-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of this work was to determine the antibacterial activity of essential coriander oil (ECO) on bacteria with dermatological relevance and to assess the skin tolerance of antimicrobial effective ECO concentrations. Essential coriander oil was tested on clinical isolates of different bacteria species, all of which may cause superficial skin infections. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using a standardized macrodilution test. Essential coriander oil showed good antibacterial activity towards the majority of the bacterial strains tested, including Streptococcus pyogenes (Lancefield group A) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with mean minimal inhibitory concentrations of 0.04% v/v and 0.25% v/v, respectively. The skin tolerance of a cream and a lotion containing 0.5% and 1.0% ECO was assessed in 40 healthy volunteers using the occlusive patch test. No skin irritation could be observed by sensitive photometric assessment in any of the volunteers. Because of its activity against Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA combined with excellent skin tolerance, ECO might be useful as an antiseptic for the prevention and treatment of skin infections with Gram-positive bacteria.
Phytotherapy Research 08/2011; 26(3):420-4. · 2.09 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Dry skin is associated with a disturbed skin barrier and reduced formation of epidermal proteins and lipids. During recent years, skin-barrier-reinforcing properties of some botanical compounds have been described. Searching the PubMed database revealed 9 botanical extracts that specifically improve skin barrier and/or promote keratinocyte differentiation in vivo after topical application. The topical application of Aloe vera (leaf gel), Betula alba (birch bark extract), Helianthus annuus (sunflower oleodistillate), Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort extract), Lithospermum erythrorhizon (root extract), Piptadenia colubrina (angico-branco extract) and Simarouba amara (bitter wood extract) increased skin hydration, reduced the transepidermal water loss, or promoted keratinocyte differentiation in humans in vivo. The topical application of Rubia cordifolia root extract and rose oil obtained from Rosa spp. flowers stimulated keratinocyte differentiation in mouse models. The underlying mechanisms of these effects are discussed. It is concluded that some botanical compounds display skin-barrier-reinforcing properties that may be used in dermocosmetics for dry skin. However, more investigations on the mode of action and more vehicle-controlled studies are required.
Skin pharmacology and physiology 06/2011; 24(6):289-93. · 2.92 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation may cause an immediate inflammatory response followed by a delayed increase in skin pigmentation. The early time course of erythema and pigmentation has so far not been monitored simultaneously by photometric measurements.
Test areas on the volar forearms of 15 volunteers were irradiated with 210 mJ/cm(2) UVB. Skin erythema and pigmentation were determined photometrically at time 0, after 6 h, and after 1, 2, 3 and 7 days. Punch biopsies were taken before irradiation, after 6 h and after 7 days. Melanocytes were stained using the DOPA method.
UVB irradiation caused an increase in skin erythema at all time points, peaking at 24 h and slowly decreasing until day 7. Surprisingly, this was associated with a pronounced decrease in skin pigmentation at early readings. DOPA staining of melanocytes confirmed this observation. Only after 7 days was there an increase in skin pigmentation over the initial levels.
Acute UVB-induced skin erythema seems to be associated with increased susceptibility to the deleterious effects of solar radiation due to a concomitant decrease in skin pigmentation. These findings underline the importance of avoiding even moderate sunburns and of slowly adapting the skin to solar radiation.
Skin pharmacology and physiology 01/2011; 24(3):160-5. · 2.92 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Reseda luteola L. has been used as a dye due to its high luteolin content since ancient times. However, no pharmacological studies have been performed with Reseda extracts so far. Here, we have assessed antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of the Reseda extract RF-40. It contains 40% flavonoids, primarily luteolin, but also luteolin-7-O-glucoside and apigenin. RF-40 and the isolated flavonoids dose-dependently inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptotic oligonucleosomes in PHA-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclar cells. These effects were not due to cytotoxicity as shown with a luminometric ATP assay. Dose-response curves of RF-40 and the isolated flavonoids were similar, with luteolin being the most effective isolated flavonoid. Comparison of RF-40 to its major flavonoids revealed that the pharmacological effects of the extract can mostly be attributed to luteolin. We conclude that Reseda extract is an interesting raw material not only for dyeing purposes but also for further pharmacological investigation.
