Herbal Science Research - skin

Ethnobotanical tattooing of the gingiva: literature review and report of a case.

Site Editor — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 18:13:52 -0700

Ethnobotanical tattooing of the gingiva: literature review and report of a case.: J Am Dent Assoc. 2007 Aug;138(8):1097-101 Authors: Brooks JK, Reynolds MA

BACKGROUND: Traditional gingival tattooing, practiced in Ethiopia and occasionally in other African and Middle Eastern nations, is performed for esthetic appeal or superstition, and it occasionally may be used as a homeopathic remedy for dental diseases. The authors provide a literature review and case report of this oral custom. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old woman from Ethiopia reported that she had undergone tattooing of the maxillary gingiva six years previously for analgesic management of undisclosed oral disease. The gingiva was pierced with a needle, tipped with lantern soot and resin from the plant Datura stramonium (an herb that possesses potent anticholinergic tropane alkaloids and has demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity). However, the patient admitted that this procedure had provided no reduction in the pain. Clinical examination was significant for a pronounced blue pigmentation of the maxillary gingiva, generalized mild periodontitis and several carious lesions. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Practitioners should ascertain whether gingival tattooing had been performed when patients manifest unusual oral pigmentation and be aware of its use in folk medicine for various oral conditions.

PMID: 17670877 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Wound healing activity of Matricaria recutita L. extract.

Site Editor — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 05:28:53 -0700

Wound healing activity of Matricaria recutita L. extract.: J Wound Care. 2007 Jul;16(7):298-302 Authors: Nayak BS, Raju SS, Rao AV

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the wound healing activity of M. recutita (chamomile) extract in rats. METHOD: Wound healing activity was determined using excision, incision and dead space wound models.The animals were divided into two groups of six for each model: animals in the test group were treated with the aqueous extract of M. recutita (120mg/kg/day), which was mixed in their drinking water. Animals in the control group were maintained with plain drinking water. Healing was assessed by the rate of wound contraction, period of epithelialisation, wound-breaking strength, granulation tissue weight and hydoxyproline content.Antimicrobial activity of the extract against various microorganisms was assessed. RESULTS: On day 15 animals in the test group exhibited a greater reduction in the wound area when compared with the controls (61 % versus 48%), faster epithelialisation and a significantly higher wound-breaking strength (p<0.002). In addition, wet and dry granulation tissue weight and hydroxyproline content were significantly higher. CONCLUSION: The increased rate of wound contraction, together with the increased wound-breaking strength, hydroxyproline content and histological observations, support the use of M. recutita in wound management. However, this needs to be studied further before it can be considered for clinical use.

PMID: 17708380 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of curcuminoids in oral lichen planus.

Site Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 19:01:00 -0700

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of curcuminoids in oral lichen planus.: Phytomedicine. 2007 Aug;14(7-8):437-46 Authors: Chainani-Wu N, Silverman S, Reingold A, Bostrom A, Mc Culloch C, Lozada-Nur F, Weintraub J

We studied the efficacy of curcuminoids in the treatment of oral lichen planus (OLP), a chronic, mucocutaneous, immunological disease. Curcuminoids are components of turmeric (Curcuma longa) that have anti-inflammatory activity. Turmeric has been used in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine) for centuries. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. In all, 100 consecutive, eligible patients with OLP presenting to the oral medicine clinic at the University of California, San Francisco, were to be selected. Two interim analyses were to be conducted during the trial. The trial was conducted between February 2003 and September 2004. The first interim analysis was conducted in October 2004 using data from the first 33 subjects. Study subjects were randomized to receive either placebo or curcuminoids at 2000 mg/day for 7 weeks. In addition, all subjects received prednisone at 60 mg/day for the first 1 week. The primary outcome was a change in symptoms from baseline. Secondary outcomes were changes in clinical signs and occurrence of side effects. The first interim analysis did not show a significant difference between the placebo and curcuminoids groups. Conditional power calculations suggested a less than 2% chance that the curcuminoids group would have a significantly better outcome as compared with the placebo group if the trial were continued to completion. Therefore, the study was ended early for futility. Reaching a conclusion regarding the efficacy of curcuminoids based on the results of this study is not possible as it was ended early for futility. Curcuminoids at this dose were well tolerated and the results suggest that for future studies a larger sample size, a higher dose and/or longer duration of curcuminoids administration should be considered; however, for the next step, an RCT of a shorter duration, using a higher dose of curcuminoids, and without an initial course of prednisone, should be considered.

