Topical application of resveratrol: issues and challenges

Topical application of resveratrol: issues and challenges

Poster

Stanimira Zasheva1, Maya Hristova1, Viliana Gugleva2, Velichka Andonova2
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University „Prof. D-r Paraskev Stoyanov”, Varna, Bulgaria
2Department of Pharmaceutical chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University „Prof. D-r Paraskev Stoyanov” Varna, Bulgaria

Resveratrol (trans-3,4′,5-trihydroxystilbene) is a natural polyphenolic antioxidant compound, that can be found in various plant materials such as grape berryskins, peanuts, roots of Japanese knotweed. It has become the subject of interest due to its anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective effects. In recent years studies have shown protective effects of resveratrol against ultraviolet radiation-mediated oxidative stress and cutaneous damages, including skin cancer. It has been found that resveratrol can also be effectively used in the treatment of exfoliative eczema, acne, psoriasis lesions and all the exfoliative skin diseases. Apart from pharmaceutical application, resveratrol has also been widely used in cosmetic industries due to its anti-aging properties. However, the metabolism of resveratrol is immediate when it is present at systemic levels after oral consumption. Therefore, its topical administration could be an efficient approach to reach its target by avoiding systemic circulation. The low aqueous solubility of resveratrol and its poor UV-, pH- and temperature- dependant stability are the challenges to its topical formulations. This study discusses the benefits of resveratrol in the management of skin disorders and technological approaches optimizing the drug effectiveness in dermal remedies.
Key words: anti-age, antioxidant activity, skin protection