ArticlePDF Available

Abstract and Figures

Some medicinal plants, which are known to produce allergic reactions, are also specifically used as antiinflammatory agents. Among the more relevant plants, we report species with cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic alcohol, geraniol, hydroxycitronellal, eugenol and isoeugenol are all potential allergens. In addition, fragrances, which are mixtures of small-molecular-weight compounds, may induce allergic contact dermatitis due to fragrance-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. Plants from the Asteraceae family used in folk medicine as anti-inflammatories can cause allergic contact dermatitis because of its content in sesquiterpene lactones, which have been reported as the antiinflammatory principles in this species. Species with flavonoids, iridoids, terpenoids and alkaloids have been described as inhibitors of contact dermatitis. Scrophularia auriculata, Poria cocos, Santolina chamaecyparissus, Ranunculus sceleratus and Helichrysum italicum all showed activity in different experimental protocols of contact dermatitis, thus justifying the potential use of these medicinal plants as anti-allergens and inhibitors of contact dermatitis reactions produced by allergens and chemicals. Hydroquinone derivatives such as 1-O-b-glucopyranosyl-2-(3'-hydroxymethyl-3'-methylallyl) hydroquinone and arbutin, flavonoids such as kaempferol, apigenin and genistein, sesquiterpene lactones such as helenalin, diterpenes such as triptonide, triterpenes such as tripterine and bryonolic acid, iridoids such as scrovalentinoside, alkaloids such as indirubin, dehydrocorydaline, magnoflorine hydroxide and phellodendrine acetate, and polysaccharides such as fucoidin have been reported as inhibitors of contact dermatitis reactions.
Content may be subject to copyright.
A preview of the PDF is not available
... This weed achieved a status of global significance as responsible for severe human health issues, such as contact dermatitis and respiratory distress. Apart from this, this invasive phase if persistent antigen exposure further continues to sensitize (2,19,20). Indeed, this immune response is mediated by involvement of a series of cellular and molecular mechanisms. Epidermal antigen presenting Langerhans cells, a family of dendritic cells and other cutaneous dendritic cells, transports the allergen from the skin to regional lymph nodes, where it presents the processed antigen to naïve T-lymphocytes (21). ...
... Furthermore, during the sensitization phase, contact allergens stimulate epidermal cells to synthesize and release pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1, which in turn promote Langerhans cells migration from the skin. The challenged skin sites reaction serves as a repository for proliferation of activated T-lymphocytes, that eventually produce effectors and memory cells which lead to development of cutaneous inflammation, and endows with rapid and specific responses upon re-exposure of sensitized antigens (20,46,47). The mechanism of pathogenesis involves a complex, intricate regulatory network of inflammation mediators, T regulatory and pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines released by various immune modulator cells (48). ...
Article
Full-text available
Parthenium dermatitis is a chronic immuno-inflammatory, distressing skin disease and is mediated by activated T-lymphocyte which is primarily manifested on the exposed sites of the face, neck, hand and flexures. Parthenium hysterophorus is ubiquitous, hence it is diffi-cult to avoid the aero-allergenic antigen parthenin, responsible for the contact dermatitis. The pathogenesis of parthenium dermatitis is characterized by infiltration of T-lymphocytes into challenged skin sites and the development of a cutaneous inflammation due to altered regulatory network of pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Regulation of inflammatory events perpetuated by cytokines continues to complicate efforts to analyze both the function of individual cytokine and the influence of candidate gene polymorphism on expression and disease severity. The genetic polymorphisms in these cytokines are significantly affecting immunological parameters and, subsequently, modulation and polarization of immune responses. This review has focused mainly on understanding of the mechanisms of genetic susceptibility of cytokine genes in this disease and, further, this process is likely to achieve significant advances in the diagnosis and management of parthenium dermatitis.
