Review Article
Nature Against Ultraviolet Damage: A Review of the Photoprotective and Dermatological Properties of Moringa Oleifera, Curcuma Longa, and Aloe Vera
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
71-84
Received:
4 June 2026
Accepted:
27 June 2026
Published:
22 July 2026
Abstract: The growing concerns over the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, coupled with increasing reports of skin irritation, environmental contamination, and potential endocrine-disrupting effects associated with synthetic sunscreen ingredients, have intensified interest in plant-based alternatives for photoprotection. This review gives an insight to the dermatological and photoprotective potential of three widely utilized medicinal plants, Moringa oleifera, Curcuma longa, and Aloe vera, with emphasis on their phytochemical composition, mechanisms of action, and applications in topical skincare and cosmeceutical formulations. Relevant literature was critically evaluated using peer-reviewed sources. Evidence from the reviewed studies indicates that these plants contain diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, curcuminoids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and other antioxidants that contribute to skin protection through multiple mechanisms. These mechanisms include direct absorption of ultraviolet radiation, neutralization of reactive oxygen species, suppression of inflammatory pathways, enhancement of skin barrier function, stimulation of collagen synthesis, and promotion of wound healing. The review further highlights the benefits of combining these botanicals in topical formulations, where improvements in photoprotective efficacy, antioxidant capacity, skin hydration, and formulation stability have been reported. Recent advances in extraction technologies and delivery systems have also enhanced the bioavailability and effectiveness of plant-derived photoprotective agents. Collectively, the evidence demonstrates that Moringa oleifera, Curcuma longa, and Aloe vera possess considerable potential as sustainable and multifunctional ingredients for dermatological and cosmeceutical applications. However, further clinical investigations, formulation optimization, and long-term safety evaluations are required to fully establish their effectiveness as alternatives or complements to conventional synthetic photoprotective agents.
Abstract: The growing concerns over the adverse effects of prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, coupled with increasing reports of skin irritation, environmental contamination, and potential endocrine-disrupting effects associated with synthetic sunscreen ingredients, have intensified interest in plant-based alternatives for photoprotection. Thi...
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Research Article
Simultaneous Removal of Anionic and Cationic Dyes from Aqueous Solution Using Commercial Activated Carbon
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
85-97
Received:
24 June 2026
Accepted:
20 July 2026
Published:
17 August 2026
Abstract: Synthetic dyes use in several sectors such as cosmetics, printing and textiles, can be harmful to the environment due to the lack of effluents treatment from these sectors. This study therefore aimed to contribute to the simultaneous removal of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solutions using industrial activated carbon based on coconut shells. Activated carbon performance on MB and MO adsorption was evaluated by studying parameters influencing the process such as contact time, adsorbent mass, pH, temperature, initial dye concentration and adsorption selectivity. The removal rate was 99% for MB and 95% for MO after the optimal times of 10 and 20 minutes respectively. A mass of 2 g seems sufficient to remove 1 L of colored solutions of MB and MO concentrated at 50 mg L−1. As far as concerning the pH, the optimal values were between 10 to 12 for MB and between 2 to 6 for MO. Furthermore, temperature had no significant effect on dye adsorption. Adsorption kinetics simulation showed that the process obeyed pseudo-second-order model following chemical adsorption while adsorption isotherm was better described by Langmuir monolayer and Freundlich multilayer models on heterogeneous surface. Langmuir model indicated maximum adsorption capacities of 21.23 mg g−1 for MB and 6.43 mg g−1 for MO. The simultaneous adsorption competitiveness of the two dyes indicated an adsorption selectivity in favor of the cationic dye. As result of this study, it appears that industrial activated carbon based on coconut shells could be safe and more effective adsorbent in MB and MO removal in aqueous media.
Abstract: Synthetic dyes use in several sectors such as cosmetics, printing and textiles, can be harmful to the environment due to the lack of effluents treatment from these sectors. This study therefore aimed to contribute to the simultaneous removal of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) from aqueous solutions using industrial activated carbon based...
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Research Article
Integrative Network Pharmacology Analysis of Tripterygium Wilfordii Against Rheumatoid Arthritis
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
98-108
Received:
24 July 2026
Accepted:
8 August 2026
Published:
20 September 2026
Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, progressive cartilage destruction, bone erosion and joint deformity, leading to severe disability and reduced quality of life. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. (Thunder God Vine), a well-known medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine has been extensively used for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders due to its potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties. Although conventional therapies are effective, they are often associated with adverse effects and incomplete disease remission, highlighting the need for safer and effective therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Tripterygium wilfordii against RA using a network pharmacology approach. Active phytoconstituents including triptolide, celastrol, and wilforlide A, were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database and PubChem. Potential molecular targets were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction, while RA-associated genes were retrieved from the GeneCards and DisGeNET databases. Overlapping targets were identified through Venn analysis, followed by Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network construction using the STRING database. Hub genes were screened using the CytoHubba plugin in Cytoscape, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate the biological functions and signaling pathways involved. The analysis identified TNF, IL6, AKT1, MAPK1, and NF-κB as major hub targets involved in inflammatory and immune responses. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis highlighted the PI3K–Akt, MAPK, TNF, and NF-κB signaling pathways as key mechanisms mediating the therapeutic effects. These findings suggest that Tripterygium wilfordii exerts anti-rheumatic activity through a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mode of action, providing valuable insights into its pharmacological basis and supporting its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for rheumatoid arthritis.
Abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent synovial inflammation, progressive cartilage destruction, bone erosion and joint deformity, leading to severe disability and reduced quality of life. Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. F. (Thunder God Vine), a well-known medicinal plant in traditional Chinese m...
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,
Hassana Abubakar Ladio
