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Projeto de investigação
Inside and Beyond the Colour: a green approach for the topical treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis
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Production of an extract rich in alpha-tomatine from green tomatoes by subcritical water
Publication . Faria-Silva, Catarina; Pedras, Bruno; Costa, Nuno; Carvalheiro, Manuela; Simões, Sandra; Simões, Pedro; DQ - Departamento de Química; LAQV@REQUIMTE; Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT); Royal Society
Green tomatoes, a by-product of agro-food industry, are rich in the glycoalkaloid alpha-tomatine. This compound presents health benefits including anti-inflammatory and fungicide properties. Subcritical water extraction (SWE), a green and sustainable process, was used to obtain a tomatine-rich extract from fresh or frozen tomatoes. SWE extracted ca 200 mg tomatine/100 g tomato, an amount higher than conventional methods, at a temperature of 190°C and a residence time of 15 min. Green tomatoes' SWE extracts were characterized in terms of their composition and antioxidant activity. The phenolic content obtained was approximately 200 mg of gallic acid equivalents/100 g tomatoes, and the saponin content was 1000 mg of tomatine equivalents/100 g tomatoes. Total carbohydrate content was different between fresh and frozen tomatoes, 1812 mg of D(+)- glucose equivalents/100 g tomatoes versus 1269 mg/100 g, respectively. In terms of antioxidant activity, a value around 100 mg of Trolox equivalents/100 g of tomatoes was obtained in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, whereas a value of 558 mg of Trolox equivalents/100 mg fresh tomatoes versus 452 mg of Trolox equivalents/100 g frozen tomatoes was obtained by cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity assay. SWE extraction proved to be a valuable method to extract glycoalkaloids from green tomatoes. The obtained extracts have the potential to be used as ingredients and actives in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Topical foams containing natural saponins
Publication . Faria-Silva, Catarina; Scavone, Denise; Marto, Joana; Carvalheiro, Manuela; Simões, Sandra; LAQV@REQUIMTE; Editions de Sante
The cosmetic and pharmaceutical markets are witnessing a rising number of topical foam products, particularly for cosmetic applications, alongside a significant increase in foam-related patents in recent years. What makes topical foams attractive is their superior application experience and aesthetics properties. While foam formation in products like shampoos or bath foams is largely a cosmetic feature, medicated topical foams represent an innovative drug delivery system for managing skin diseases or disorders. This review highlights the advantages of using topical foams over other topical dosage forms, as well as the ingredients used in their formulation. It also explores the growing trend of using more eco-friendly surfactants, particularly the use of saponins as surfactant. A major advantage of natural surfactants is that they are derived from naturally occurring materials, making them both economical and sustainable. Additionally, their biodegradability distinguishes them from synthetic surfactants, which are often non-biodegradable. The role of surfactants in improving drug permeation through the skin has been extensively studied, demonstrating their effectiveness as chemical penetration enhancers in dermal and transdermal drug delivery. This work examines the surface-active characteristics that determine their potential as pharmaceutical and personal care surfactants. The future perspectives for topical foams containing natural surfactants in the development of more sustainable and effective skincare products are also presented.
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Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
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2022.11984.BD