In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil

Abstract

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has been traditionally used as moisturizer since centuries by people in the tropical region. Clinical studies have revealed that VCO improves the symptoms of skin disorders by moisturizing and soothing the skin. However, the mechanistic action of VCO and its benefits on skin has not been elucidated in vitro. The cytotoxicity (CTC50) of VCO was 706.53 ± 2.1 and 787.15 ± 1.1 μg/mL in THP-1 (Human monocytes) and HaCaT (Human keratinocytes) cells respectively. VCO inhibited TNF-α (62.34 ± 3.2 %), IFN-γ (42.66 ± 2.9 %), IL-6 (52.07 ± 2.0 %), IL-8 (53.98 ± 1.8 %) and IL-5 (51.57 ± 2.6 %) respectively in THP-1 cells. Involucrin (INV) and filaggrin (FLG) content increased by 47.53 ± 2.1 % and 40.45 ± 1.2 % respectively in HaCaT cells. VCO increased the expression of Aquaporin-3 (AQP3), involucrin (INV) and filaggrin (FLG) and showed moderate UV protection in HaCaT cells. In vitro skin irritation studies in Reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) and NIH3T3 cells showed that VCO is a non skin irritant (IC50 > 1000 μg/mL) and non phototoxic (PIF < 2). Our study demonstrated the anti inflammatory activity of VCO by suppressing inflammatory markers and protecting the skin by enhancing skin barrier function. This is the first report on anti-inflammatory and skin protective benefits of VCO in vitro. Overall, the results warrant the use of VCO in skin care formulations.

Plasma membrane integrity and oxidative stress index outcomes of canine progenitor epidermal keratinocytes (CPEKs) exposed to virgin coconut oil (VCO)

“…These data indicate that after 24 h exposure to undiluted VCO, CPEKs had a significant increase in the percentage disruption of plasma membrane integrity and an insignificant increase in the index of increase in the oxidative stress. These results are in line with a previous study assessing the cytotoxicity of diluted VCO on human immortalized keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT cells) . In that study, the authors reported a linear proportional ratio between toxicity and VCO concentration; higher toxicity using higher concentrations of VCO .…”

“…These results are in line with a previous study assessing the cytotoxicity of diluted VCO on human immortalized keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT cells) . In that study, the authors reported a linear proportional ratio between toxicity and VCO concentration; higher toxicity using higher concentrations of VCO . Further studies are warranted to measure cytotoxicity (e.g.…”

NCM 1921, a Mixture of Several Ingredients, Including Fatty Acids and Choline, Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis in 1-Chloro-2,4-Dinitrobenzene-Treated NC/Nga Mice

“…In this study, we examined whether NCM 1921, a combination of omega-3 butter, omega-3 beef tallow oil, omega-3 lard oil, caprylic acid, lauric acid, choline, and Fe, could improve AD symptoms, and investigated the underlying mechanism of action. Although the constituents of this formula individually possess anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-protective properties [9][10][11][12][13][14][15], NCM 1921 is a unique formula and has not been investigated to date. We found that NCM 1921 showed effects on improvement of skin clinical score and on inhibition of tissue mast cells infiltration, IgE level, immune cell subtypes in various tissues, and Th2 cytokines like dexamethasone.…”

“…Lauric acid and caprylic acid are components of coconut oil, which has long been used traditionally as a protective skin barrier, by an occlusive effect, and has been used to moisturize the skin and treat skin infections [12,13]. Previous studies have reported the anti-inflammatory effects of lauric acid and caprylic acid [14,15]. Choline upregulated lipid synthesis in vitro in an experimental model of transepidermal diffusion, providing a functional assessment of skin barrier properties [16].…”

Minocycline 1.5% foam for the topical treatment of moderate to severe papulopustular rosacea: Results of 2 phase 3, randomized, clinical trials

“…8 The main excipients (soybean oil, coconut oil, light mineral oil, and cyclomethicone 5) were chosen for their compatibility with minocycline and their association with moisturizing effects. [9][10][11] Pharmacokinetic studies have evaluated the extent of systemic exposure with use of the minocycline foam formulation. A phase 1 pharmacokinetic study (FX2017-14) in which FMX103 1.5% was applied once daily topically for 14 days showed that this treatment yielded low plasma concentrations of minocycline over time (day 14 mean maximum concentration [C max ], 0.61 ng/ml), without systemic accumulation (FX2017-14).…”