Nanotechnology applied to Phytotherapeutics: Development of semi-solid formulations containing nanoemulsions based on Pterodon pubescens Benth and Cordia verbenacea DC with pharmacological potential

• Grant number: 24/15767-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Mary Ann Foglio
• Grantee: Ana Beatriz Alves Bomfim dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Medicinal plants are a relevant source of bioactive compounds with recognized importance in popular medicine and in the scientific sphere, in addition to the potential for direct or indirect application in the development of medicines. The species Pterodon pubescens Benth and Cordia verbenacea DC, for example, are plants native to Brazil used to treat illnesses and targets of several studies in the scientific literature. Popularly known as "sucupira", P. pubescens stands out for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive activities and in the treatment of rheumatic diseases, while C. Verbenacea, known as "whale herb", has significant anti-inflammatory activity. Previous studies carried out by our research group demonstrated the synergistic effect of the association of P. pubescens extract with C. verbenacea essential oil. In these studies, a prolongation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities was observed with lower doses than when evaluated separately, demonstrating the importance of studying these species in combination and their potential uses in clinical practice. To enhance the benefits of this association, we propose the development of stable semi-solid formulations containing nanoemulsions based on the combination of P. pubescens extract and C. verbenacea essential oil, evaluating their efficiency in an in vitro permeation model in Franz Cells.