Geraniin (GE), an ellagitannin (ET) renowned for its promising health advantages, faces challenges in its practical applications due to its limited bioavailability. This innovative and novel formulation of GE and soy-phosphatidylcholine (GE-PL) complex has the potential to increase oral bioavailability, exhibiting high entrapment efficiency of 100.2 ± 0.8 %, and complexation efficiency of 94.6 ± 1.1 %. The small particle size (1.04 ± 0.11 μm), low polydispersity index (0.26 ± 0.02), and adequate zeta potential (-26.1 ± 0.12 mV), indicate its uniformity and stability. Moreover, the formulation also demonstrates improved lipophilicity, reduced aqueous and buffer solubilities, and better partition coefficient. It has been validated by various analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of free GE and GE-PL complex investigated in rabbits demonstrated enhanced plasma concentration of ellagic acid (EA) compared to free GE. Significantly, GE, whether in its free form or as part of the GE-PL complex, was not found in the circulatory system. However, EA levels were observed at 0.5 h after administration, displaying two distinct peaks at 2 ± 0.03 h (T1max) and 24 ± 0.06 h (T2max). These peaks corresponded to peak plasma concentrations (C1max and C2max) of 588.82 ng/mL and 711.13 ng/mL respectively, signifying substantial 11-fold and 5-fold enhancements when compared to free GE. Additionally, it showed an increased area under the curve (AUC), the elimination half-life (t1/2, el) and the elimination rate constant (Kel). The formulation of the GE-PL complex prolonged the presence of EA in the bloodstream and improved its absorption, ultimately leading to a higher oral bioavailability. In summary, the study highlights the significance of the GE-PL complex in overcoming the bioavailability limitations of GE, paving the way for enhanced therapeutic outcomes and potential applications in drug delivery and healthcare.
Recently, dermatology has increasingly focused on understanding skin aging and exploring novel therapeutic approaches. Despite progress in cosmetic and pharmaceutical research, a significant gap remains in comprehensively understanding the effects and mechanisms of herbal extracts on skin aging. While many studies have examined the bioactivities of herbal compounds in preclinical models, comprehensive human trials have been scarce over the past decade. This review aims to address this gap by synthesizing human trials from the past decade, focusing on the therapeutic effects of herbal extracts on skin aging. The objective is to unravel the mechanisms contributing to skin aging and assess the therapeutic potential of herbal compounds. Following the PRISMA 2020 guideline, a systematic review was performed across OvidMEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase via Ovid. A meticulous search strategy identified relevant clinical trials. The review highlights the essential role of herbal compounds in skin aging, particularly their antioxidant activity in suppressing the aging process. Analysis of 51 clinical trials offers valuable insights into their diverse effects on skin aging parameters. Herbal compounds are promising alternatives to synthetic products for treating skin aging. Their demonstrated efficacy in mitigating wrinkles, enhancing elasticity, maintaining hydration, and controlling pigmentation underscores their potential in developing antiaging therapeutics. However, further studies are needed to identify specific compounds responsible for these effects and understand their mechanisms. Future directions include conducting large-scale trials, exploring synergies with other ingredients, and optimizing delivery systems for sustainable, effective antiaging therapies.