PMID: 17604143 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[...] oleuropein [...] proteasome stimulatory properties in vitro and confers life span extension of human embryonic fibroblasts

Site Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:58:06 -0700

The olive constituent oleuropein exhibits proteasome stimulatory properties in vitro and confers life span extension of human embryonic fibroblasts.: Rejuvenation Res. 2007 Jun;10(2):157-72 Authors: Katsiki M, Chondrogianni N, Chinou I, Rivett AJ, Gonos ES

Normal human fibroblasts undergo replicative senescence due to both genetic and environmental factors. Senescence and aging can be further accelerated by exposure of cells to a variety of oxidative agents that contribute among other effects to the accumulation of damaged proteins. The proteasome, a multicatalytic nonlysosomal protease, has impaired function during aging, while its increased expression delays senescence in human fibroblasts. The aim of this study was to identify natural compounds that enhance proteasome activity and exhibit antiaging properties. We demonstrate that oleuropein, the major constituent of Olea europea leaf extract, olive oil and olives, enhances the proteasome activities in vitro stronger than other known chemical activators, possibly through conformational changes of the proteasome. Moreover, continuous treatment of early passage human embryonic fibroblasts with oleuropein decreases the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduces the amount of oxidized proteins through increased proteasome-mediated degradation rates and retains proteasome function during replicative senescence. Importantly, oleuropein-treated cultures exhibit a delay in the appearance of senescence morphology and their life span is extended by approximately 15%. In summary, these data demonstrate the beneficial effect of oleuropein on human fibroblasts undergoing replicative senescence and provide new insights towards enhancement of cellular antioxidant mechanisms by natural compounds that can be easily up-taken through normal diet.

PMID: 17518699 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).

Site Editor — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 18:49:37 -0700

Human hair growth enhancement in vitro by green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).: Phytomedicine. 2007 Aug;14(7-8):551-5 Authors: Kwon OS, Han JH, Yoo HG, Chung JH, Cho KH, Eun HC, Kim KH

Green tea is a popular worldwide beverage, and its potential beneficial effects such as anti-cancer and anti-oxidant properties are believed to be mediated by epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major constituent of polyphenols. Recently, it was reported that EGCG might be useful in the prevention or treatment of androgenetic alopecia by selectively inhibiting 5alpha-reductase activity. However, no report has been issued to date on the effect of EGCG on human hair growth. This study was undertaken to measure the effect of EGCG on hair growth in vitro and to investigate its effect on human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in vivo and in vitro. EGCG promoted hair growth in hair follicles ex vivo culture and the proliferation of cultured DPCs. The growth stimulation of DPCs by EGCG in vitro may be mediated through the upregulations of phosphorylated Erk and Akt and by an increase in the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Similar results were also obtained in in vivo dermal papillae of human scalps. Thus, we suggest that EGCG stimulates human hair growth through these dual proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects on DPCs.

PMID: 17092697 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Ethnopharmacological approaches to wound healing-Exploring medicinal plants of India.

Site Editor — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 17:16:03 -0700

Ethnopharmacological approaches to wound healing-Exploring medicinal plants of India.: J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 Aug 12; Authors: Kumar B, Vijayakumar M, Govindarajan R, Pushpangadan P

India has a rich tradition of plant-based knowledge on healthcare. A large number of plants/plant extracts/decoctions or pastes are equally used by tribals and folklore traditions in India for treatment of cuts, wounds, and burns. The present review thus attempts to analyze the ethnobotanical knowledge base for treatment of cuts and wounds which includes a usage of plants, methods employed by tribals and folklore practices prevailing in India. Pharmacological reports available on Indian medicinal plants employing various wound healing models and its underlying molecular mechanism, wherever available, has also been briefly reviewed. This pharmacological validation on Indian medicinal plants is very limited and a large number of plants used in tribal and folklore with enormous potential have not been validated for their wound healing activity. This review therefore attempts to bridge the lacunae in the existing literature and offers immense scope for researchers engaged in validation of the traditional claims and development of safe and effective and globally accepted herbal drugs for cuts and wounds.

PMID: 17884316 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya.

