Bioactives → BioFusion©

What is BioFusion?

BioFusion© is a meticulously formulated herbal-infused oil designed to enhance scar care and promote skin healing. This formulation incorporates the therapeutic properties of six botanicals: Plantago major (Broadleaf plantain) leaf, Calendula officinalis flower, Symphytum officinale (Comfrey) leaf, Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) flower, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf, and Arnica montana flower. Each of these herbs has been traditionally recognised for its individual contributions to dermatological health, particularly in fostering skin regeneration and reducing inflammation. The synergistic combination of these ingredients in BioFusion offers a holistic, plant-based approach to scar management, offering a natural and efficacious solution for improving the texture and appearance of scars resulting from injury or surgery.

1. Plantago Major

Plantago major, commonly known as plantain broadleaf, contains a diverse range of bioactive compounds that underpin its therapeutic potential. Research indicates that Plantago major promotes wound healing through mechanisms such as inflammation mitigation, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant efficacy [1,2]. Polyphenols and polysaccharides are identified as key bioactive components that contribute to wound healing as they facilitate tissue regeneration [2]. Additionally, Plantago major has demonstrated efficacy in accelerating the healing of burn wounds by enhancing re-epithelialisation and promoting well-organised granulation tissue formation [3]. The acceleration of this intricate process is pivotal for wound closure, protecting underlying tissues, and restoring the skin's barrier function. Furthermore, the presence of alkaloids in Plantago major contributes to the improvement of incision healing by enhancing the tensile strength of scar tissue during re-epithelialisation [1].

The leaves of Plantago major contain a diverse range of anti-inflammatory compounds, such as flavonoids and iridoid glycosides, which contribute to the herb's therapeutic prowess [4]. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, Plantago major exhibits antimicrobial activity, with studies demonstrating its efficacy against Streptococcus pneumoniae, various bacterial strains such as E. Coli, and fungal pathogens like Candida albicans [5]. Its ability to scavenge free radicals is intricately linked to the hydroxyl groups and flavonoids present in its phenolic compounds [6]. This not only underscores its antioxidant capabilities but also reinforces the herb's protective effects against inflammatory mediators, fostering a conducive environment for efficient wound healing.

In conclusion, the multifaceted benefits of Plantago major encompass anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, positioning it as a valuable agent in promoting wound healing and supporting overall skin health.

2. Calendula Officinalis

Calendula officinalis (C. officinalis), a plant recognised by the European Medicines Agency since 2008 for its therapeutic potential, boasts a versatile array of medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects [7].

C. officinalis harbours numerous secondary metabolites, each contributing to its pharmacological profile and medicinal utility [8]. Triterpenoids emerge as pivotal agents due to their anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous properties, as well as their capacity to stimulate fibroblast activity. These effects are mediated through the inhibition of key enzymes such as 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase-2, and C3-convertase. Similarly, flavonoids, another major class of secondary metabolites in C. officinalis, demonstrate anti-inflammatory and anti-oedematous effects, alongside potent antioxidant capabilities [8].

In vitro studies employing calendula alcohol extracts have further revealed biological enhancements, such as increased proliferation and migration of human fibroblasts and keratinocytes, improved angiogenesis, and reduced collagenase activity [8]. C. officinalis is recognised for its ability to enhance wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and collagen metabolism, resulting in softer scars and emollient properties [9]. When applied topically, the floral extract of C. officinalis demonstrates therapeutic benefits for burns and wounds [9]. Additionally, a randomised controlled trial involving 72 primiparous females undergoing cesarean sections indicated that an ointment containing C. officinalis significantly accelerated wound healing, thereby suggesting its effectiveness in expediting post-cesarean recovery [10].

Furthermore, C. officinalis exhibits antioxidant properties that make it a promising candidate for the prevention of oxidative stress-related conditions, such as radiodermatitis. A study involving 254 participants found that Calendula was effective in reducing skin toxicity during radiotherapy compared to triamine, with a significantly lower incidence of acute grade 2 or higher dermatitis (41% vs. 63%; P < .001) [11]. While these results are encouraging, further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of Calendula in the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis.

3. Symphytum Officinalis

Symphytum officinalis L., commonly known as comfrey, is renowned for its wound-healing capabilities and its effectiveness in alleviating inflammation, tendon injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders [12]. The topical application of comfrey, particularly through compresses infused with its extract, has shown clinical efficacy in addressing minor burns, frostbite, varicose leg ulcers, and facilitating post-injury recovery [13]. An in-vivo study has highlighted the wound-healing potential of comfrey leaf extracts, demonstrates the formation of well-organised collagen fibres indicative of enhanced fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis during tissue repair [14]. Allantoin is believed to facilitate tissue regeneration, while the presence of rosmarinic acid contributes to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and astringent properties [13]. Additionally, comfrey leaf extract-loaded silver nanoparticles have emerged as a promising option for addressing skin photoaging, attributed to their photoprotective properties [15].

