From medical herbalism to phytotherapy in dermatology: back to the future

Abstract

Plant-based therapeutic preparations are cyclically returning to complement dermatologic therapy. They serve as therapeutic alternatives, safer choices, or in some cases, as the only effective treatment. Folk medicine tradition provides different indicators for use than the medical disease model. Advantages of multiple synergistic components of crude extracts are discussed, as well as herbs already used in dermatology. Bitter digestive stimulants are used for vitiligo. Bioflavinoids from buckwheat and horse chestnut are used for varicose veins, and silymarin is used for liver protection. Gotu kola and sarsaparilla are used for inflammatory skin conditions. Oregon grape root has synergistic antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and bile-stimulating properties which make the crude extract useful in acne. Philosophical differences in herbology compared to medicine exist in the application of science toward improving elimination and strengthening the host as opposed to destroying the vector or manifestation of the disease.

Chunghyul-dan acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in endothelial cells by regulating gene expression

“…The potentially crucial roles of MCP-1 and VCAM-1 in the efficacy of CHD suggest that monitoring changes in these target molecules might be a good model for studying the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of other natural compounds (Dattner 2003).…”

Moisturizers in the Prevention and Treatment of Hand Eczema

“…A number of herbal products and extracts have been used in topical formulations since historical times and are part of dermatology practice [ 39 ]. Herbs are identifi ed in Latin by their Linnaean description, where every entity is given two names.…”

“…The right species must be chosen, and the time of harvest, the method of preparation, and the stability of the actives have to be determined, making it hard to judge the quality of the treatment. The rationale for the inclusion of herbal extracts in moisturizers may not always be based upon controlled studies or evidence-based meta-analyses of clinical trials [ 39 ]. Instead, herbal extracts may be added for marketing reasons to nurture consumer interest in the perceived benefi ts of "natural ingredients" on the skin.…”

Nigella sativa and Aloe vera protection against doxorubicin hepatotoxicity

“…Medicinal plants serve as therapeutic alternatives, safer choices, or in some cases, as the only effective treatment. A larger number of these plants and their isolated constituents have shown beneficial therapeutic effects, including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-microbial and immunomodulatory effects (Salem and Hossain 2000;Dattner, 2002 andHuffman, 2003). Among chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive natural N.S seeds (Vihan et al, 2006).…”