Site Editor — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 05:17:53 -0700

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya.:

Ethnotherapeautic management of skin diseases among the Kikuyus of Central Kenya.

J Ethnopharmacol. 2007 May 4;111(2):303-7

Authors: Njoroge GN, Bussmann RW

Skin health is increasingly becoming an important aspect of primary health care among many communities particularly because of the increased challenge of HIV-AIDS, skin conditions being among the common opportunistic diseases in immuno-compromised individuals. This study investigated the use of traditional remedies in managing various skin conditions in the Central Province of Kenya. Fifty-seven plant species in 31 families were identified as regularly utilized. Of these plants 27 species had a frequency of three and above. Some of the highly utilized plant species include: Croton megalocarpus Hutch., Senna didymobotrya (Fresen.) Irwin & Barneby, Vernonia lasiopus O. Hoffm., Croton macrostachyus Del. and Aloe secundifolia Engl. In the majority of the cases the sap or occasionally the latex was applied directly on the affected areas. In other cases the plant parts were heated and used as poultice. Only in few conditions were the plant parts boiled and the extract used for washing affected areas, probably acting as antiseptic. This study found that 14 skin conditions were commonly managed using herbal preparations. Of these conditions nine (9) had informant consensus of 0.5 and above, with the highest consensus found in management of swellings and skin sores. Soils were also cited as an important non-plant resource for management of skin conditions especially those associated with measles. Since most skin conditions are caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, the medicinal plants and other resources reported in this study form a justifiable basis for antimicrobial trials, pharmacological and phytochemical analysis, with promising results.

PMID: 17207950 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Cutaneous vasculitis in two patients taking an herbal supplement containing black cohosh.

Site Editor — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 00:08:27 -0700

Cutaneous vasculitis in two patients taking an herbal supplement containing black cohosh.: J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 May;56(5 Suppl):S124-6 Authors: Ingraffea A, Donohue K, Wilkel C, Falanga V

PMID: 17434040 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth-promoting activity.

Site Editor — Wed, 30 May 2007 01:10:14 -0700

Development and evaluation of polyherbal formulation for hair growth-promoting activity.: J Cosmet Dermatol. 2007 Jun;6(2):108-12 Authors: Roy RK, Thakur M, Dixit VK

Background Cuscuta reflexa (Roxb.), Citrullus colocynthis (Schrad.), and Eclipta alba (Hassk.) are traditionally acclaimed herbs for their hair growth-promoting potential. Aim In the present study, it was envisaged to prepare herbal formulations containing petroleum ether extracts of the three herbs in varying ratio and evaluating the formulations for the hair growth-promoting activity. Methods The formulations as well as minoxidil (2%) solution (positive control) were applied topically on shaved skin of rats, and the time required for initiation and completion of hair growth cycle was recorded. Results and conclusions Hair growth initiation time was markedly reduced to one third on treatment with the prepared formulation compared with control animals. The time required for complete hair growth was also reduced by 32%. Quantitative analysis of hair growth cycle after treatment with formulations and minoxidil (2%) exhibited greater number of hair follicles in anagenic phase compared with control. The results thus corroborate with the traditionally acclaimed hair growth-promoting capabilities of the plants. The prepared formulation also holds potential for treatment of alopecia.

Down-regulation of melanin synthesis and transfer by paeonol and its mechanisms.

Site Editor — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:47:09 -0800

Down-regulation of melanin synthesis and transfer by paeonol and its mechanisms.: Am J Chin Med. 2007;35(1):139-51 Authors: Xie SH, Chen ZQ, Ma PC

Down-regulation of melanin synthesis and\or melanin transfer are\is required for recovery of pigmentary disorders. It is known that direct inhibitors of tyrosinase, the key enzyme in melanin synthesis, such as hydroquinone with a phenol structure, suppress melanin synthesis. We screened some herbal monomers using human melanocytes and found that paeonol, a major phenolic component of Moutan Cortex, down-regulated melanin synthesis. The melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity were inhibited by paeonol in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of tyrosinase mRNA and protein were also reduced by paeonol. We further studied the inhibitory effects of paeonol on melanin transfer in co-culture of melanocytes and keratinocytes. More than 50% of inhibition of melanin transfer was observed at concentration of 200 muM of paeonol and the increased melanin transfer induced by SLIGRL, the PAR-2 activating peptide, was also reduced by paeonol. However, paeonol did not influence the expression level of PAR-2 mRNA in co-culture cells. These results indicate that the depigmenting effect of paeonol might be due to its down-regulation of melanogenesis and melanin transfer.

