The main aim of this study was to investigate a mixture of two poorly water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs): an angiotensin II receptor antagonist (valsartan) and a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine besylate), chosen in a fixed-dose, in order to obtain new polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for cardiovascular diseases treatment. NPs were prepared via nanoprecipitation method using poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as matrix and Pluronic F127 as stabilizer. Three formulations were investigated with different ratios of AML:VAL:PLGA (1:16:5, 1:16:7.5 and 1:16:10). Particle size, polydispersity index and zeta-potential analyses were performed to characterize and optimize the formulation. The in vitro drug release study was determined by using a dialysis membrane method under sink conditions. All NPs loaded with both APIs showed nano-size, negative potential, a high homogeneity and a slow drugs release in physiological environment.

The main aim of this study was to prepare and characterize polymeric nanoparticles containing two cardiovascular active pharmaceutical ingredients: valsartan (VAL) and amlodipine besylate (AML). Six formulations were evaluated with different ratios of AML:VAL:PLGA (1:16:17, 1:16:34, and 1:16:51) and different stirring speed (1200 and 2400 rpm). Encapsulation efficiency (EE, %) and particle size analyses were performed to characterize and optimize the formulation. All loaded nanoparticles showed a high EE (%), nano-size, negative x-potential and a high homogeneity.

The aim of this study was to develop a delivery system for polyphenols from an extract of Echinacea purpurea leaves, based on liposomes. Liposomes loaded with Echinacea purpurea were prepared and characterized in terms of entrapment efficiency, size, polydispersity index, stability and release behavior. Results showed good entrapment efficiency, small sizes, low polydispersity index and good stability over 90 days at 4oC. Also, the liposomal formulations presented reduced burst release and slow release of polyphenols compared with free extract. Therefore, liposomes offer a great potential in the development of drug delivery systems for polyphenols.

Polyphenols are plant secondary metabolites. They are important active principles from medicinal plants and food supplement that contain medicinal plants. Experimental data indicate that polyphenols exhibit biological functions, as protection against oxidative stress and degenerative diseases. For identification of polyphenolic compounds in plants high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) is one of the simple and accurate method, which provide important information regarding chemical composition. The chromatographic polyphenolic fingerprint of the four species analysed (Allium sativum -garlic-green leaves, Allium ursinum -wild garlic -green leaves, Malus pumila -apple tree -leaves, Pyrus communis -pear tree -leaves) revealed the present of flavonoid glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acids compounds. Because for all the four species for nutritional and therapeutic purpose are used other part of them (garlic and wild garlic-bulbs and apple and pear-fruits) the results obtained can be a first step for superior valorification of hole plant.

The health benefits of coffee consumption are a very actual research subject, given the fact that is one of the most popular beverages in the world. The majority of the studies are concentrated to coffee beans (green or roasted) chemical composition (the most important non-volatile compounds investigated being phenols and alkaloids) and pharmacological activity. Green coffee is now in the market in the form of food supplements products. In the present, the chemical composition and bioactivity of the leaves occupy a small place in scientific papers. This research paper investigate, in terms of caffeine, phenolic compounds composition and antioxidant activities, the differences and similarities between hydroalcoholic extracts of Coffea arabica leaves and green and roasted beans. The extracts profiles, determined by HPTLC technique, shows the major phenolic compounds. Through chromatographic fingerprint, the presence and the amount of caffeine in the extracts were also determined. The total phenolic content (TPC) (Folin Ciocalteu method) expressed as gallic acid equivalents decrease from the leaves to green and roasted coffee beans extracts. The IC50 (concentration of sample required to inhibit 50% of the DPPH free radical) was determined by free radical scavenging activity of Dpph. The IC50 values were TPC concentration-dependent. The obtained results show that in the hydroalcoholic extracts of the leaves are almost the same major phenolic compounds as in the green coffee beans extract. Also, the leaves extract have a higher content in total phenols and a better antioxidant activity comparative to the other samples. Therefore, this paper can be the first step for further investigations of coffee leaves extracts, which might have important health beneficial effects and can be a reliable raw material for food supplements industry.