The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of Kalanchoe brasiliensis extract, followed by the development of an oil in water emulsion containing the K. brasiliensis leaves extract and evaluating its clinical moisturizing efficacy. The formulations containing sodium acrylates/ Beheneth-25 methacrylate Crosspolymer (and) hydrogenated polydecene (and) lauryl glucoside and 0.5% of extract were prepared. The extract was considered as non-irritating through skin irritant tests. The stability testing was carried out in different conditions for 90 days. The skin hydration was measured by capacitance measurement and transepidermal water loss using biophysical techniques. The results indicate that the formulation containing 0.5% of extract increased the hydration of the stratum corneum up to 5 h after application on the forearm. The transepidermal water loss was reduced when compared to the untreated area and placebo area. Therefore, we can conclude that the increased skin hydration and protection of barrier function can be attributed to the K. brasiliensis extract. This research presents a new raw material from the Brazilian Caatinga biome and shows its possible application in the development of cosmetic products.

The aim of this work was to formulate O/W/O multiple emulsions containing açaí oil as a model system and to evaluate their physical stability and in vivo Sun Protection Factor (SPF). Multiple emulsions are complex dispersion systems, known also as, "emulsions of emulsions". These emulsion systems, have significant potential in the cosmetic industry. Euterpe oleracea Mart., Arecaceae, popularly known in Brazil as "açaí", is an economically important plant. Açaí oil has been used as antioxidant and as anti-inflammatory activities. The multiple emulsions were prepared using a two-step procedure. The investigated formulations were characterized and their stability over time was evaluated by preliminary and accelerated stability. O/W/O multiple emulsions containing the same concentration of sunscreens with and without açaí oil were evaluated by the International Sun Protection Factor Test Method. The samples containing 70% (w/w) of primary emulsion, 5% (w/w) PEG-30-dipolyhydroxystearate, 10% (w/w) of açaí oil and 5% (w/w) of sucrose polybehenate have been found to be stable. The rheological measurements revealed that the samples exhibited non-Newtonian pseudoplastic flow behavior and thixotropy. To conclude, no statistical difference could be observed on the in vivo SPF to both multiple systems with or without açaí oil.

Foi estudada a ação quimioprofilática na esquistossomose experimental do óleo essencial do fruto de Pterodon pubescens Benth (Leguminosae), incorporado a diferentes formulações de sabonete. As formulações foram usadas topicamente nas caudas de camundongos que, imediatamente, 24,72 ou 168 horas após, foram expostos a cercárias de Schistosoma mansoni, pelo método de imersão da cauda. A proteção foi avaliada 45 dias após a exposição, quando os camundongos foram sacrificados e os vermes recolhidos por perfusão. Os resultados mostraram níveis de proteção variando de 0,0 a 100% conforme a formulação usada. Foi também desenvolvida uma metodologia que possibilitou a avaliação do sabonete protetor quando camundongos foram expostos à infecção natural em córregos infestados com caramujos na periferia de Belo Horizonte, MG. Resultados promissores foram obtidos, uma vez que houve proteção de 57,5 e 31,1% quando os animais foram ensaboados 24 e 48 horas antes. Estudos preliminares de avaliação de irritação e toxicidade foram favoráveis e mostraram que esta nova arma profilática poderá auxiliar no controle da esquistossomose.

The chemoprophylactic action of the essential oil of the fruit of Pterodon pubescens Benth (Leguminosae), incorpored in different soap formulations, was studied in experimental schistosomiasis. The formulations were used locally on the tails of mice which were exposed to Schistosoma mansoni cercariae immediately, 24, 72 or 168 hours later by the method of tail immersion. Protection was evaluated 45 days after exposure when the mice were sacrificed and the worms collected by perfusion. The results showed levels of protection varying from 0.0 to 100% depending on the formulation used. A methodology that allowed the evaluation of soap protection of mice exposed to natural infection in snail infested streams on the outskirts of Belo Horizonte, MG, was also developed. Promising results were obtained in that protection of between 57.5 and 31.1% was observed in field trials when soap was applied to the animals 24 and 48 hours earlier. Preliminary studies evaluating irritation and toxicity were favorable and showed that this new prophylactic weapon could contribute to the control of schistosomiasis.