A New Approach to Atopic Dermatitis Control with Low-Concentration Propolis-Loaded Cold Cream

Author(s):Show less -

Martin, Bianca Aparecida ^[1] ; Lemos, Camila Nunes ^[1] ; Dalmolin, Luciana Facco ^[1] ; Arruda, Caroline ^[1] ; Brait, iris Sperchi Camilo ^[1] ; Cazarim, Maurilio de Souza ^[1] ; da Cruz-Cazarim, Estael Luzia Coelho ^[1] ; Bueno, Paula Carolina Pires ^[1] ; Junior, Maurilio Polizello ^[1] ; Pereira, Leonardo Regis Leira ^[1] ; Cardili, Renata Nahas ^[2] ; Fonseca Vianna Lopez, Renata ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Pharmaceut Sci Ribeirao Preto, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, BR-14040903 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: PHARMACEUTICS; v. 13, n. 9 SEP 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is difficult to treat. Traditional cold cream, a water-in-oil emulsion made from beeswax, is used to alleviate AD symptoms in clinical practice, although its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven. The addition of propolis has the potential to impart anti-inflammatory properties to cold cream. However, in high concentrations, propolis can trigger allergic reactions. Thus, the objective of this work was to develop a cold cream formulation based on purified beeswax containing the same amount of green propolis present in raw beeswax. The impact of adding this low propolis concentration to cold cream on AD control was evaluated in patients compared to cold cream without added propolis (CBlank). Raw beeswax was chemically characterized to define the propolis concentration added to the propolis-loaded cold cream (CPropolis). The creams were characterized as to their physicochemical, mechanical, and rheological characteristics. The effect of CPropolis and CBlank on the quality of life, disease severity, and skin hydration of patients with AD was evaluated in a triple-blind randomized preclinical study. Concentrations of 34 to 120 ng/mL of green propolis extract reduced TNF-alpha levels in LPS-stimulated macrophage culture. The addition of propolis to cold cream did not change the cream's rheological, mechanical, or bioadhesive properties. The preclinical study suggested that both creams improved the patient's quality of life. Furthermore, the use of CPropolis decreased the disease severity compared to CBlank. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/19193-4 - Evaluation of the effectiveness and safeness of a new formulation of cold cream in patients with atopic dermatitis
• Grantee: Bianca Aparecida Martin
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 14/22451-7 - Sustained drug delivery systems targeting the epithelial tissue
• Grantee: Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants