Exploration of "Alternative" and "Natural" Drugs in Dermatology

Abstract

To review some of the promising natural remedies within dermatology to explore their potential clinical benefit in supplementing conventional drugs.

Potential use of the astaxanthin-producing microalga, Monoraphidium sp. GK12, as a functional aquafeed for prawns

“…GK12 was linolenic acid which is essential for mammals (Nakamura et al 2001). The strain could therefore provide a nutritional supplement for the amelioration of essential fatty acid deficiency-related syndromes, such as atopic dermatitis (Levin and Maibach 2002). During preparation of the experimental diets, almost all AXA in feed-G remained intact, while AXA in feeds-S and -H were significantly degraded.…”

A prospective evaluation of the cost of psoriasis in Spain (EPIDERMA project: Phase II)

“…At baseline, a global assessment of severity was made according to the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). Psoriasis was clinically graded into mild (PASI < 10), moderate (PASI [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] and severe (PASI > 20). Patients were given additional clinic appointments at 3-monthly intervals in the subsequent 12 months -a total of five appointments -and were asked to record in a notebook any health resource use that could represent an expense related to the psoriasis.…”

Effect of liposome encapsulation of tea catechins on their accumulation in basal cell carcinomas

“…The major and most-active constituent in green tea responsible for these biological effects is (À)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). With respect to the skin, green tea extracts and EGCG itself have been reported to be beneficial in treating UV-induced photodamage, basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), melanomas, and skin papillomas [3][4][5][6]. Hence, green tea catechins may be suitable to be the therapeutic agents or adjuvants for treating skin disorders [2,7].…”