Botanicals in Dermatology

Abstract

Botanical extracts and single compounds are increasingly used in cosmetics but also in over-the-counter drugs and food supplements. The focus of the present review is on controlled clinical trials with botanicals in the treatment of acne, inflammatory skin diseases, skin infections, UV-induced skin damage, skin cancer, alopecia, vitiligo, and wounds. Studies with botanical cosmetics and drugs are discussed, as well as studies with botanical food supplements. Experimental research on botanicals was considered to a limited extent when it seemed promising for clinical use in the near future. In acne therapy, Mahonia, tea tree oil, and Saccharomyces may have the potential to become standard treatments. Mahonia, Hypericum, Glycyrrhiza and some traditional Chinese medicines appear promising for atopic dermatitis. Some plant-derived substances like dithranol and methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen) [in combination with UVA] are already accepted as standard treatments in psoriasis; Mahonia and Capsicum (capsaicin) are the next candidates suggested by present evidence. Oral administration and topical application of antioxidant plant extracts (green and black tea, carotenoids, coffee, and many flavonoids from fruits and vegetables) can protect skin from UV-induced erythema, early aging, and irradiation-induced cancer. Hair loss and vitiligo are also traditional fields of application for botanicals. According to the number and quality of clinical trials with botanicals, the best evidence exists for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases, i.e. atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. However, many more controlled clinical studies are needed to determine the efficacy and risks of plant-derived products in dermatology. Safety aspects, especially related to sensitization and photodermatitis, have to be taken into account. Therefore, clinicians should not only be informed of the beneficial effects but also the specific adverse effects of botanicals used for dermatologic disorders and cosmetic purposes.

Children with Dry Skin and Atopic Predisposition: Daily Use of Emollients in a Participant-Blinded, Randomized, Prospective Trial

“…Therefore, anatomically specific skin care regimens appear interesting for dry skin at risk of AD [18]. Plant extracts become increasingly popular in skin care products and self-medication, therefore botanicals should be scientifically evaluated regarding their effect on skin barrier properties [19,20]. This study aimed at investigating the effects of emollient application on skin barrier integrity in children with dry skin and predisposition to AD.…”

Self-medication with nutritional supplements and herbal over-thecounter products

“…45,46 In acne therapy, tea tree oil, Mahonia, and Saccharomyces may become standard treatments. Mahonia, Hypericum, Glycyrrhiza and some traditional Chinese medicines appear promising for atopic dermatitis.…”

Organic cocoa extract -loaded surfactant-based systems intended to skin bioadhesion

“…Phenolic compounds are composed of an aromatic ring that is linked to a hydroxyl group, which donates electrons and hydrogen atoms. As a result, these compounds are exceptional antioxidants (Silva et al, 2010;Binic et al, 2013;Reuter, Merfort, Schempp, 2010).…”

“…Phenolic compounds are composed of an aromatic ring that is linked to a hydroxyl group, which donates electrons and hydrogen atoms. As a result, these compounds are exceptional antioxidants (Silva et al, 2010;Binic et al, 2013;Reuter, Merfort, Schempp, 2010).Cocoa, the dried and fermented seeds derived from Theobroma cacao, has been consumed since 1100 B.C. by ancient civilizations such as the Mayans and Aztecs (Hurst et al, 2002).…”

“…C1 has a higher concentration of surfactant than does C2 and C3. In the cubic phase formulations, it can be observed that the formulation prevented the extract from being oxidized, maintaining the antioxidant activity similar to the extract, and in some cases the antioxidant activity was slightly higher when compared to that of the extract.Numerous studies have demonstrated the high capacity of several plant polyphenolic antioxidants to protect living organisms from alterations produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), including skin damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation (Reuter, Merfort, Schempp, 2010;González et al, 2013;Adhami et al, 2008;Saija et al, 1998). ROS load has been implicated in several pathological states including photoaging of the skin, leading to abnormal matrix degradation and accumulation of non-functional matrix componentes (Pillai, Oresajo, Hayward, 2005).…”