Phytotherapy Research 12/2009; 24(7):1033-6. · 2.09 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: We investigated the skin tolerance and anti-inflammatory potential of a nanoparticular solubilisate of a luteolin-rich Reseda extract (s-RE) in two independent studies in vivo. Reseda luteola extract containing 40% flavonoids was solubilized with polysorbate, resulting in product micelles with a diameter of 10 (+/-1.5)nm. Standardized inflammation was induced by irradiating test areas on the back of healthy volunteers with defined doses of ultraviolet B (UVB). In the first study different concentrations of s-RE were tested in 10 volunteers to evaluate dose-dependency of anti-inflammatory effects of s-RE. In the second randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study a defined concentration of s-RE (2.5%w/w) was tested in 40 volunteers in comparison to the vehicle (glycerol) and hydrocortisone (1%w/w). s-RE dose-dependently reduced UVB-induced erythema when applied 30 min before irradiation. To a lesser extent, topical application of s-RE after irradiation also reduced UVB-induced erythema. s-RE was as effective as hydrocortisone, whereas the vehicle had no effect. Occlusive application of s-RE on non-irradiated test sites did not cause any skin irritation. Due to excellent skin tolerance combined with potent anti-inflammatory properties s-RE bears potential especially for the prevention but also for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as UV-induced erythema.
Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology 08/2009; 96(3):260-5. · 1.87 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Dry and atopic skin requires skin care with lipid-rich emollients and moisturizing bath or shower oils. However, it has been shown recently that some bath oils may even impair the skin barrier.
To investigate the skin-irritating potential of a new bath oil containing a lipophilic St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) extract.
In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, prospective study, 3 bath oils together with positive and negative controls were applied under occlusion on test areas on the volar forearms of 18 volunteers (visit 1). After 24 h, the tapes were removed, and the test areas were evaluated by a visual score and the instrumental measurement of skin erythema and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) using a Mexameter and a Tewameter (visit 2). The test substances were applied a second time, and the measurements were performed after another 24 h (visit 3).
The positive control, 1% vol/vol sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), caused a significant increase in skin erythema and TEWL. In contrast, distilled water as a negative control did not influence these parameters. The new bath oil containing St. John's wort extract and 1 of the other 2 commercial products were not different from the water control. The third bath oil displayed a skin-irritating effect similar to SLS.
The results of this study confirm the different skin-irritating potential of bath oils and demonstrate good skin tolerance of the new bath oil containing St. John's wort extract.
Skin pharmacology and physiology 08/2008; 21(6):306-11. · 2.92 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Pimecrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor used for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. We have shown previously that pimecrolimus cream is not effective on intact skin in the ultraviolet erythema test.
To test the anti-inflammatory effect of pimecrolimus cream after damage of the skin barrier by sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in a randomised, placebo-controlled, observer-blinded study.
SLS (3% v/v) was applied under occlusion on the back of 36 healthy volunteers for 24 h. Subsequently, the test areas were treated for 24 h with pimecrolimus cream, 1% hydrocortisone in a hydrophilic ointment, and the vehicle alone over three consecutive days. One control area remained untreated. The erythema index and the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) served as readout parameters to assess the SLS-induced skin irritation.
Pimecrolimus cream and 1% hydrocortisone cream significantly reduced the SLS-induced erythema. The two test preparations did not have a significant effect on the TEWL.
After damage to the skin barrier by SLS, pimecrolimus seems to penetrate into the skin as shown by a reduction of the irritation-induced erythma. These data further support the notion that pimecrolimus is selectively effective in the treatment of skin disorders with an impaired function of the epidermal barrier.
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 05/2008; 22(4):447-50. · 2.98 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Aloe vera is a natural product that is frequently used in soothing skin care products such as aftersun lotions. In the present study we aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory potential of a highly concentrated A. vera gel in the UV erythema test in vivo.
40 volunteers with skin types II and III were included in the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase III monocenter study. Test areas on the back were irradiated with the 1.5-fold minimal erythema dose of UVB. Subsequently, the test areas were treated occlusively on 2 subsequent days with A. vera gel (97.5%), the positive controls (0.25% prednicarbate, 1% hydrocortisone in placebo gel and 1% hydrocortisone cream) and a placebo gel. Erythema values were determined photometrically after 24 and 48 h.
