Roxana Colette Sandulovici

Oleogels have emerged as promising anhydrous semisolid systems for dermato-cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications owing to their improved physicochemical stability, enhanced occlusive properties, reduced dependence on preservatives, and ability to incorporate and deliver both lipophilic and dispersed hydrophilic bioactive compounds. The present study aimed to develop and comprehensively characterize a multifunctional lipid-based oleogel incorporating a Matricaria chamomilla hydroglyceric extract together with sea buckthorn oil and sweet almond oil as natural sources of antioxidant and skin-protective phytoconstituents for potential topical applications. The formulation was prepared by the melt method and comprehensively characterized for its physicochemical, functional, and biological properties. The chamomile extract exhibited a high phenolic content and pronounced antioxidant activity, while HPLC-DAD analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic phenolic acids and flavonoids. The developed oleogel showed good physicochemical stability under accelerated storage conditions, appropriate pH for topical application, favorable spreadability, pseudoplastic flow behavior with a Casson yield stress of 0.19 Pa, and a homogeneous microstructure with a mean droplet size of 5.4 ± 1.1 μm. The formulation also demonstrated pronounced occlusive properties (67.9 ± 0.3% and 56.4 ± 0.2% after 24 and 48 h, respectively), preserved the antioxidant activity of the incorporated phytoconstituents, and provided controlled biphasic release of phenolic compounds, reaching 64.9 ± 5.9% after 24 h in Franz diffusion studies. Furthermore, no cytotoxic effects were observed on HaCaT keratinocytes, confirming the good in vitro biocompatibility of the formulation. Overall, the developed oleogel successfully combined physicochemical stability, preserved antioxidant functionality, controlled phenolic release, pronounced occlusive properties, and biocompatibility, highlighting the potential of anhydrous oleogel systems as multifunctional topical delivery platforms for plant-derived bioactive compounds.

Multifunctional dressings capable of maintaining a moist environment, supporting tissue regeneration, and delivering bioactive compounds are increasingly being explored as promising strategies for burn wound management. In this study, alginate-based emulgel patches incorporating hydrophilic and lipophilic plant extracts were developed by extrusion-based 3D printing as potential topical systems for burn wound applications. The formulation included sodium alginate, hyaluronic acid, and hydroglyceric extracts of Calendula officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, and Plantago major, as well as oily extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides and Hypericum perforatum. The emulgel was evaluated for pH, rheological behaviour, spreadability, physical stability, apparent hydrodynamic size distribution, zeta potential, total polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity. Following Ca²⁺-induced crosslinking, uniform and flexible 3D-printed patches were obtained and further characterised for pharmacotechnical, physicochemical, structural, functional, and biological properties. The emulgel exhibited suitable characteristics for extrusion-based printing, while the resulting patches showed good dimensional uniformity, flexibility, swelling capacity, water vapour transmission, and surface pH compatible with topical application. FTIR, DLS, SEM, and SEM–EDX analyses supported the formation of a Ca²⁺-crosslinked alginate network and confirmed the presence of structurally heterogeneous domains with homogeneous calcium distribution. The patches retained plant-derived bioactive compounds, with a total polyphenol content of 0.2878 ± 0.016 mg GAE/g hydrated patch, and showed improved antioxidant activity compared with the corresponding emulgel. In vitro release studies indicated the time-dependent diffusion of polyphenols over 24 h, with cumulative release reaching 64.42%. The patches also exhibited a water vapour transmission rate of 1270 ± 93 g/m²/24 h, indicating adequate moisture regulation. HaCaT cell viability remained above 90% at lower tested concentrations, demonstrating a favourable biocompatibility profile. Overall, the developed 3D-printed alginate emulgel patches represent promising multifunctional systems for potential burn wound management and warrant further preclinical investigation.