... Recent scientific research has recognized helichrysum essential oil for its antiaging properties, making it a popular ingredient in the field of cosmetology. Consequently, it has become an essential component in various antiaging products worldwide (Han et al., 2017;Combes et al., 2017;Rios et al., 2005). Studies have shown that helichrysum essential oil has beneficial properties for the skin, including its ability to heal wounds, cuts and burns due to its strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. ...
Article
Purpose The aim of this study was to prepare antibacterial capsules and transfer them to cotton fabrics using the impregnation method. Design/methodology/approach For this purpose, helichrysum oil was encapsulated by ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) using the kneading method at three different molar ratios. The products were then applied to 100% cotton fabric through the impregnation method. Findings Morphological assessment showed that the inclusion complex had smooth surfaces and spherical shapes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter analysis results confirmed the formation of the inclusion complex between ß-CD and the active agent at mole ratios of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 for helichrysum oil. According to the analyses, it was determined that the highest complexing rate was between 9.72% and 1:2 in capsules containing ß-CD:helichrysum oil and the sizes of particles which is 1:2 are determined to be between 2 and 25 µm. The presence of capsules on the fabrics was determined after 5 washing cycles. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. The antibacterial analysis results showed that the inclusion complex provided a reduction of over 96% against both S. aureus and E. coli bacteria, and the fabrics exhibited antibacterial effects even after 5 washing cycles. The major constituents of the oil were decreased after 5 washes, but significant peaks were remained according to the gas chromatography analyses. These results indicate that helichrysum oil can be used for its antibacterial properties, and it has been observed that this activity continues up to 5 washes when transferred to the fabric in the form of an inclusion complex. Originality/value Although helichrysum oil is widely used in cosmetics, there is a lack of studies on its application in textiles. Therefore, this study investigated the potential use of helichrysum oil, which has a wide range of applications, in textiles for its antibacterial properties through molecular encapsulation. The use of naturally sourced substances such as helichrysum oil in the textile industry can offer an environmental and sustainable alternative. This study can be considered as a step toward the development of innovative and naturally sourced antibacterial products in the textile industry.
... None of the samples showed phase separation under centrifugation indicating stability and good resistance to high stress conditions. The irritancy potential of B. saligna and H. odoratissimum was determined as natural products, such as plant extracts, have been reported to cause allergic reactions of the skin such as contact dermatitis and phytophoto-dermatitis (Rios et al., 2005). The maximum irritancy potential of the two plant extracts as well as the positive and negative controls, were calculated from the visual score where the SD value was added to the mean value of each of the tested samples (Fig. 2c). ...
Article
Full-text available
Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major contributing factor to the increasing number of skin cancer cases. Interest has grown to use plant extracts as natural ingredients in cosmetic formulations due to their photoprotective effect, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as other biological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of two South African plant extracts, Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet. and Buddleja saligna Willd., and to successfully incorporate these extracts into sunscreen formulations (o/w emulsions) due to their reported biological activity. Ethanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves and stems of H. odoratissimum and B. saligna and evaluated for their antioxidant activity, mutagenic potential and antiproliferative activity against human dermal fibroblasts (MRHF). The extracts were further characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thereafter, the extracts were incorporated into separate sunscreen formulations to evaluate the in vivo dermal irritancy potential, in vivo sun protection factor, in vitro UVA protection, photostability and long term stability of the formulation, to confirm that by incorporating the extracts, the stability or photoprotective effect of the sunscreen formulation was not reduced and that these formulation were considered safe for topical application. Three separate sunscreen formulations were prepared; the base sunscreen formulation (formulation A), the base sunscreen formulation containing B. saligna (formulation B) and H. odoratissimum (formulation C) respectively. Both extracts showed significant radical