A. vera gel (97.5%) significantly reduced UV-induced erythema after 48 h, being superior to 1% hydrocortisone in placebo gel. In contrast, 1% hydrocortisone in cream was more efficient than A. vera gel.
In this study after 48 h the A. vera gel (97.5%) displayed some anti-inflammatory effects superior to those of 1% hydrocortisone in placebo gel. The A. vera gel tested here might be useful in the topical treatment of inflammatory skin conditions such as UV-induced erythema.
Skin pharmacology and physiology 02/2008; 21(2):106-10. · 2.92 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Usnea barbata and its major constituent usnic acid are potent antimicrobial agents. Here, we have investigated anti-inflammatory properties of an U. barbata extract (UBE) containing 4% usnic acid in an ultraviolet-B (UVB) model with HaCaT keratinocytes. UVB irradiation induced PGE(2) production and COX-2 expression in a time and dose-dependent manner. UBE inhibited PGE(2) production at a half-maximal concentration of 60 microg/ml (2.4 microg/ml usnic acid) that did not affect the UVB-induced upregulation of COX-2, suggesting an effect on enzyme activity rather than on protein expression. The inhibition of PGE(2) production by UBE was not due to cytotoxicity. Besides its known antimicrobial properties, UBE displays specific UVB protective effects that might be useful in the topical treatment of UVB-mediated inflammatory skin conditions.
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B Biology 12/2007; 89(1):9-14. · 2.81 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: There is cumulative resistance against antibiotics of many bacteria. Therefore, the development of new antiseptics and antimicrobial agents for the treatment of skin infections is of increasing interest. We have screened six plant extracts and isolated compounds for antimicrobial effects on bacteria and yeasts with dermatological relevance. The following plant extracts have been tested: Gentiana lutea, Harpagophytum procumbens, Boswellia serrata (dry extracts), Usnea barbata, Rosmarinus officinalis and Salvia officinalis (supercritical carbon dioxide [CO2] extracts). Additionally, the following characteristic plant substances were tested: usnic acid, carnosol, carnosic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, harpagoside, boswellic acid and gentiopicroside. The extracts and compounds were tested against 29 aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and yeasts in the agar dilution test. U. barbata-extract and usnic acid were the most active compounds, especially in anaerobic bacteria. Usnea CO2-extract effectively inhibited the growth of several Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains - MRSA), Propionibacterium acnes and Corynebacterium species. Growth of the dimorphic yeast Malassezia furfur was also inhibited by Usnea-extract. Besides the Usnea-extract, Rosmarinus-, Salvia-, Boswellia- and Harpagophytum-extracts proved to be effective against a panel of bacteria. It is concluded that due to their antimicrobial effects some of the plant extracts may be used for the topical treatment of skin disorders like acne vulgaris and seborrhoic eczema.
Phytomedicine 09/2007; 14(7-8):508-16. · 3.27 Impact Factor
-
Der Hautarzt 07/2007; 58(6):538-40. · 0.58 Impact Factor
-
Der Hautarzt 05/2007; 58(4):343-6. · 0.58 Impact Factor
-
Der Hautarzt 03/2007; 58(4):343-346. · 0.58 Impact Factor
-
Der Hautarzt 01/2006; 56(12):1160-3. · 0.58 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: A 6-year-old patient presented with linear erythema and bullae on the face. The lesions developed after playing with plants the day before. The plant was identified as Euphorbia helioscopia L. (sun spurge). The sun spurge belongs to the Euphorbiaceae plant family. These plants produce a typical milky juice that causes toxic reactions following contact with skin and mucous membranes. In the literature several cases of toxic dermatitis caused by plants of the Euphorbiaeae family have been described. The most important differential diagnosis of these skin lesions is the bullous phototoxic dermatitis caused by psoralens. Plant-induced toxic dermatitis is of increasing importance in dermatology. The exact determination of the causative plants is a prerequisite for the diagnosis of phytodermatitis.