The incorporation of plant-derived oils into cosmetic formulations has attracted increasing interest due to their natural origin, skin compatibility, and multifunctional formulation roles. Argan and castor oils are widely used in cosmetic products as emollient lipid components with intrinsic antioxidant properties. However, limited studies have systematically evaluated the physicochemical stability and antioxidant performance of emulsions combining these two oils. The aim of this study was to develop and comprehensively characterize a stable oil-in-water (O/W) cosmetic emulsion based on argan and castor oils using a natural non-ionic emulsifier (C14–22 Alcohol (and) C12–20 Alkyl Glucoside). Particular emphasis was placed on formulation stability, as it represents a critical prerequisite for further product evaluation. Stability was investigated through thermal stress testing (4–37 °C), centrifugation assays, droplet size analysis, and zeta potential measurements. Complementary physicochemical and structural characterization was performed using rheological analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The formulated emulsion exhibited good physical stability with no phase separation under the tested conditions, a skin-compatible pH, a uniform droplet size distribution (4.15 ± 0.68 µm), and pseudoplastic, moderately thixotropic rheological behavior. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, yielding an IC₅₀ value of 19.21 ± 1.02 mg/mL. Overall, this study provides a formulation-oriented framework for the development and evaluation of stable natural oil-based O/W emulsions intended for cosmetic applications, supporting future optimization and biological validation.

This study provides a comparative chemical and antioxidant characterization of two Arabica coffee varieties, one originating from the Dominican Republic and one processed as a multicomponent blend in Romania. Qualitative analyses confirmed the presence of alkaloids and caffeine in all samples. Spectrophotometric determinations revealed that hot-water infusions exhibited higher total polyphenol and flavonoid contents compared to cold-brew extracts. Heavy-metal analysis indicated low levels of cadmium and lead, demonstrating satisfactory sanitary quality. Antioxidant evaluation showed strong radical-scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (88.11–88.98%) with minimal variation between extraction methods. In contrast, the FRAP assay highlighted significant differences influenced by both geographical origin and extraction technique, with reducing capacities ranging from 868 to 1062 μmol Fe²⁺/g. These findings underline the substantial antioxidant potential of Arabica coffee and emphasize the combined role of origin-dependent phytochemical variability and extraction parameters in determining its functional properties.

Matricaria chamomilla and Tripleurospermum inodorum (syn. Matricaria inodora) are two closely related species in the Asteraceae family that are often mistaken for one another due to their similar appearance. However, they differ significantly in their chemical composition and biological activities. This study offers comparative characterisation through microscopy, phytochemical profiling, and biological assays. Microscopic observations revealed distinct morphological differences in the structure of the receptacle and the size of the pollen grains between the two species. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were quantified using spectrophotometry, while essential oils were extracted through hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). M. chamomilla was found to have a higher phenol content (20.48 mg GAE/g DW), whereas T. inodorum showed a greater flavonoid concentration (15.93 mg RE/g DW). The essential oils from each species displayed different chemical composition: M. chamomilla was dominated by bisabolol oxides and chamazulene, while T. inodorum primarily contained β-farnesene and cis-lachnophyllum ester. The antioxidant activity of both species was evaluated using the DPPH assay and found to be moderate compared to standard antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ < 5 µg/mL). The IC₅₀ values for M. chamomilla ranged from 17.7 to 21.5 µg/mL, while for T. inodorum, they ranged from 8.4 to 10.2 µg/mL. In antimicrobial tests, the essential oil of T. inodorum inhibited both Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, while M. chamomilla was only active against C. albicans. These findings highlight important morphological and chemical markers that differentiate the two species and affirm T. inodorum as a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Matricaria chamomilla and Tripleurospermum inodorum are closely related Asteraceae plants that share morphology but differ in chemistry and bioactivity. This study investigated both species using an integrative approach combining microscopy, phytochemical profiling, and biological evaluations. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified spectropho-tometrically, and essential oils analyzed by hydrodistillation–GC–MS. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay, and antimicrobial effects assessed. Microscopy confirmed diagnostic differences. M. chamomilla contained more polyphenols (20.48 vs. 17.88 mg GAE/g DW), whereas T. inodorum showed higher flavonoid levels (15.93 vs. 13.87 mg RE/g DW). Their oils exhibited distinct chemotypes: in M. chamomilla, oxygenated ses-quiterpenes predominated (76.8%), mainly bisabolol oxide A (39.5%), bisabolol oxide B (18.7%), bisabolone oxide A (12.7%), β-farnesene (8.0%), trans-lachnophyllum ester (6.2%), and chamazulene (4.2%); in T. inodorum, the oil was dominated by β-farnesene (11.6%) and cis-lachnophyllum ester (11.6%), with a late signal tentatively assigned to 1,3-naphthalenediol. Antioxidant activity was moderate (IC₅₀ 17.7–21.5 µg/mL for M. chamomilla; 8.4–10.2 µg/mL for T. inodorum). Antimicrobial tests showed T. inodorum active against S. aureus and C. albicans, while M. chamomilla was effective only against C. albicans. These results underline chemical markers differentiating the taxa and support T. inodorum as a complementary source of bioactive compounds.

