Science Essence Journal

Comparative Study of Ethanolic and Propylene Glycol Extraction of Hemp Leaf Extracts: Phytochemical Analysis and Skincare Formulation Development

2026-03-28T06:30:33+00:00

This study investigated chemical profiles, bioactivity, and formulation potential of Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) leaf extracts for skincare applications. Hemp leaves were extracted using ethanol (EH) and propylene glycol (PGH), and the extracts were analyzed for phytochemical content, antioxidant activity, and astringent properties. Chemical analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry revealed that both extracts contained diverse phytochemicals, with cannabinoids as the predominant compounds. Ethanolic extraction demonstrated superior efficiency, yielding significantly higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD) at 224.90 ± 1.42 µg/mL higher than the propylene glycol extraction which has CBD at 0.83 ± 0.00 µg/mL. Bioactivity assays confirmed that EH exhibited robust antioxidant activity with IC₅₀ values of 258.06 ± 34.38 µg/mL for H₂O₂ scavenging and 315.38 ± 50.10 µg/mL for DPPH scavenging, while PGH demonstrated mild astringent activity (7.11 ± 1.18%) suitable for sensitive skin applications. Despite lower phytochemical yields, PGH demonstrated superior integration into water-based skincare systems, maintaining optimal viscosity, pH compatibility, and homogeneity better than EH. Stability challenges were identified during heating–cooling cycle cycling, which triggered CBD degradation and color shifts, although the formulations maintained structural integrity without phase separation under heat-cool testing. These findings establish PGH offers superior practical advantages for cosmetic stability and formulation compatibility. Furthermore, the identification of mild astringent properties in PGH provides a novel functional justification for its use in specialized sensitive skincare, bridging the gap between raw phytochemical efficacy and industrial product viability.

The Process of Mathematical Modeling: A Conceptual Framework for Mathematics Education

2026-03-17T09:18:07+00:00

Mathematical modeling is a crucial process in mathematics learning that connects mathematical knowledge with real-world situations. However, the modeling processes presented in the literature are diverse and fragmented, which has led to a lack of systematic understanding of the shared core of the mathematical modeling process. The purpose of this study is to synthesize the mathematical modeling process based on internationally recognized research and conceptual frameworks in mathematics education. A conceptual analysis and comparative examination of existing modeling frameworks were employed as the basis for the synthesis.

The synthesis resulted in a mathematical modeling process consisting of five stages: understanding the real-world situation, simplifying, defining mathematical model, using mathematics, and explaining results. This process is conceptualized as dynamic and iterative, reflecting the nature of mathematical modeling as an epistemic activity in which learners continuously make decisions and revise their ideas. In addition, the synthesized framework helps organize knowledge related to the mathematical modeling process in a more coherent manner and elevates the role of simplification in making assumptions as a key theoretical component of modeling.

This study contributes theoretically to mathematics education by offering a conceptual framework that can serve as a foundation for the design of instructional activities, the analysis of students’ thinking processes, and future research on mathematical modeling.

Pinocembrin Suppresses Leukemic Cell Growth through CDK4 Downregulation and Caspase-8 Activation

2026-05-28T07:38:44+00:00

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a blood cancer that arises from immature lymphoid progenitor cells. Current treatments often cause significant toxicity and long-term side effects. Pinocembrin, a natural flavanone found in plants and honey, has shown anticancer effects in various experimental models, but its impact on leukemic cells remains incompletely understood. This study investigated the antileukemic properties of pinocembrin and its potential mechanisms of action in the Jurkat and K562 cell lines. Viability of Jurkat and K562 cells was assessed using the trypan blue exclusion and XTT assays. Cell cycle and apoptotic activity were analyzed by flow cytometry. Interleukin-2 secretion was evaluated by ELISA, and protein expression was analyzed by Western blotting. Molecular docking was performed to explore potential protein–ligand interactions. Pinocembrin decreased cell viability in both leukemic cell lines, with effects depending on time and concentration; IC₅₀ values were 175 µM for Jurkat cells and 122 µM for K562 cells after 48 h. In Jurkat cells, mechanistic studies revealed G0/G1 cell-cycle arrest and reduced CDK4 levels. Additionally, pinocembrin lowered interleukin-2 secretion, increased apoptotic cell populations, and elevated cleaved caspase-8 expression, indicating activation of the extrinsic apoptotic pathway. Molecular docking suggested a possible interaction with the Fas receptor. Collectively, these findings suggest that pinocembrin prevents growth and induces pro-apoptotic effects in leukemic cells in vitro. Further in vivo validation and pharmacological optimization are required to determine its therapeutic potential in ALL.