scavenging activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay with a fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 5.13 ± 0.07 and 8.16 ± 0.34 µg/mL for H. odoratissimum and B. saligna respectively. No mutagenic activity was observed when the extracts were tested in the Ames assay using Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100). The PrestoBlue® cell viability assay was used to determine the antiproliferative activity of the extracts against MRHF cells, both extracts showed an IC50 value >90 µg/mL. Photoprotective activity was measured using in vivo sun protection factor (SPF) test method according to South African (SANS 1557) and International (ISO 24444) standards as well as the in vitro UVA SPF testing procedure (ISO 24443). The SPF results showed that the formulations had broad-spectrum UV protection with SPF values of 15.8±0.41, 16.1±0.66 and 16.0±0.49 and UVAPF values of 6.47±0.06, 6.45±0.06 and 6.47±0.07 for formulation A, B and C respectively. Furthermore, the formulations remained stable under normal and extreme conditions and the plant extracts did not affect the photoprotective effect of the sunscreen formulations and contributed towards the formulations stability. Additionally, each of the formulations were photostable, whereas the formulations with the addition of the extracts showed an incremental increase in photostability when compared to the base formulation. Both these extracts have been previously reported to display antiproliferative activity against skin cancer cell lines (previously published data), with an IC50 value of 31.80 ± 0.35 µg/mL (human malignant melanoma, UCT-MEL-1) for B. saligna and IC50 values of 15.50 ± 0.20 (human epidermoid carcinoma, A431) and 55.50 ± 6.60 µg/mL (human malignant melanoma, A375) for H. odoratissimum, contributing towards the medicinal benefit of using these extracts as ingredients into sunscreen formulations. Therefore, Helichrysum odoratissimum and Buddleja saligna could be considered as useful and viable additives to sunscreen formulations due to their reported biological activity.
... Thus, these compounds can modulate different phases of the allergy process [2]. New possibilities in contact dermatitis therapy include new classes of immunomodulators, inhibitors of cellular metabolic activity, inhibitors of cell adhesion molecules, targeted skin application of regulatory cytokines, and neutralization of pro-inflammatory cytokines [3]. Medicinal plants have been included as alternative therapies for the treatment or prevention of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and other forms of inflammation. ...
Article
Objectives: Cynaroside (CYN) is the predominant derivative of luteolin in aerial parts of Bidens tripartita which has been used in folk medicine as a diaphoretic, diuretic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. In our study, alginate (ALG), which is an anionic polymer with bioadhesive properties, was used as a CYN carrier, and multiple hydrogel formulations were created. Additionally, the present study evaluated the in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities of all preparations. Methods: Novel gel formulations as topical carriers for CYN obtained from B. tripartita were developed and characterized. The bioadhesive properties of the designed preparations were also evaluated in an ex vivo model using the skin of hairless mice. In vitro CYN release from all formulations was examined and analysed by HPLC. Histopathological evaluation of mouse skin sections stained with H&E after carrageenan and oxazolone administration was also carried out. In addition, the influence of CYN on cell proliferation was examined by the PCNA staining method. Results: The results showed that 10 % CYN inhibited the release of anti-inflammatory mediators, and both tested concentrations, which included 5 % and 10 % (2 mg and 20 mg CYN per site, respectively), reduced oxazolone-induced ear swelling. Histopathological examination of the samples revealed a marked reduction in paw skin and ear tissue inflammation and in inflammatory infiltrates. The influence of CYN on cell proliferation was examined by the PCNA staining method, and the staining and distribution of PCNA-immunoreactive (PCNA-IR) cells were observed. After the application of the 5 % and 10 % hydrogels, the investigated samples showed decreased nuclear immunoreactivity to PCNA, which was similar to that of the control. Moreover, after application of the placebo formulation, fewer PCNA-IR cells were also observed. Conclusion: The obtained data suggest that the topical application of CYN significantly reduces the number of T cells, mast cells and histiocytes in mouse skin with inflammation or atopic dermatitis.
... The anti-inflammatory activity of arbutin has been well documented both in in vitro and in vivo. Arbutin can potentiate the effect of common antiinflammatory drugs such as indomethacin and corticosteroid (Rios et al., 2005). Another study indicated that anti-inflammatory effect of arbutin is mediated by decreasing the activity of phospholipase D, myeloperoxidase and elastase in 4β-phorbol-12β-myristate-13αacetate-stimulated neutrophils. ...
