Current developments in the nanomediated delivery of photoprotective phytochemicals

Abstract

Natural products have been used to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation for decades. Due to the ecotoxicological implications of synthetic sunscreen exposure in aquatic ecosystems, there is a greater need to explore alternative sources of UV filters. Recent research has focused on discovering novel UV absorbing photoprotective molecules from nature. In response to the excessive damage caused by UVB rays, plants induce the production of high concentrations of phytoprotective secondary metabolites and anti-oxidative enzymes. Despite promising UV absorbing and photoprotective properties, plant secondary metabolites have been underutilized in topical delivery due to low solubility and high instability. Numerous phytochemicals have been effectively nanosized, incorporated in formulations, and studied for their sustained effects in photoprotection. The present review outlines recent developments in nanosizing and delivering photoprotective crude plant extract and phytochemicals from a phytochemical perspective. We searched for articles using keywords: "UV damage," "skin photoprotection," "photodamage," and "nano delivery" in varied combinations. We identified and reviewed literature from 43 original research articles exploring nanosized phytochemicals and crude plant extracts with photoprotective activity. Nanosized phytochemicals retained higher amounts of bioactive compounds in the skin and acted as depots for their sustained release. Novel approaches in nanosizing considerably improved the photostability, efficacy, and water resistance of plant secondary metabolites. We further discuss the need for broad-spectrum sunscreen products, potential challenges, and future growth in this area.

Effect of Light Conditions, Trichoderma Fungi and Food Polymers on Growth and Profile of Biologically Active Compounds in Thymus vulgaris and Thymus serpyllum

“…Moreover, qualitative and quantitative changes in the profile of polyphenolic compounds are also observed [49][50][51]. Excess light and UV radiation are important factors that enhance the production of plant flavonoids belonging to a class of secondary metabolites with multiple functions, including pigmentation, photoprotection, and oxidative protection [41,52]. In addition to their typical antioxidant properties, flavonoids that bind to membrane proteins and phospholipids can, for example, stabilise their structure by reducing their fluidity, which in turn hinders the diffusion of free radicals and limits the peroxidation of membrane lipids [53].…”

Would be Rutin a Feasible Strategy for Environmental-Friendly Photoprotective Samples? A Review from Stability to Skin Permeability and Efficacy in Sunscreen Systems

“…Considering the limited solubility of rutin in topical formulations and the possibility of negative interaction of bioactive compounds with organic filters, the encapsulation of rutin can be an interesting alternative to improve its benefits in photoprotective formulations, such as enhancing the photostability and safety of sunscreens. Also, by using rutin, the amount of chemical filters could be reduced in the formulation, which is an important approach to prevent adverse effects, toxicity, and also ecological impact [30,61,[96][97][98][99][100].…”

Chemopreventive Potential of Dietary Nanonutraceuticals for Prostate Cancer: An Extensive Review

“…Drug treatment associated with PC depends on the severity of the disease, especially the two types of methods have been considered for PC treatment. In the first case, early detection and pharmacotherapy are recommended and other forms of pharmacotherapy after surgical removal or radiation treatment has been recommended ( 142 ). Conventional treatment with the use of drug cells and nanotherapy may not work as the body tissue of the tumor patients and drug resistance varies greatly while simultaneously increasing the dose leads to systemic drug accumulation and toxicity.…”