In recent years, halal cosmetics have attracted considerable attention worldwide. We developed a realtime PCR assay based on the mitochondrial gene ndh5 for rapid detection of porcine ingredients in halal cosmetic products. We also compared several DNA extraction methods for the most efficient approach in different types of cosmetics. Porcine template DNA was spiked into three types of cosmetics (liquid-type and powder-type mask packs, and cream) and extracted with five commercial DNA extraction kits and the CTAB method. The extraction efficiency of each method was evaluated by determining the detection limits of real-time PCR assay. The lowest detection limit of real-time PCR for each cosmetic product was as follows: 2.28 9 10 0 copies for liquid-type mask pack when the Power Prep TM DNA extraction kit and TIANamp Genomic DNA kit were used, 2.28 9 10 1 copies for powder-type mask pack when QIAamp DNA stool mini kit and the Power Prep TM DNA extraction kit were used, and 2.28 9 10 0 copies for cream when the Power Prep TM DNA extraction kit was used. The pig-specific real-time PCR assay facilitated the detection of trace amounts of the template DNA in cosmetics, and an appropriate DNA extraction method was used depending on the type of cosmetics.

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Esculetin 6-O-β-D-arabinofuranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (EAG) is a coumarin glycoside isolated from the stem bark of Fraxinus rhynchophylla. This study scrutinized the anti-proliferative activity of EAG on blood cancer-derived Jurkat leukemic cells. Cell viability assays in leukemic cancer cells determined that EAG possesses potent anti-proliferative effects. Moreover, treatment with EAG increased the proportion of apoptotic cells, resulted in cell cycle arrest being induced at the subG0/ G1 phase, and reduced the proportion of cells present in the S phase. In addition, mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced by EAG in Jurkat cells. Additionally, EAG triggered apoptosis that was mediated by the downregulation of BCL-XL, p-IκBα, and p-p65 expressions in addition to the upregulation of cleaved Caspase 3 and BAX expressions. These findings revealed that the toxic effect of EAG was mediated by intracellular signal transduction pathways that involved a mechanism in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) were upregulated. Thus, this study concludes that EAG could potentially serve as a therapeutic agent for leukemia.

Surface modification of inorganic nanoparticles is critical for the quality and performance of pigments, cosmetics, and composite materials. We covered the titanium dioxide nanoparticles’ surface with 2-(acetoacetoxy) ethyl methacrylate, a polymerizable chelating agent. Through the in situ polymerization procedure, this molecule’s β-ketoester moiety quickly coordinated with the metal atoms on titanium dioxide nanoparticles, and its methacrylate group formed homogeneous coating layers. This coating layer significantly reduced the photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and prevented their aggregation. This nanoparticle dispersion showed low viscosity up to the solid content of 60% (w/w) in the liquid dispersant. As a result, it increased the UV screening performance and dispersion stability. Additionally, this coating layer widened the absorption spectrum of titanium dioxide and could change the color of nanoparticles from pale yellow to brown. It can also be helpful for cosmetic applications.

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