Article
Arbutin as a natural soluble glycosylated phenol possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of arbutin supplementation on seizures behavior, memory performance, glial activation, release of inflammatory factors and neuroprotection in pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling model. Chemical kindling was induced by repetitive injections of PTZ at subconvulsive doses (36 mg/kg). Arbutin at doses of 25 or 50 mg/kg was administrated intraperitoneally (i.p.), 10 days before PTZ injection and its application was continued 1 h before each PTZ injection. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to measure the arbutin content in hippocampus. After monitoring the behavioral signs of seizures, Morris water maze task was used to assess the spatial learning and memory of animals. Gene expression analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of arbutin on expression of inflammatory mediators and astrocyte activation. Furthermore, immunostaining was used to assess the protein levels of astrocytes and neurons in hippocampus. The results of HPLC analysis showed that high amount of arbutin can be detected in hippocampus of arbutin + PTZ receiving animals. The seizure behavioral manifestations and memory dysfunction were reduced by arbutin in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and GFAP were significantly downregulated in animals treated by arbutin. Additionally, the levels of astrocytes activation and neuronal damage were attenuated in arbutin treated animals. These results suggest that arbutin attenuates glial activation, memory impairment and release of inflammatory mediators in model of chronic epilepsy.
... Based on the availability of case studies, clinical and experimental data on humans and results of animal tests, showing that 1% or more of the exposed subjects reacted positively, helenalin was recognized as Category A significant contact allergen [53]. This side effect is one of the main reasons preventing helenalin from being developed as an anticancer or anti-inflammatory drug for internal use [54]. ...
Article
Sesquiterpene lactones, secondary metabolites of plants, present in a large number of species mostly from the Asteracea family, were used in the traditional medicine of many countries for the treatment of various pathological conditions. They exert a broad range of activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties. The best known sesquiterpene lactones which are already used as drugs or are in clinical trials are artemisinin, thapsigargin and parthenolide. Yet another sesquiterpene lactone, helenalin, an active component of Arnica montana, known for its strong anti-inflammatory activity, has been used for centuries in folk medicine to treat minor injuries. Unfortunately, helenalin's ability to cause allergic reactions and its toxicity to healthy tissues prevented so far the development of this sesquiterpene lactone as an anticancer or antiinflammatory drug. Recently, the new interest in the biological properties, as well as in the synthesis of helenalin analogs has been observed. This review describes helenalin's major biological activities, molecular mechanisms of action, its toxicity and potential for further research.
Article
The risk of atopic dermatitis (AD)-like skin lesions has increased due to the elevated levels of allergens worldwide. Natural-origin agents, which are effective and safe, show promise for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory conditions. Orostachys japonicus (OJ) A. Berger is an ingredient of traditional herbal medicines for fever, gingivitis, and cancer in Korea, China, and Japan. However, the effect of OJ on AD-like skin lesions is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effect of OJ ethanol extract (OJEE) on AD-like skin symptoms in mice and cells. OJEE reduced the 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced AD severity, serum levels of IgE and TARC, and mRNA levels of TARC, TNF-α, and IL-4 in NC/Nga mice. Histopathological analysis showed that OJEE reduced the thickness of the epidermis/dermis and dermal infiltration of inflammatory cells in ear tissue. Furthermore, OJEE suppressed the TNF-α/IFN-γ-increased TARC mRNA level by inhibiting NF-κB and STAT1 activation in HaCaT cells. Taken together, our findings show that OJEE reduced the risk of AD-like skin symptoms by decreasing TARC expression via inhibiting NF-κB and STAT1 activation in skin keratinocytes and thus shows promise as an alternative therapy for AD-like skin lesions.
