At plant, from lab bench to bedside: A translational approach

Extracts, infusions, or other types of preparations from medicinal plants have been used since ancient times for the treatment of several diseases, in what is commonly designated as folk medicine. In recent years, science has proven that some plant extracts, fractions or specific compounds may have an important role as drug sources with relevant properties. In this work, particular emphasis will be given to neuroprotection, antiinflammatory and skin healing properties of specific plants extracts/ compounds in in vitro as well as in vivo models. New approaches, including nanotechnology, will be addressed. Based on specific extracts some particular topical formulations were developed, used in real situations for skin problems like psoriasis, pressure ulcers, and chronic wounds. The synergy of the properties of selected plant constituents, gave very positive results associated with a high degree of skin hydration, contributing to cell regeneration. In all cases, after repeated applications, notorious improvements or complete treatment were observed, without significant side effects.This work was supported by national funds from FCT—Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, under the projects PTDC/AGR-ALI/105169/2008, PEst-OE/AGR/UI4033/2014, and INTERACT—ISAC project, no. NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000017, cofinanced by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through NORTE 2020 (North Regional Operational Program 2014/2020).