Successful treatment of pediatric psoriasis with Indigo naturalis composite ointment.

Site Editor — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 16:39:27 -0800

Successful treatment of pediatric psoriasis with Indigo naturalis composite ointment.: Pediatr Dermatol. 2006 Sep-Oct;23(5):507-10 Authors: Lin YK, Yen HR, Wong WR, Yang SH, Pang JH

The treatment of psoriasis in children is still an intractable problem and demands a long-term therapy with prolonged efficacy that is free from serious adverse events. Many modes of therapy are currently in use but the disease is often resistant to treatment owing to the unacceptable toxicity that leads to poor compliance. Therefore, to develop an alternative treatment is indispensable. Traditional Chinese medicine has been documented for over 1000 years to provide various effective treatments for inflammatory skin diseases. Herein, we report an 8-year-old boy with recalcitrant pediatric psoriasis who, after multiple treatment failures with conventional antipsoriatic medications, showed remarkable clinical improvement with 8 weeks of topical treatment with Indigo naturalis composite ointment. Remission has lasted for over 2 years until now. Our patient's response suggests that topical Indigo naturalis composite ointment may provide a safe and effective alternative treatment for pediatric psoriasis.

Effect of glutathione on arecanut treated normal human buccal fibroblast culture.

Site Editor — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:08:42 -0800

Effect of glutathione on arecanut treated normal human buccal fibroblast culture.: Indian J Dent Res. 2006 Jul-Sep;17(3):104-10 Authors: Saraswathi TR, Sheeba T, Nalinkumar S, Ranganathan K

BACKGROUND: Experimental studies have shown arecanut to be a cytotoxic substance with mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of glutathione on arecanut treated human buccal fibroblast culture and its potential as a chemopreventive agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fibroblast culture was done in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium MEM) supplemented with 10% Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) and antibiotic at 370C degrees in an atmosphere of 5% carbon di-oxide and 95% air. The fibroblast cells were subjected to different concentrations of aqueous extracts of raw and boiled arecanut. Fibroblasts were plated in two 24-well culture plates and in each plate, cells were dividt,ednto 2 groups; 600gg microml of reduced glutathione was added to the first group of cells; subsequently, aqueous extracts of raw and boiled arecanut at least and highest concentrations i.e., 20j. microml and 100lg microml were added to the first group of cells in the respective plates whereas the second group served as a control. The morphological alterations and cell survival were assayed at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Results Morphologically, the initial (10 hours) attached fibroblast cells were converted from spheroidal shape towards hexagonal and finally to a fully extended spindle shaped configuration. The three morphological types of fibroblasts at 48 hours were F-I, F-II and F-III. Aqueous extract of raw arecanut exhibited significant cytotoxicity (p < .0 001) at all time periods studied, when compared against the control values of untreated fibroblasts. Addition of reduced glutathione to cultures showed a significant (p < 0. 001) reduction in cytotoxicity, as indicated by higher optical density values and morphological reversion to the spindle-shaped configuration. CoCONCLUSION:Addition of glutathione reduced the cytotoxic and morphological alterations of the fibroblasts treated with aqueous extracts of both raw and boiled arecanut.

The effects of tea extracts on proinflammatory signaling.

Site Editor — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 19:02:59 -0800

The effects of tea extracts on proinflammatory signaling.: BMC Med. 2006;4:28 Authors: Pajonk F, Riedisser A, Henke M, McBride WH, Fiebich B