Article
Full-text available
The current protocol was designed to evaluate and detect the new parameters of acne induction (Histological lesion), Acute Dermal Irritation and corrosion potential of a polyherbal nano emulsion (obtained from research and development of Venus Medicine Research Centre, Baddi, H.P, India) according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. Materials and Methods: Polyherbal drug, a new micro emulsion for topical use applied on the dorsal area of the trunk, has been developed as an anti-acne herbal nano-emulsion. Polyherbal drug’s active ingredients include herbal extracts of Melaleuca alternifolia oil, Rosmarinus officinalis oil, Mentha arvensis oil along with Citrus limon are tested for their antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. Serialise testing approach is recommended for developing scientifically sound data on the corrosivity/irritation of a new substance. Young healthy albino rabbits were used for the initial corrosivity/irritation study. If corrosive response was not found in the initial test, the irritant or negative response was confirmed using three additional animals each with one patch for an exposure period of four hours. Each animal served as its own control. After application of polyherbal emulsion the degree of irritation/corrosion and histological lesions were read and scored. Results: No severe erythema, oedema or any histological lesions were observed after polyherbal nanoemulsion application. The results revealed no irritation potential of polyherbal nanoemulsion. Conclusion: polyherbal nanoemulsion is safe formulation for topical use. Keywords: Acne, Polyherbal, OECD, Irritation, Corrosion
Article
Full-text available
Background: The exposure of human skin to leaves and branches of litre (Lithraea caustica), a Chilean endemic tree, induces a severe contact dermatitis characterized by swelling and pruritus in susceptible individuals. The allergenic priniciple of litre is 3-pentadecyl (10-enyl) catechol (litreol), which is structurally similar to the allergens isolated from poison oak and poison ivy. All of them belong to a family of compounds named urushiols. As a proelectrophilic allergen, litreol must be intracellularly activated before modifying proteins of individuals exposed to it. As a result, self-peptides derived from litreol-modified intracellular proteins would be presented in the context of class I MHC molecules. We hypothesized that CD8+ T lymphocytes would play a major role during the effector phase of the immune response induced by those modified peptides. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated the cellular immune response to litreol in Balb/cJ mice. The role of the different lymphocyte subpopulations in this response was assessed by immunodepleting mice of CD4+ or CD8+ T lymphocytes using specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We report the observation that the contact dermatitis induced by litreol has two components: a primary response which does not require TCRalpha beta+ T cells, and a secondary response mediated mainly by CD8+ T cells and regulated by CD4+ T cells. Our results show that CD8+ lymphocytes play a central role as effectors of the secondary response to litreol. Furthermore, our data suggest that two functionally different CD4+ T subpopulations serve as regulators of the CD8+ T cell function: a CD4+ T helper population sensitive to a low dose of the depleting mAb, and CD4+ T suppressor population which is eliminated only with a high dose of depleting mAb.
Article
The treatment of poison ivy dermatitis with jewel weed (Impatiens biflora, Impatiens pallida) is a common folk remedy, which dates back to native American medicine. We designed a double blind, randomized and controlled clinical trial in human volunteers to test the effect of jewel weed juice in preventing poison ivy dermatitis. Twenty-five subjects were enrolled and had three areas on their forearms exposed to poison ivy leaves. The exposed areas received one of three applications: jewel weed juice, saline, or no agent. The subjects were assessed at 48, 72 and 96 h for severity of dermatitis and symptoms. No significant differences were found between the three categories in severity of dermatitis or degree of symptoms. With this model, it appears that jewel weed is not effective in preventing poison ivy dermatitis.