This study investigates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood) extracts, along with their role in the green synthesis of gold (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Bioreduction was achieved using aqueous and ethanolic extracts (100 mg/mL), enabling solvent-dependent comparisons. Nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and zeta potential analysis. Each technique revealed complementary aspects of nanoparticle morphology, size, and stability, with UV–Vis indicating aggregation states and DLS confirming solvent-related size variation even at 3–5% ethanol. Gold nanoparticles synthesized from Dandelion showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while silver nanoparticles from both plants were effective against Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity assays indicated that silver nanoparticles obtained from ethanolic Dandelion extract containing 3% ethanol in aqueous solution (AgNPsE_ETOH3%-D) significantly reduced LoVo (p = 4.58 × 10⁻³) and MDA-MB-231 (p = 7.20 × 10⁻⁵) cell viability, with high selectivity indices (SI), suggesting low toxicity toward normal cells. Gold nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous Dandelion extract (AuNPsEaq-D) also showed favorable SI values (2.16 for LoVo and 8.41 for MDA-MB-231). Although some formulations demonstrated lower selectivity (SI < 1.5), the findings support the therapeutic potential of these biogenic nanoparticles. Further in vivo studies and pharmacokinetic evaluations are required to validate their clinical applicability.

This study investigates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua) extracts, along with the synergistic effects of green-synthesized gold and silver nanoparticles. Nanoparticle bioreduction was achieved using aqueous and ethanolic plant extracts (100 mg/mL), allowing a comparative solvent analysis. The physicochemical properties of the nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, SEM, DLS, HRTEM, and Zeta Potential Analysis. UV-Visible Spectroscopy provided insights into the optical properties and aggregation state, Fluorescence Spectroscopy helped detect surface modifications, SEM and HRTEM enabled detailed visualization of morphology and structural integrity, while DLS assessed hydrodynamic size and stability. However, each technique has limitations: UV-Visible Spectroscopy cannot provide exact nanoparticle size, SEM may introduce artifacts due to sample preparation, and DLS results can be influenced by particle aggregation. These techniques collectively revealed differences in size, morphology, stability, and biological interactions based on the solvent composition of the nanoparticles, with nanoparticle structure and activity varying significantly even at low ethanol concentrations (3–5%). Biological assays demonstrated that gold nanoparticles from Dandelion exhibited strong antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, while silver nanoparticles from both plants effectively targeted Escherichia coli. The antitumor potential of nanoparticles exhibited dependence on the plant source and solvent type, showing enhanced cytotoxicity at higher concentrations. Silver nanoparticles from Dandelion (AgNPsEETOH3%-D) displayed significant cytotoxicity against LoVo (colon, p = 4.58e-3) and MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer, p = 7.20e-5) cancer cells, with selectivity indices (SI) surpassing Cis-Pt and DOX at 24 and 48 hours. Gold nanoparticles from aqueous Dandelion extracts (AuNPsEaq-D) had an SI of 2.16 (LoVo, p = 1.82e-3) and 8.41 (MDA-MB-231, p = 1.01e-8), suggesting improved therapeutic selectivity. While some formulations exhibited moderate cytotoxicity and lower selectivity (SI < 1.5), MTT assays confirmed strong biological activity, reinforcing the potential of these nanoparticles in cancer therapy. Further in vivo studies, pharmacokinetic profiling, and combination therapies are needed to enhance selectivity and clinical applicability.