BACKGROUND: Skin toxicity is a common side effect of radiotherapy for solid tumors. Its management can cause treatment gaps and thus can impair cancer treatment. At present, in many countries no standard recommendation for treatment of skin during radiotherapy exists. In this study, we explored the effect of topically-applied tea extracts on the duration of radiation-induced skin toxicity. We investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms and compared effects of tea extracts with the effects of epigallocatechin-gallate, the proposed most-active moiety of green tea. METHODS: Data from 60 patients with cancer of the head and neck or pelvic region topically treated with green or black tea extracts were analyzed retrospectively. Tea extracts were compared for their ability to modulate IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8, TNFalpha and PGE2 release from human monocytes. Effects of tea extracts on 26S proteasome function were assessed. NF-kappaB activity was monitored by EMSAs. Viability and radiation response of macrophages after exposure to tea extracts was measured by MTT assays. RESULTS: Tea extracts supported the restitution of skin integrity. Tea extracts inhibited proteasome function and suppressed cytokine release. NF-kappaB activity was altered by tea extracts in a complex, caspase-dependent manner, which differed from the effects of epigallocatechin-gallate. Additionally, both tea extracts, as well as epigallocatechin-gallate, slightly protected macrophages from ionizing radiation CONCLUSION: Tea extracts are an efficient, broadly available treatment option for patients suffering from acute radiation-induced skin toxicity. The molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects are complex, and most likely not exclusively dependent on effects of tea polyphenols such as epigallocatechin-gallate.

Treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis with topical Alchemilla vulgaris in glycerine.

Site Editor — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:57:01 -0800

Treatment of Aphthous Stomatitis with topical Alchemilla vulgaris in glycerine.: Clin Drug Investig. 2006;26(10):567-73 Authors: Shrivastava R, John GW

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Recurrent aphthous ulceration is the most common oral mucosal disease known. It presents as three types: minor (most prevalent), major and herpetiform. However, there are no well established effective and reliable treatments of this condition. Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady's Mantle) has traditionally been used in oral hygiene and was recently shown to accelerate wound healing when used in combination with glycerine. The objective of this study was to determine whether this combination is effective in the treatment of the most prevalent form of aphthous ulcers. METHODS: An open-label study was conducted in 48 otherwise healthy male and female patients aged 4-44 years to determine the putative healing properties and tolerability of a standard 3% extract of A. vulgaris in glycerine (Aphtarine) on common minor oral ulcers. Patients with major or herpetiform ulcers were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Topical application three times daily of Aphtarine gel to minor mouth ulcers relieved discomfort and produced complete healing in the majority of patients (60.4%) within 2 days and in 75% within 3 days, compared with 10.4% and 33.3%, respectively, without treatment and 15% and 40%, respectively, with commonly available treatments. Most patients appreciated the product's ease of application, taste and texture. Aphtarine was well tolerated locally and most patients rated the product good to excellent overall. CONCLUSION: Aphtarine is a safe, well tolerated and highly effective promising new treatment for healing common mouth ulcers.

LOXL as a target to increase the elastin content in adult skin: a dill extract induces the LOXL gene expression.

Site Editor — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:45:38 -0800

LOXL as a target to increase the elastin content in adult skin: a dill extract induces the LOXL gene expression.: Exp Dermatol. 2006 Aug;15(8):574-81 Authors: Cenizo V, André V, Reymermier C, Sommer P, Damour O, Perrier E

The lysyl oxidases lysyl oxidase (LOX) and lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) are responsible for elastin cross-linking. It was shown recently that LOXL is essential for the elastic fibres homeostasis and for their maintenance at adult age. We first determined whether or not elastin, LOX and LOXL are less expressed during adulthood. The LOX and LOXL mRNA level, quantified by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction decreased in adult skin fibroblasts compared with fibroblasts from children. In contrast, the elastin mRNA level remains stable at all ages. The goal of this study was to induce elastogenesis at the adult age. Therefore, both enzymes, and in particular LOXL, of which expression is the most affected by age, could be targeted to induce elastogenesis in adult skin. We screened a library of about 1000 active ingredients to find activators capable to stimulate specifically the LOXL gene expression in adult dermal fibroblasts. The positive effect of selected active ingredients was confirmed on fibroblasts grown on monolayers and on dermal and skin equivalent cultures. One extract, obtained from dill (LYS'LASTINE V, Engelhard, Lyon, France), stimulates the LOXL gene expression in dermal equivalents (+64% increase in the LOXL mRNA level when compared with control). At the same time, the elastin detection is increased in dermal equivalents and under the dermal-epidermal junction of skin equivalents, without increase of the elastin mRNA. In conclusion, LOXL can be considered as a new target to reinduce elastogenesis. Its stimulation by a dill extract is correlated with increased elastin detection, suggesting an increase in elastogenesis efficiency.

Inhibitory effect of 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid on 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate-induced cutaneous oxidative stress...

