Monika Michalak

Jan Kochanowski University | UJK · Institute of Medical Sciences

In this study, methanol and water–methanol extracts of borage (Borago officinalis) herb dried using various methods were analysed for their phenolic profile and biological activity. Twelve compounds, including flavonoids (astragalin, kaempferol 4-glucoside, rutoside, and vitexin) and phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic,...

This study aims to investigate the phytochemical composition of various extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) of L. maritima. The extracts were tested for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and to demonstrate the potential use of L. maritima extract, as a source of natural antioxidants, to preserve meat qu...

Halophytes are plant species widely distributed in saline habitats, such as beaches, postindustrial wastelands, irrigated lands, salt flats, and others. Excessive salt level, known to limit plant growth, is not harmful to halophytes, which have developed a variety of defense mechanisms allowing them to colonize harsh environments. Plants under stre...

New plant oils as a potential natural source of nutraceutical compounds are still being sought. The main components of eight cultivars (‘Koral’, ‘Lucyna’, ‘Montmorency’, ‘Naumburger’, ‘Wanda’, ‘Wigor’, ‘Wołyńska’, and ‘Wróble’) of sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) grown in Poland, including crude fat, protein, and oil content, were evaluated. The ext...

Natural substances have traditionally been used in skin care for centuries. There is now an ongoing search for new natural bioactives that not only promote skin health but also protect the skin against various harmful factors, including ultraviolet radiation and free radicals. Free radicals, by disrupting defence and restoration mechanisms, signifi...

Zaburzenia barwnikowe skóry są dość powszechnie występującym problemem dermatologiczno-kosmetycznym związanym ze zmniejszonym (hipopigmentacje) lub zwiększonym (hiperpigmentacje) poziomem pigmentu w skórze. Wyjaśnienie i zrozumienie podłoża pigmentacji skóry oraz złożonych procesów melanogenezy wpływających na powstawanie zaburzeń pigmentacyjnych u...

Objective New raw materials are still being sought that could nurture the skin and protect it against various harmful factors, including free radicals responsible for ageing processes, cell mutagenesis and formation of cancerous lesions. Although the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is not widely known as a medicinal plant, the available st...

New active ingredients, including those of plant origin, are still sought in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. The present study was focused on the determination of the polyphenolic content and the confirmation of antioxidant properties of rosemary and elderflower extracts. Investigations were also carried out to define the pharmaceutical a...

Human skin is continually changing. The condition of the skin largely depends on the individual’s overall state of health. A balanced diet plays an important role in the proper functioning of the human body, including the skin. The present study draws attention to bioactive substances, i.e., vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, polyphenols, and caroten...

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf.) is a perennial plant indigenous to semi-tropical regions of Asia and cultivated in other semi-tropical countries. The present study aimed to examine the key chemical constituents of various parts of lemongrass cultivated in the temperate climate of Poland. The content of essential oil and its composition...

Background: Contemporary cosmetology, apart from beautifying and caring for the human body, deals also with prevention aimed at maintaining health and physical fitness as long as possible. The profession of a cosmetologist so understood is closely related to the modern concept of health promotion, the part of which is health education. The objectiv...

Oils from five cultivars of apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) grown in Poland were analysed for characteristics of chemical and biological activity. The extracted oils had an average iodine value (g of I/100 g of oil) of 99.2; a refractive index of (40°C) 1.4675; a saponification value of 189 mg of KOH/g of oil; and 0.68% unsaponifiable matter. As rega...

Vegetable dyes, varied in terms of chemical structure, constitute a group of compounds present in flowers, fruits and leaves. These substances fulfill many important functions in the life of plants. In cosmetics, initially used for beauty purposes, in the course of time they have gained importance as substances with protective and antioxidant prope...

Plant oils, as a source of fatty acids, including essential fatty acids (linoleic and α-linolenic acid), and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E), are one of the basic cosmetic ingredients. It is an important group of easily assimilable components with a wide range of applications. The present paper discusses the importance of plant oils in skin and hair...

Contemporary cosmetology is constantly looking for new active ingredients significant for skin care. The basis for this search is often the knowledge and experience of different world cultures, which have been using plants for medicinal as well as cosmetic purposes for centuries. The present paper discusses the importance of some exotic cosmetic ra...

Aromatherapy massage is a treatment in which essential oils are used. It combines the beneficial effects of manual massage technique, essential and carrier oils. Base oils are the mediators of aromatherapy; they improve contact between the masseur`s hands and the patient`s body and have nurturing properties. The present paper focuses on plant oils...

Aromatherapy involves the use of high-quality essential oils entering the body via the airway or skin. When the first route is used, essential oils are inhaled; room aromatisation is less common. In direct aromatherapy, essential oils, diluted in water or a fatty carrier, are applied directly to the skin. Numerous aromatherapeutic methods and prepa...

Vegetable oils, which are a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, vitamins and antioxidants, have a significant effect on the functioning and development of the body and contribute to health maintenance. They can be obtained from seeds, fruit stones, fruit, nuts or sprouts. This study discusses various species of plants that are sou...

Plant-origin oils are an essential element of the diet, affecting the preservation of health, but also of significant importance for the care of skin and its appendages. Among fats of plant origin, oils from fruit seeds are an important group. They are a rich source of fatty acids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, flavonoids, phytosterols an...

Introduction. Plant oils, due to the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, are widely used in cosmetology. Some of them are also used as a rich source of carotenoids, plant dyes, which enjoy unmatched interest of cosmetics manufacturers because of their properties (color, physiological ac...