Romanian truffles, like all truffles, are highly sought after for their unique taste and nutritional value. The chemical composition of these valuable mushrooms is strongly influenced by the environment in which they grow. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out a physico-chemical analysis of macerates derived from the Romanian species Tuber magnatum, with the intention of exploring their potential applications in the pharmaceutical field. For this purpose, fresh truffles were collected and later used to obtain maceration using different solvents: deionized water (TA), ethanol 70% (TE70), 96% (TE96) and methanol (TM) to determine the optimal solvent for extraction. The macerates were analyzed by spectrophotometric methods to identify and quantify the main bioactive compounds (polyphenols - TPC and flavonoids - TFC) and 2 methods were used to evaluate their antioxidant properties: the free radical scavenging method (DPPH) and the iron reducing power ferric. antioxidant (FRAP analysis). TPC quantification by spectrophotometric method showed a maximum value for the TA sample (1354.34 mg GAE/100 g d.w.), and TFC for the methanolic extract TM where a value of 198.20 mg RE/100 g d.w. was obtained. The DPPH assay revealed the highest antioxidant activity in the aqueous macerate of Tuber magnatum (490.32 mg GAE/100g d.w.), followed by extracts with 70% ethanol, methanol, and 96% ethanol. In FRAP spectrophotometry analysis, TA macerate exhibited the most significant ferric reducing capacity, measuring at 4.17 µM Fe²⁺/g d.w. The results from the metal analysis using GF-AAS and FAAS spectrophotometric methods revealed that Pb and Ni were below the detection limit, while Cd levels complied with current regulatory standards. Additionally, beneficial concentrations of Ca, K and Na were detected, indicating positive health and skin benefits.

Background/Objectives: Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Despite significant advancements in treatment strategies and drug development, survival rates remain low and the adverse effects of conventional therapies severely impact patients’ quality of life. This study evaluates the therapeutic potential of plant-derived extracts in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment, with a focus on minimizing side effects while enhancing efficacy. Methods: This research investigates the in vitro synergistic effect of silver bio-nanoparticles synthesized from Clematis vitalba, Melissa officinalis, and Taraxacum officinale extracts (Clematis vitalbae extractum—CVE, Melissae extractum—ME, Taraxaci extractum—TE) in combination with liver cancer drugs, sunitinib (SNTB) and imatinib (IMTB), on HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and HUVEC (human umbilical vein endothelial) cell lines. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antitumor effects were evaluated through cell viability assays after 24 and 48 h of exposure, with additional cytotoxicity tests on HUVEC cells. Results: Results indicated that Melissa officinalis-derived silver nanoparticles (ME AgNPs) and Clematis vitalba extract with silver nanoparticles (CVE AgNPs) significantly reduced HepG2 cell viability. Their efficacy improved when combined with conventional therapies (SNTB + ME AgNPs 1:1 vs. SNTB: 20.01% vs. 25.73%, p = 0.002; IMTB + ME AgNPs 1:1 vs. IMTB: 17.80% vs. 18.08%, p = 0.036; SNTB + CVE AgNPs 1:1 vs. SNTB: 18.73% vs. 25.73%, p = 0.000; SNTB + CVE AgNPs 1:2 vs. SNTB: 26.62% vs. 41.00%, p = 0.018; IMTB + CVE AgNPs 1:1 vs. IMTB: 12.99% vs. 18.08%, p = 0.001). Taraxacum extract exhibited similar cytotoxicity to its nanoparticle formulation but did not exceed the efficacy of the extract alone at 24 h. Selectivity index assessments confirmed that AgNPs-based formulations significantly improve cytotoxicity and selectivity to HepG2 cells. Among the tested extracts, CVE demonstrated the strongest antitumor effect, enhancing the efficacy of synthetic drugs (CI < 1). SNTB + TE AgNPs (5% EtOH) also demonstrated consistent synergy at high doses, while SNTB + CVE AgNPs provided broad-range synergy, making it suitable for dose-escalation strategies. Conclusions: These findings underscore the potential of nanoparticle-based formulations in combination therapies with targeted kinase inhibitors such as sunitinib and imatinib. Future research should focus on in vivo validation and clinical trials to confirm these findings.