Site Editor — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 18:22:42 -0700

Inhibitory effect of 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid on 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate-induced cutaneous oxidative stress and tumor promotion in mice.: Redox Rep. 2005;10(3):151-7 Authors: Agarwal MK, Iqbal M, Athar M

Glycyrrhetinic acid is an aglycone of glycyrrhizic acid, another major active component of licorice roots. Licorice root extract has been used for a long time as a medicine and a natural sweetening additive. In the present study, we found that glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) mediated oxidative stress and tumor promotion in murine skin. Topical application of TPA alone in mouse skin enhances ornithine decarboxylase activity and also increases [3H]-thymidine incorporation in DNA. Topical application of TPA also resulted in the depletion of glutathione, activities of glutathione metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes. Application of glycyrrhetinic acid prior to TPA treatment reduces this enhanced ODC activity, [3H]-thymidine incorporation in DNA and oxidative stress. Glycyrrhetinic acid was also found to inhibit DMBA/TPA-induced skin tumor formation at doses of 1.25 and 2.5 mg by reducing the number of tumors per mouse by 24% (P < 0.05) and 62% (P < 0.05), respectively. These results suggest that glycyrrhetinic acid, an antioxidant, is a potential chemopreventive agent that can inhibit DMBA/TPA-induced cutaneous oxidative stress and tumor promotion.

Protective effects of tea polyphenols and caffeine.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:24:12 -0700

Protective effects of tea polyphenols and caffeine.: Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2005 Dec;5(6):1061-8 Authors: Camouse MM, Hanneman KK, Conrad EP, Baron ED

Compounds derived from botanical sources, such as polyphenols from tea, have been of interest as possible therapeutic agents. Their benefits in terms of cancer chemoprevention have also been investigated primarily through in vitro and animal in vivo studies. Ultraviolet light from solar radiation has been proven to initiate and promote skin cancer, which is the most common malignancy in light-skinned populations. This review discusses the effects of tea polyphenols in preventing cutaneous carcinogenesis. Although many of the mechanisms and pathways discussed may be applicable to other carcinogens, this review focuses mainly on those related to ultraviolet light-induced processes and potential action sites for tea polyphenols. Since caffeine is a component of tea, and has also been suggested as a possible chemoprotective agent, it is included in this review. Based on data from numerous studies published in the scientific literature, tea polyphenols are promising chemopreventive agents against ultraviolet-induced skin cancers. Their antioxidant properties, inhibitory effects on signal transduction pathways, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and capacity for apoptosis induction, as well as possible immune protective effects, are among the mechanisms that contribute to skin cancer prevention.

Can St John's wort (hypericin) ingestion enhance the erythemal response during high-dose ultraviolet A1 therapy?

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 07:23:37 -0700

Can St John's wort (hypericin) ingestion enhance the erythemal response during high-dose ultraviolet A1 therapy?: Br J Dermatol. 2005 Dec; 153(6): 1187-91 Beattie PE, Dawe RS, Traynor NJ, Woods JA, Ferguson J, Ibbotson SH

BACKGROUND: St John's wort (SJW) is widely used as a treatment for depression. A phototoxic reaction, due to its content of hypericin, can occur in animals and in cell culture, and has been reported in humans. Hypericin displays absorption within the ultraviolet (UV) A1 spectrum and there may therefore be a potential for phototoxicity if taken during high-dose UVA1 therapy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the phototoxicity risk of SJW ingestion. METHODS: Eleven adult volunteers of skin types I and II were exposed to a geometric dose series of UVA1 irradiation from a high-output source (Dermalight Ultra 1; Dr Hönle, Martinsreid, Germany; irradiance 70-77 mW cm(-2)) on the photoprotected lower back skin at eight 1.5-cm(2) test areas. Irradiation was carried out at baseline and after 10 days of SJW extract 1020 mg (equivalent to 3000 microg of hypericin) daily. Four, 8, 24 and 48 h after each exposure, the minimal erythema dose (MED) and the presence or absence of pigmentation were recorded visually and erythema was assessed objectively with an erythema meter. RESULTS: The median MED and D(0.025), an objective measure of MED, were lower at all time-points after SJW ingestion. The visual erythemal peak (lowest median MED), which was seen at 8 h postirradiation, was lower after SJW (median 14 J cm(-2), range 10-56) than at baseline (median 20 J cm(-2), range 14-56) (P = 0.047). Similarly, the median D(0.025) at 8 h postirradiation was lower after SJW (median 22.0 J cm(-2), range 15.2-53.9) than at baseline (median 33.7 J cm(-2), range 22.9-136.0) (P = 0.014). The MED and D(0.025) were also significantly different at the 48-h and 4-h time-points, respectively. Significance was not reached at the 24-h time-point. Median intensity of postirradiation erythema increased at all time-points after ingestion of SJW. Despite these differences, the maximum slope of the dose-response curve was not increased after SJW ingestion. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that SJW extract has the potential to lower the erythemal threshold to UVA1 irradiation in a significant proportion of individuals and highlight the importance of ascertaining a full drug history, including herbal remedies, before initiating UVA1 phototherapy.