Der Hautarzt 11/2005; 56(10):955-7. · 0.58 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Wir berichten ber einen 6-jhrigen Patienten mit streifenfrmigen Rtungen und Blasen im Gesicht. Die Hautvernderungen waren durch Spielen mit Pflanzen am Vortag entstanden. Die Pflanze wurde als Euphorbia helioscopiaL. (Sonnenwend-Wolfsmilch) identifiziert. Euphorbia helioscopiaL. ist ein in Mitteleuropa weit verbreiteter Vertreter der Wolfsmilchgewchse. Typisch fr diese Pflanzen ist die Produktion eines Milchsaftes, der bei Kontakt mit der Haut und den Schleimhuten toxische Reaktionen hervorruft. In der Literatur sind vereinzelte Flle toxischer Dermatitiden durch Euphorbia-Gewchse beschrieben. Differenzialdiagnostisch muss bei klinischen Bildern wie dem hier vorgestellten insbesondere an eine bullse phototoxische Dermatitis gedacht werden. In der Dermatologie sind durch Pflanzen ausgelste toxische Reaktionen von zunehmender Bedeutung. Wie in diesem Fall lsst sich die Diagnose durch genaue Kenntnis der Pflanzen oft leicht stellen.A 6-year-old patient presented with linear erythema and bullae on the face. The lesions developed after playing with plants the day before. The plant was identified as Euphorbia helioscopia L. (sun spurge). The sun spurge belongs to the Euphorbiaceae plant family. These plants produce a typical milky juice that causes toxic reactions following contact with skin and mucous membranes. In the literature several cases of toxic dermatitis caused by plants of the Euphorbiaeae family have been described. The most important differential diagnosis of these skin lesions is the bullous phototoxic dermatitis caused by psoralens. Plant-induced toxic dermatitis is of increasing importance in dermatology. The exact determination of the causative plants is a prerequisite for the diagnosis of phytodermatitis.
Der Hautarzt 09/2005; 56(10):955-958. · 0.58 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Recent investigations suggest an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect of hyperforin, which is a major constituent of Hypericum perforatum L. (Saint John's wort).
In a half-side comparison study we assessed the efficacy of a cream containing Hypericum extract standardized to 1.5% hyperforin (verum) in comparison to the corresponding vehicle (placebo) for the treatment of subacute atopic dermatitis. The study design was a prospective randomized placebo-controlled double-blind single center study.
In twenty one patients suffering from mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (mean SCORAD 44.5) the treatment with verum or placebo was randomly allocated to the left or right site of the body, respectively. The patients were treated twice daily over a period of four weeks. Eighteen patients completed the study. The severity of the skin lesions on the left and right site was determined by means of a modified SCORAD-index (primary endpoint).
The intensity of the eczematous lesions improved on both sites of treatment. However, the Hypericum cream was significantly superior to the vehicle at all clinical visits (days 7, 14, 28) (p<0.05). Skin colonization with Staphylococcus aureus was reduced by both verum and placebo, showing a trend to better antibacterial activity of the Hypericum cream (p=0.064). Skin tolerance and cosmetic acceptability was good or excellent with both the Hypericum cream and the vehicle (secondary endpoints).
Hypericum cream was significantly superior to its vehicle in the topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. The therapeutic efficacy of the Hypericum cream should be evaluated in further studies with larger patient cohorts, in comparison to standard therapeutic agents (i.e. corticosteroids).
Der Hautarzt 03/2003; 54(3):248-53. · 0.58 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Saint John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a herbal remedy that is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. In traditional folk medicine, oily extracts of St. John's wort are used for topical treatment of wounds, burns and myalgia. The lipophilic phloroglucin-derivative hyperforin has antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects. These effects could be of relevance in topical treatment of infected wounds and other dermatoses, but no studies have been conducted so far. The naphtodianthrone hypericin is a photodtodynamic active substance that kills tumor cells via the induction of apoptosis. Hypericin also displays antiviral activity in vitro. In vivo, intravenous or oral treatment with hypericin of HIV-infected subjects did not result in a reduction of the virus load. Most of the patients treated with hypericin experienced phototoxicity. Similar phototoxic symptoms ("hypericism") have been observed in grazing animals ingesting large amounts of St. John's wort. In contrast, antidepressant medication with St. John's wort usually does not produce phototoxic symptoms. Recent pharmacokinetic studies suggest that the phototoxic threshold level of hypericin is not reached with dosages used for the oral treatment of depression. However, very recent reports demonstrated interactions of St. John's wort with other drugs such as digoxin, indinavir and cyclosporin. Blood levels of these drugs were dramatically decreased by St. John's wort. This should be considered in the treatment of skin conditions with antiviral drugs or cyclosporin.
