/fennel/lemon) to 6.72 mg EGA mL⁻¹ (Meski olive/chili/fennel). Moreover, the antioxidant activities exhibit pronounced distinctions. In brine samples, the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition ranges from 35.15% (Chétoui olive/lemon) to 57.09% (Meski olive/chili/fennel), whereas in olives, we witness the highest DPPH inhibition at a striking 62.95% (Meski olive/lemon). The flavor profile is dominated by the presence of ethanol and acetic acid, complemented by intriguing notes of d‐limonene and trans‐anethole. Remarkably, the “Meski olive/chili/fennel” formulation exhibits notable antibacterial activity, featuring the highest inhibitory effect with a remarkable inhibition zone against Listeria innocua. The microbial analysis reinforces the presence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast species, with a commendable control over potential pathogens. The presence of LAB may indicate a probiotic potential of the fermented olives and their brines. This comprehensive study provides profound insights into the intricate factors that define the quality and safety of fermented olives, shedding light on the fascinating world of olive fermentation.Practical Applications: The findings of our research hold significant practical implications for various sectors. In the food industry, the optimized brine formulations and fermentation techniques identified in our study can be directly applied to enhance the nutritional value, flavor, and shelf‐life of fermented olives. Specifically, the formulation highlighted for its notable antibacterial activity against Listeria innocua holds promise for developing natural preservatives in food products. Additionally, our insights into the microbial dynamics provide valuable guidance for improving food safety measures during olive fermentation processes. Furthermore, the characterization of olive brine as a potential source of phenolic compounds underscores its potential application in functional food and nutraceutical industries. Overall, our research contributes to the advancement of olive processing techniques and the development of healthier, safer, and more flavorful food products. Our study investigates the impact of different brine formulations on the profile of fermented olives, revealing significant variations in phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and antibacterial effects. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing olive fermentation processes and developing natural preservatives in food products.