Wound healing and antimicrobial activities of cosmeceuticals containing natural products and their nananoparticles: A translational approach

Abstract

Extracts, infusions, or other types of preparations from medicinal plants have been used for the treatment of various diseases, in what is commonly designated as "folk medicine". In recent years, science has prove that some plant extracts, fractions or specific compounds may have an important role as drug sources with relevant properties. Over the last years the incorporation of natural products, particularly plant based products, in cosmeceuticals has also increased. In this work, particular emphasis will be given to antimicrobial and wound healing properties of specific plants/compounds incorporated in some cosmeceuticals. New approaches, including nanotechnology, will be addressed. Based on specific plant extracts and oils it was possible to develop some particular cosmeceuticals used clinicaly. These formulations were applied into adult volunteers (more then 150) with skin disorders, namely skin burns, recalcitrant wounds, and psoriasis. The synergy of the properties of the plant extracts and oils, in specific treatment situations, resulted in very positive results. In all cases, after repeated applications, notorious improvements or complete treatment were observed, without side effects. The action of the formulations revealed to be associated to a high degree of skin hydration, cellular skin regeneration, and antimicrobial activity. The results demonstrated, at least, a similar effectiveness when comparing to the conventional treatments.