Der Hautarzt 06/2002; 53(5):316-21. · 0.58 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Johanniskraut ist eine Pflanze mit nachgewiesener antidepressiver Wirksamkeit. Es enthält u. a. Hypericin und Hyperforin als
charakteristische Inhaltsstoffe. In der Volksmedizin wird Johanniskrautöl zur Behandlung von Kontusionen, Brandwunden und
Myalgien verwendet. Neuere Untersuchungen sprechen für eine antiinflammatorische Wirkung des Hyperforins. Aufgrund der antibakteriellen
und immunmodulierenden Wirkung ist eine Anwendung bei superinfizierten Dermatosen vorstellbar. Das Hypericin, eine photodynamisch
wirksame Substanz, wirkt auf Tumorzellen zytotoxisch, indem es in diesen Apoptose induziert. Außerdem ist Hypericin in vitro
antiviral wirksam. Neuere pharmakokinetische Studien und In-vitro-Untersuchungen sprechen dafür, dass die photosensibilisierende
Potenz antidepressiv wirksamer Johanniskrautpräparate gering ist. Dies trifft wahrscheinlich auch für topisch angewendete
Johanniskrautpräparate zu. Von größerer Bedeutung sind jüngste Beobachtungen von zum Teil schwerwiegenden Wechselwirkungen
zwischen Johanniskrautpräparaten und verschiedenen anderen Medikamenten. Dies sollte bei der Verordnung von antiviralen Medikamenten
und von Cyclosporin in der Dermatologie berücksichtigt werden.
Saint John's wort (Hypericum perforatum L.) is a herbal remedy that is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. In traditional folk medicine, oily
extracts of St. John's wort are used for topical treatment of wounds, burns and myalgia. The lipophilic phloroglucin-derivative
hyperforin has antibacterial and antiinflammatory effects. These effects could be of relevance in topical treatment of infected
wounds and other dermatoses, but no studies have been conducted so far. The naphtodianthrone hypericin is a photodynamic active
substance that kills tumor cells via the induction of apoptosis. Hypericin also displays antiviral activity in vitro. In vivo, intravenous or oral treatment with hypericin of HIV-infected subjects did not result in a reduction of the virus load. Most
of the patients treated with hypericin experienced phototoxicity. Similar phototoxic symptoms (“hypericism”) have been observed
in grazing animals ingesting large amounts of St. John's wort. In contrast, antidepressant medication with St. John's wort
usually does not produce phototoxic symptoms. Recent pharmacokinetic studies suggest that the phototoxic threshold level of
hypericin is not reached with dosages used for the oral treatment of depression. However, very recent reports demonstrated
interactions of St. John's wort with other drugs such as digoxin, indinavir and cyclosporin. Blood levels of these drugs were
dramatically decreased by St. John's wort. This should be considered in the treatment of skin conditions with antiviral drugs
or cyclosporin.
Der Hautarzt 04/2002; 53(5):316-321. · 0.58 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Herbal products are being used increasingly for medical or cosmetic purposes. Many cosmetics contain plant extracts for fragrance. Sensitizing plants in cosmetics are tea tree oil, arnica, chamomile, yarrow, citrus extracts, common ivy, aloe, lavender, peppermint, and others. However, the sensitizing potential of these plants varies. Most of the sensitizing substances are sesquiterpene lactones or terpenes. The present paper reviews the various forms of phytodermatitis, including irritant plant dermatitis, phototoxic and photo-allergic dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, and airborne contact dermatitis.
Der Hautarzt 03/2002; 53(2):93-7. · 0.58 Impact Factor