Novel approaches to radiotherapy-induced skin reactions: A literature review.

Site Editor — Fri, 09 Jun 2006 03:05:04 -0700

Novel approaches to radiotherapy-induced skin reactions: A literature review. - Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2005 Nov;11(4):224-231 Authors: Maddocks-Jennings W, M Wilkinson J, Shillington D

Patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment will receive some degree of skin damage. Internationally there are many preventative and treatment options recommended, with varying degrees of evidence of success. This review explores the possible benefits of various plant-based treatments within the context of other novel treatments. The evidence suggests that using a hydrophilic substance such as Aloe vera gel or vegetable oil that is high in essential fatty acids, is as effective as mild steroid creams such as 1% hydrocortisone in reducing the severity of reactions. Additionally with plant-based treatments there does not appear to be side effects such as may occur with steroids. There remains great scope for further studies either replicating some of these current studies or exploring other options such as the use of essential oils or other herbal extracts.

Efficacy of aloe vera cream in prevention and treatment of sunburn and suntan.

Site Editor — Wed, 07 Jun 2006 10:33:27 -0700

Efficacy of aloe vera cream in prevention and treatment of sunburn and suntan.: J Med Assoc Thai. 2005 Sep;88 Suppl 4:S173-6 Authors: Puvabanditsin P, Vongtongsri R

The efficacy of aloe vera cream in prevention of burn and tan from ultraviolet were studied in 20 volunteers. The minimal erythema dose of 20 volunteers were tested. The mean MED was 40-60 mj. The well preserved containing 70% of aloe vera cream. The aloe vera cream was applied randomized double blind technique on the test sites 30 minutes before, immediately after, or both before and after then the serial ultraviolet UVB 40,50,60,70,80 mj were radiated. MED reading at 24 hour for sunburn evaluation. Erythema and pigmentation were evaluated by visual grading 1-4 score. The aloe vera cream was continuing applied at the test sites twice daily for the the next three weeks. The results showed that the aloe vera cream has no sunburn or suntan protection and no efficacy in sunburn treatment when compared to placebo. The aloe vera cream has no bleaching effect too.

Melanogenesis stimulation in murine B16 melanoma cells by Kava (Piper methysticum) rhizome extract and kavalactones.

Site Editor — Sun, 28 May 2006 22:46:22 -0700

Melanogenesis stimulation in murine B16 melanoma cells by Kava (Piper methysticum) rhizome extract and kavalactones.: Biol Pharm Bull. 2006 Apr;29(4):834-7 Authors: Matsuda H, Hirata N, Kawaguchi Y, Naruto S, Takata T, Oyama M, Iinuma M, Kubo M

Melanogenesis stimulation activity of aqueous ethanolic extracts obtained from several different parts of five Piper species, namely Piper longum, P. kadsura, P. methysticum, P. betle, and P. cubeba, were examined by using cultured murine B16 melanoma cells. Among them, the extract of P. methysticum rhizome (Kava) showed potent stimulatory effect on melanogenesis as well as P. nigrum leaf extract. Activity-guided fractionation of Kava extract led to the isolation of two active kavalactones, yangonin (2) and 7,8-epoxyyangonin (5), along with three inactive kavalactones, 5,6-dehydrokawain (1), (+)-kawain (3) and (+)-methysticin (4), and a glucosylsterol, daucosterin (6). 7,8-Epoxyyangonin (5) showed a significant stimulatory effect on melanogenesis in B16 melanoma cells. Yangonin (2) exhibited a weak melanogenesis stimulation activity.