# Plant-Origin Additives from _Boswellia_ Species in Emulgel Formulation for Radiotherapy Skin Care
###### Abstract
Additionally, the ROS can drive the production of cytokines, perpetuating the cycle of inflammatory changes [10; 11]. Radiotherapy breaks down the body's immune system and leads to an excess of ROS in the body, which is why patients use alternative methods of treatment that include antioxidants [10]. Therapies targeting the elimination of ROS include both systemic and topical delivery of antioxidants, but systemically derived antioxidants could disrupt radiation treatment therapy by preventing the formation of ROS within the tumor. The topical application of antioxidants allows for the concentrated therapy to the skin, minimizing systemic levels [10]. The ability of skin to regenerate decreases significantly when the patient's treatment lengthens or when the received radiation dose increases. The patient's skin after radiation therefore requires a special course of treatment due to its sensitivity and susceptibility to external factors such as UV radiation [2; 12]. There are many skin care products on the market for use on the skin after radiotherapy that are commonly called oncocosmetics or oncology skin care products. They can be divided according to their mode of action. They include moisturizing, embilient, antiinflammatory, cleansing, and antiseptic agents but also drying agents and barrier measures. The preparations should also stimulate the proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes in order to accelerate cell renewal and, consequently, skin regeneration, and they should not include potentially allergenic ingredients [2; 12; 13; 14]. The products are available on the market in such physicochemical forms as aqueous solutions, foams, gels, emulsions, suspensions, oils, pastes, and others. They have a number of advantages, including the relief of side effects such as itching, burning, redness, and retention of moisture in the skin. By improving the barrier functions of the skin, they reduce potential friction and mechanical skin damage. Disadvantages include being too oily to feel, difficulty in spreading on painful skin, comedogenic action, skin pH disruption causing irritation and unpleasant odor, intensifying nausea, and vomiting [2; 12; 15; 16; 17]. The most common active ingredients in the formulation of oncocosmetics include ceramides, phospholipids, hyaluronic acid, urea, D-panthenol, allantoin, vegetable and animal oils, lipids, proteins, vitamins, and essential unsaturated fatty acids, but also plant and herbal extracts and essential oils [2; 18]. The beneficial effect of plant-origin additives is due to the presence in their composition of phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids. These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anticancer properties [19]. Due to these properties, many plants and herbs can support the natural repair mechanisms of the skin and exhibit great therapeutic potential in wound care [20]. The main factor damaging the skin during radiotherapy is the free radicals that form from water molecules and granulocytes in the inflamed area; hence, the use of substances with antioxidant properties, including plant and herbal extracts rich in antioxidant substances, seems to be a complementary therapy in radiodermatitis treatment [2; 17; 21; 22]. Plant and herbal extracts introduced to the formulations of topical medicinal and cosmetic preparations show antioxidant effects, reducing irritation and redness. They can also promote healing processes or protect against UV radiation, improving the quality of life of patients suffering from radiodermatitis [23]. A previously conducted literature analysis of the use of plant and herbal extracts as ingredients in topical formulations in the prevention and treatment of radiodermatitis [2] showed the promising effects of numerous plant and herbal extracts on skin affected by radiodermatitis, particularly _Bosuvelia_ oleoresin, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.