Herb Extracts: A Promising Source for Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Activity

Jenn Hoskins
7th June, 2024

Herb Extracts: A Promising Source for Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Activity

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) explored the potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) as a natural treatment for atopic dermatitis (AD)
  • 'Dasan' cultivar of SMB contains high levels of salvianolic acid A and B, which have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • 'Kosan' cultivar of SMB has higher concentrations of tanshinones, which are effective in reducing AD-related genes at the mRNA level
  • Hydrophilic compounds in SMB prevent AD by inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppressing inflammatory factors, while lipophilic components directly inhibit AD
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by the buildup of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the expression of various inflammatory factors. Effective treatments for AD are limited, and many parents of children with AD are hesitant to use corticosteroids due to concerns about side effects, preferring natural therapies instead[2]. Recent research by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has explored the potential of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (SMB) as a natural treatment for AD[1]. The study aimed to investigate the anti-AD properties of two SMB cultivars, 'Dasan' and 'Kosan', by assessing their in-vitro activities and analyzing their secondary metabolites using advanced techniques such as UPLC-TQ-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD. The researchers found that the profiles of secondary metabolites in these cultivars significantly contribute to their pharmacological properties. Comparative analysis revealed that 'Dasan' contains higher levels of salvianolic acid A and B, which are known for their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In contrast, 'Kosan' has higher concentrations of tanshinones, which showed greater effectiveness in alleviating AD-related genes at the mRNA level. This suggests that different compounds in SMB have distinct roles in mitigating AD symptoms. Bio-guided fractionation further confirmed that the hydrophilic compounds in SMB can prevent AD by inhibiting the accumulation of ROS and suppressing inflammatory factors. Meanwhile, the lipophilic components directly inhibit AD. These findings are significant as they provide a better understanding of how different secondary metabolites in SMB contribute to its anti-AD effects. The study builds on previous research that has explored the biological mechanisms underlying AD and its progression to other allergic conditions, known as the atopic march[3]. Defective skin barrier function and overexpression of inflammatory mediators are key factors in the development of AD. The identification of bioactive compounds in SMB that target these mechanisms could lead to new preventive strategies and treatments for AD and potentially other allergic conditions. In addition to SMB, other natural compounds have shown promise in treating AD. For instance, diosmetin, a citrus flavonoid, has been found to significantly reduce dermatitis scores and inflammatory markers in an AD mouse model[4]. Similarly, liquiritigenin, derived from Spatholobus suberectus Dunn, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and the ability to attenuate AD symptoms by modulating T cell activation[5]. These studies highlight the potential of natural compounds in managing AD and reducing the reliance on corticosteroids, which are often associated with anxiety and confusion among parents[2]. In conclusion, the research conducted by KIST underscores the therapeutic potential of SMB in treating AD. By identifying and characterizing the bioactive compounds in SMB, the study provides valuable insights into how these natural substances can alleviate AD symptoms through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This aligns with the growing interest in natural therapies for AD and offers a promising avenue for developing more effective and safer treatments for this chronic condition.

HerbsMedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge extracts: a promising source for anti-atopic dermatitis activity.

Published 6th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04524-z

Related Studies

2) Corticosteroid phobia and other confounders in the treatment of childhood atopic dermatitis explored using parent focus groups.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-0960.2010.00636.x

3) Atopic dermatitis and the atopic march revisited.

https://doi.org/10.1111/all.12268

4) Anti-inflammatory effects of natural flavonoid diosmetin in IL-4 and LPS-induced macrophage activation and atopic dermatitis model.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107046

5) Oral Administration of Liquiritigenin Confers Protection from Atopic Dermatitis through the Inhibition of T Cell Activation.

https://doi.org/10.3390/biom10050786


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