Article
Boswellic acids (BA) demonstrated dose-related anti-inflammatory activity (AIA) in acute tests of carrageenan-, histamine- and dextran-induced edema in rats and mice. It elicited inhibitory action on vascular permeability in mice induced by acetic acid. Marked AIA was observed in chronic models of adjuvant-induced polyarthritis and formaldehyde arthritis in rats and bovine serum albumin-induced arthritis in rabbits. It produced significant protective effects in sodium urate gouty arthritis in dogs. BA reduced exudate volume and inhibited leucocyte migration in carrageenan-induced pleurisy in rats. It did not affect the parturition period in pregnant rats or castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats. It failed to exhibit any analgesic or ulcerogenic effects. BA elicited antipyretic activity in rats and rabbits. LD50 of BA was found to be greater than 2 g/kg in rats and mice when administered orally or intraperitoneally.
Article
The antiinflammatory activity of twelve medicinal plants used against skin disorders were tested in different experimental models of topical inflammation and one in vitro inhibitory test against phospholipase A2 (PLA2) from Naja naja venom. Forsythia suspensa was the most active species on the arachidonic acid (AA) topical test. This last species together with Astragalus membranaceus and Ranunculus sceleratus were the most active on the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) acute ear oedema test. Scrophularia auriculata was the most active on multiple topical applications of TPA and on the oxazolone-induced delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH). Santolina chamaecyparissus was the only species that inhibited PLA2in vitro. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Article
In the present study, the mechanism for the antigen formation of α, β-unsaturated ketones was investigated. A series of analogues of carvone ((5R)-5-isopropenyl-2-methyl-2-cyclohexenone) with altered chemical reactivity and with retained overall structure or with retained reactivity and altered three-dimensional structure were synthesized. These analogues were tested for cross-reactivity in carvone-sensitized animals. Cross-reactivity was observed for analogue 3 ((5R)-5-isopropyl-2-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one). No cross-reactions were observed for analogues 1 ((2R,5R)-5-isopropenyl-2-methyl cyclohexanone) and 4 ((5R)-2,3-dimethyl-5-isopropenyl-2-cyclohexene-1-one). Both those compounds also failed to induce sensitization. These findings demonstrate that α, β-unsaturated ketones form antigens after a nucleophilic attack at the β-carbon with soft nucleophiles such as thiol in cysteine and not with the formation of a Schiff’s base after a nucleophilic attack at the carbonyl carbon with nitrogen nucleophiles. Furthermore, no cross-reactivity was observed between R- and S-carvone indicating the importance of the 3-dimensional structure of haptens (and antigens) in T-cell recognition. The analogues were also tested for cross-reactivity on patients allergic to carvone. The results from the animal study were confirmed.
Article
Lithraea caustica, or litre, a tree of the Anacardiaceae family that is endemic to the central region of Chile, induces a severe contact dermatitis in susceptible human beings. The allergen was previously isolated and characterized as a 3-(pentadecyl-10-enyl) catechol, a molecule belonging to the urushiol group of allergens isolated from poison ivy and poison oak plants. Because urushiols are pro-electrophilic haptens, it is believed that the reactive species are generated intracellularly by skin keratinocytes and Langerhans cells. The active species are presumed to modify self proteins which, after proteolytic processing, would generate immunogenic peptides carrying the hapten. The presence of a 15-carbon-length hydrophobic chain should impair antigen presentation of self-modified peptides by class I MHC molecules, either by steric hindrance or by limiting their sorting to the ER lumen. We have proposed that the shortening of the aliphatic chain by beta-oxidation within peroxisomes and/or mitochondria should be a requirement for the antigen presentation process. To test this hypothesis we investigated the effect of drugs that modify the fatty acid metabolism on urushiol-induced contact dermatitis in mice. Clofibrate, a peroxisomal proliferator in mice, increased the immune response to the urushiols from litre by 50%. Conversely, tetradecyl glycidic acid, an inhibitor of the uptake of fatty acids by mitochondria, decreased the hypersensitivity to the hapten. An increase in the level in glutathione by treatment of the animals with 2-oxotiazolidin-4-carboxilic acid lowered the response. Those findings strongly support a role for the fatty acid oxidative metabolism in the processing and activation of urushiols in vivo.