Abstract: Tapioca starch (TS) is produced from Cassaca roots and it is differentiated from other starches because it contains about 17–20% amylase and low amount of residual substances. Propranolol (POP) is a non-selective beta-adrenergic blocking agent and it is in the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of TS in the development of POP tablets by means of direct compression. Its evaluation was performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), uniformity of weight, drug content, disintegration, friability, hardness, dissolution test and drug release kinetics. The TS granules were spherical with mean diameter of 10.09 ± 1.85 µm. The XRD, FTIR and NMR suggested physical interaction between TS and POP. The tablets presented average diameter of 1.1 ± 0.0 cm, 0.24 ± 0.02 cm thickness and average weight of 0.544 ± 0.003 g. The hardness of tablets was 10.98 ± 0.31 N and the percentage of friability was 25.74 ± 0.08%. POP was released after 45 min and the release kinetics properly fitted the Hixson-Crowell equation.

ABSTRACT Chronic exposure to solar radiation could contribute to premature skin aging and skin cancer. Skin presents its own antioxidant defense, however when defenses are out of balance, reactive oxygen species could damage biological structures. In the present work, an oil-in-water photoprotective emulsion was developed and Bauhinia microstachya var. massambabensis Vaz, Fabaceae, extracts at 1% (obtained by extraction with different solvents) were added to this emulsion. In vitro and in vivo efficacy and safety of the formulations were evaluated. Spectrophotometric methods and in vivo Colipa test were performed to evaluated efficacy of the formulations, through sun protection factor (SPF) determination and UVA protection factor assessment. To the in vitro safety assessment HET-CAM, CAM-TBS and Red Blood Cell tests were performed. Results showed that both extracts contributed to a higher in vivo photoprotection (SPF 18) when compared to the formulation without extract (SPF 13), this result could be attributed to the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts that act by capturing reactive oxygen species. Concerning safety, all formulations were considered non-irritant according to in vitro tests. Formulations containing extracts could be considered efficient and safe for cosmetic use since they presented higher sun protection factor and passed the toxicity tests.

Extratos e frações de frutos e raízes de Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae) foram ensaiados para encontrar atividade antimicrobiana. Aplicando o método de difusão em agar, todas as amostras foram testadas contra Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. O extrato etanólico dos frutos apresentou atividade antibacteriana, a qual teve a atividade fototóxica estimada em cobaias quando expostas a luz ultravioleta, e não foram observados eritemas. Esses dados impulsionaram a pesquisar diferentes formas de obtenção de extratos da planta, com o objetivo de preparar formulações com atividade anti-séptica, que possam se apresentar mais eficazes e seguras, quando aplicadas no tratamento de doenças infecciosas.

Extracts and fractions of Physalis angulata L. prepared from fruits and roots were assayed to find out antimicrobial activity. Using the agar diffusion method all samples were tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. The ethanolic extract of the fruits displayed bacterial activity. Phototoxic property was estimated with guinea pigs when they were exposed to ultraviolet light, no erythemas were observed. These data encouraged us to look for different forms of extracts wich could be applied as a safe and effective antiseptic product.