<i>In Vitro</i>and <i>in Vivo</i>Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Biotechnologically Modified Borage Seed Extract: Evidence for Lipid Pro-Resolving Mediators’ Implication in the Enhancement of Psoriatic and Atopic Dermatitis Lesions

Aim: Resolvins, maresins and lipoxins are lipid mediators issued from essential polyunsaturated fatty acids which are the first anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving signals identified during the resolution phase of inflammation. As borage oil and/or borage seed extracts have shown beneficial action in treatment of atopic dermatitis or eczema in human and canine, we have modified a borage oil component by using biotechnology in order to get a compound structurally related to a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and we have studied its ability to reduce inflammation mediators production through the generation of resolvins, maresins and/or lipoxins. Additionally, we have demonstrated the potent anti-inflammatory effect of this new compound which consists in borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides, through an in vivo study concerning subjects suffering from psoriasis or atopic dermatitis. Study Design/Methods: For the in vitro study, inflammation was induced in co-cultures of human dendritic cells and normal keratinocytes by the addition of PMA and the calcium ionophore A23187. Ability of our borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides to increase resolvin D2, maresin 1 and lipoxins A4 and B4 synthesis was then measured. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8) and PGE2 productions were also quantified. For the in vivo study, 36 subjects suffering from psoriasis or atopic dermatitis have used twice a day during 30 days, a formulation containing borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides. Before the beginning of the study and after 30 days’ treatment, the severity of psoriasis and of atopic dermatitis was evaluated by using the PGA and the SCORAD scoring scales, respectively. Results: Borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides were able to significantly increase the resolvin D2, maresin 1 and lipoxins A4 and B4 synthesis. Concomitantly, they were also able to significantly inhibit the production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and PGE2 induced by the PMA and the calcium ionophore A23187 in the in vitro co-culture model used. Introduced in formulation, borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides significantly reduced the clinical manifestations of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Conclusion: Our in vitro and in vivo study clearly showed the anti-inflammatory activity of borage seed oil aminopropanediol amides and emphasized the putative role of pro-resolving lipid mediators in the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or other inflammation-induced skin diseases.

Phytochemical profiling and biological activity of Plectranthus amboinicus(Lour.) mediated by various solvent extracts against Aedes aegypti larvae and toxicity evaluation

Objective:To analyze the phytochemical compounds and to investigate the bio-toxic efficacy of various solvent extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus against mosquito larvae activity and lethality on non-targeting organisms.Methods:The methanol,ethyl acetate,hexane,and aqueous extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus were subjected to analyze the mosquitocidal activity against the dengue vector,Aedes aegypti and toxicity assays on zebra fish and brine shrimp.Three replications were performed,and negative control was also maintained.Amongst,ethyl acetate extract of Plectranthus amboinicus was chosen for the determination of bio-active compounds.Results:The mosquitocidal assays of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus showed the maximal activity with minimal concentration against the 4 th instar mosquito-larvae of Aedes aegypti through the following lethal concentration(LC50 and LC90)values:53.36&92.51μg/m L and 13.64&86.09μg/mL,respectively.In addition,the plant extracts showed no toxicity on zebra fish embryo and brine shrimp assays.The gas-chromatography analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of Plectranthus amboinicus revealed the presence of seven different compounds.Among them,PAEA-fraction 60 contained a major active bioactive compound,hexadecanoic acid,methyl ester(270.0).Conclusions:Plectranthus amboinicus possesses mosquitocidal properties and could be used as a potential alternative source for preparing the mosquitocidal agents.

Clinical Assessment of Treatment Outcomes Following Borago officinalis Extract Therapy in Patients Presenting with Cyclical Mastalgia

In order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Borago officinalis (900 mg borage oil capsules) in the treatment of patients presenting with cyclic mastalgia, 91 subjects were included in the study. Efficacy assessments were performed based on data obtained prior to the start of treatment (Pretreatment), and after each menstrual cycle (Assessment 2—following 45 days of treatment;and Assessment 3—at the end of the 90-day treatment period). Primary efficacy measures considered the results of the Mastalgia Questionnaire, including a 100 mm visual analog pain scale assessing mean, most intense mastalgia severity, and impact on work, sleep, and sexual activity. Safety and tolerability measures included any changes in vital signs and physical exam in relation to pretreatment, any changes in clinical laboratory exams in relation to pretreatment, and the occurrence of adverse events after the first dose of study medication. The VAS scores of the mean mastalgia and most severe mastalgia both showed statistically significant