Chamomile Oil and Plant Gel Treatments for Eczema

Greg Howard
8th August, 2024

Chamomile Oil and Plant Gel Treatments for Eczema

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers in China developed chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsion gels (CVO-NEGs) to treat atopic dermatitis (AD)
  • CVO-NEGs significantly reduced skin damage, epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration in AD-affected mice
  • The treatment also lowered inflammatory cytokines and regulated immune cell balance, reducing hypersensitivity reactions in AD
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects a significant portion of the global population. Characterized by complex immune responses, AD presents with symptoms such as pruritus (itchiness), lichenification (thickened skin), and xerosis (dry skin)[2]. The condition is difficult to manage due to its varied clinical presentations and limited response to existing therapies[3]. Recent advances have introduced novel therapeutic targets and drugs, but the need for more effective and accessible treatments persists. A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China; Nanjing Research Institute for Comprehensive Utilization of Wild Plants, Nanjing, China; and Nantong University, China, explores the potential of chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsion gels (CVO-NEGs) as an alternative treatment for AD[1]. Chamomile has long been recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a candidate for addressing the inflammatory aspects of AD. In this study, researchers prepared chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsions (CVO-NEs) using the phase transition method, resulting in spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 19.07 nm. To enhance the stability and efficacy of these nanoemulsions, they encapsulated them with Bletilla striata polysaccharides, forming CVO-NEGs. The in vivo studies demonstrated that CVO-NEGs significantly improved the biological activity of chamomile volatile oil in treating AD. Histopathological analysis showed that the application of CVO-NEGs reduced skin damage, decreased epidermal thickness, and lowered mast cell infiltration in AD-affected mice. Mast cells are immune cells that play a crucial role in allergic reactions and inflammation, making their reduction a positive indicator. Furthermore, the study found that CVO-NEGs suppressed the production of IgG (an antibody) and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-4, and IFN-γ in the AD mice. Cytokines are signaling proteins that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. Elevated levels of these cytokines are associated with the inflammatory processes seen in AD. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that CVO-NEGs helped regulate the differentiation of CD4+ T cell subsets, which are essential for orchestrating the immune response. Specifically, the treatment controlled the imbalance between Th1 and Th2 cells, which is a hallmark of AD. Th2 cells are typically overactive in AD, leading to excessive immune responses and hypersensitivity. By modulating this balance, CVO-NEGs help reduce the hypersensitivity reactions characteristic of AD. The findings of this study build on the understanding of AD's pathophysiology and its varied clinical manifestations across different regions and age groups[2]. The global prevalence of AD in the pediatric population ranges widely, with severe cases being less common[4]. This underscores the need for diverse treatment options that can cater to different severities and presentations of AD. The introduction of CVO-NEGs offers a promising alternative to existing treatments, particularly for patients who do not respond well to current therapies. The study's results suggest that CVO-NEGs could provide a more effective and targeted approach to managing AD, potentially improving the quality of life for many patients. In conclusion, the research conducted by the University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, China; Nanjing Research Institute for Comprehensive Utilization of Wild Plants, Nanjing, China; and Nantong University, China, highlights the therapeutic potential of chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsion gels in treating atopic dermatitis. By addressing the inflammatory and immune aspects of the disease, CVO-NEGs represent a significant advancement in the ongoing quest for more effective AD treatments.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Therapeutic effects of chamomile volatile oil nanoemulsion/Bletilla striata polysaccharides gels on atopic dermatitis.

Published 5th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134404

Related Studies

2) A systematic review and meta-analysis of the regional and age-related differences in atopic dermatitis clinical characteristics.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.09.035

3) Atopic dermatitis: an expanding therapeutic pipeline for a complex disease.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41573-021-00266-6

4) Atopic dermatitis in the pediatric population: A cross-sectional, international epidemiologic study.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anai.2020.12.020


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