In 2023, an ex vivo study exploring the interaction between comfrey extract and skin microbiota provided insights into its biodegradation process following topical application [13]. This metabolic pathway prevents the conversion of pyrrolizidine alkaloid derivatives into free alkaloids, thereby mitigating the potential hepatotoxicity associated with oral ingestion and underscoring the safety of comfrey for topical use. Additionally, subtle shifts in the composition of the skin microbiota were observed after exposure to comfrey extract, without causing any significant imbalance. These findings further support comfrey's potential as an alternative strategy for preventing skin diseases and highlight its therapeutic benefits [13].

4. Arnica Montana

Arnica montana (A. montana), holds a prominent position among medicinal plants, with its traditional uses recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for topical treatment of pain and inflammation resulting from minor sprains, bruises, and insect bites [16]. Researchers have isolated over 900 metabolites from A. montana mother tinctures, highlighting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [17].

The anti-inflammatory efficacy of A. montana is well-documented, particularly its capacity to significantly reduce tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) production and inhibit its cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated pathways [18]. This mechanism of action is attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones and flavonoids. Consequently, A. montana is utilised to alleviate inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with various conditions, such as trauma and post-operative recovery [18].

Recent reviews have substantiated the efficacy of homeopathic A. montana in cosmetic surgery contexts. A systematic literature review encompassing 20 studies revealed that A. montana, in tinctures and homeopathic potencies, reduced ecchymosis following procedures such as rhinoplasty and facelifts [19]. Moreover, a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled and active comparator studies affirmed the effectiveness of A. montana in preventing excessive haematoma and other post-surgical complications, with outcomes comparable to those of conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [20].

References

1. Thomé RG, Santos HB, Santos FV, Oliveira RJ, De Camargos LF, Pereira MN, et al. Evaluation of healing wound and genotoxicity potentials from extracts hydroalcoholic of Plantago major and Siparuna guianensis. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2012;237:1379–86.

2. Adom MB, Taher M, Mutalabisin MF, Amri MS, Abdul Kudos MB, Wan Sulaiman MWA, et al. Chemical constituents and medical benefits of Plantago major. Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Dec;96:348–360.

3. Amini M, Kherad M, Mehrabani D, Azarpira N, Panjehshahin M, Tanideh N. Effect of Plantago major on burn wound healing in rat. J Appl Anim Res. 2010;37:53–6.

4. Samuelsen AB. The traditional uses, chemical constituents and biological activities of Plantago major L. A review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Jul;71(1–2):1–21.

5. Velasco-Lezama R, Tapia-Aguilar R, Román-Ramos R, Vega-Avila E, Pérez-Gutiérrez MS. Effect of Plantago major on cell proliferation in vitro. J Ethnopharmacol. 2006 Jan 3;103(1):36–42.

6. Kobeasy MI, Abdel-Fatah OM, El-Salam SAM, Mohamed OM. Biochemical studies on Plantago Major L. and Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba L. Int. J. Biodivers. Conserv. 2011;83–91.

7. Simões FV, Santos VO, Silva RND, Silva RCD. Effectiveness of skin protectors and Calendula officinalis for prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis: an integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm. 2020 Oct 19;73(suppl 5):e20190815.

8. Givol O, Kornhaber R, Visentin D, Cleary M, Haik J, Harats M. A systematic review of Calendula officinalis extract for wound healing. Wound Repair Regen. 2019 Sep;27(5):548–561.

9. Shahane K, et al. An Updated Review on the Multifaceted Therapeutic Potential of Calendula officinalis L. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2023 Apr 18;16(4):611.

10. Jahdi F, et al. The impact of calendula ointment on cesarean wound healing: A randomized controlled clinical trial. J Family Med Prim Care. 2018 Sep–Oct;7(5):893–897.

11. Pommier P, et al. Phase III randomized trial of Calendula officinalis compared with trolamine for the prevention of acute dermatitis during irradiation for breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2004;22(8):1447–1453.

12. Frost R, et al. The external use of comfrey: a practitioner survey. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014 Nov;20(4):347–355.

13. Melnyk N, et al. Skin microbiota metabolism of natural products from comfrey root (Symphytum officinale L.). J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Jan 10;318(Pt B):116968.

14. Araújo LU, et al. In vivo wound healing effects of Symphytum officinale L. leaves extract in different topical formulations. Die Pharmazie. 2012;67(4):355–360.

15. Sowa I, et al. Proliferative and antioxidant activity of Symphytum officinale root extract. Natural Product Research. 2018;32(5):605–609.

16. World Health Organization (Ed.). WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants. 2007. WHO, Geneva.

17. Duthen S, et al. Comparison of phytochemical variation in Arnica montana mother tinctures. Molecules. 2022;27:2737.

18. Verre J, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of Arnica montana in various cell models. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Jan 10;318(Pt B):117064.

19. Knackstedt R, Gatherwright J. Perioperative homeopathic Arnica and Bromelain: Current results and future directions. Ann Plast Surg. 2020;84:e10.

20. Gaertner K, Baumgartner S, Walach H. Is homeopathic arnica effective for postoperative recovery? A meta-analysis. Front Surg. 2021;8