Federica Casetti

Anti‐inflammatory potential of a lipolotion containing coriander oil in the ultraviolet erythema test

Background: Coriander oil is used as an antimicrobial agent and as a natural fragrance. The present study investigated the anti‐inflammatory potency of coriander oil in the ultraviolet (UV) erythema test in vivo.

Dermocosmetics for Dry Skin: A New Role for Botanical Extracts

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.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Agrimoniin-Enriched Fractions of Potentilla erecta.

Potentilla erecta (PE) is a small herbaceous plant with four yellow petals belonging to the Rosaceae family. The rhizome of PE has traditionally been used as an antidiarrheal, hemostatic and antihemorrhoidal remedy. PE contains up to 20% tannins and 5% ellagitannins, mainly agrimoniin. Agrimoniin is a hydrolyzable tannin that is a potent radical scavenger. In this study we tested the anti-inflammatory effect of four PE fractions with increasing amounts of agrimoniin obtained by Sephadex column separation. First, we analyzed in HaCaT keratinocytes the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) induced by ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation. As COX-2 catalyzes the metabolism of arachidonic acid to prostanoids such as PGE2, we also measured the PGE2 concentration in cell culture supernatants. PE inhibited UVB-induced COX-2 expression in HaCaT cells and dose-dependently reduced PGE2. The PE fraction with the highest agrimoniin amount (PE4) was the most effective in this experiment, whereas fraction PE1 containing mainly sugars had no effect. PE4 also dose dependently inhibited the phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which plays a crucial role in UVB-mediated COX-2 upregulation. A placebo-controlled UV-erythema study with increasing concentrations of PE4 demonstrated a dose dependent inhibition of UVB-induced inflammation in vivo. Similarly, PE4 significantly reduced UVB-induced PGE2 production in suction blister fluid in vivo. In summary, PE fractions with a high agrimoniin content display anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo in models of UVB-induced inflammation.

Tannins from Potentilla officinalis display antiinflammatory effects in the UV erythema test and on atopic skin.

Rich in tannins, the rhizome of Potentilla officinalis (PO) has traditionally been used in the topical treatment of inflammatory disorders of the skin and mucous membranes. The objective of the present study was to examine the antiinflammatory effects of PO in the UV erythema test as well as in patients with atopic skin.

Mit Pflanzen Wunden versorgen

Die Ganzheitsmedizin bietet eine ganze Reihe von Möglichkeiten, Hauterkrankungen zu behandeln. Im Expertengespräch auf Seite 138 zeigen Vertreter der Homöopathie und der Chinesischen Medizin die Grundzüge ihrer jewei ligen Behandlungsstrategien auf. Welchen positiven Einfluss eine Therapie im Hochgebirgsklima haben kann, erfahren Sie auf den Seiten 142 und 143. Und welche Chancen die Phytotherapie bei der Wundheilung eröffnet, haben wir auf den Seiten 134–136 für Sie zusammengefasst.

Gerbstoffe aus Potentilla officinalis wirken entzündungshemmend im UV-Erythem-Test und bei Anwendung auf atopischer Haut.

Das Rhizom von Potentilla officinalis (PO) ist reich an Gerbstoffen und wird traditionell zur äußerlichen Behandlung von Entzündungen der Haut und der Schleimhäute verwendet. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war die Bestätigung der antiinflammatorischen Eigenschaften von PO mittels eines UV‐Erythem‐Tests und einer klinischen Anwendungsstudie bei atopischer Haut.

Bei schwerer Neurodermitis ins Hochgebirge

Im Juli 2008 war Frau R. am Ende ihrer Kräfte. Der starke Juckreiz trieb die Industriekauffrau aus dem deutschen Ruhrgebiet schier zur Verzweiflung. Den Ärzten bot sich ein massiver Befund: 80% der Haut waren extrem gerötet, teils angeschwollen, teils stark schuppend und nässend. Überall liessen sich Kratzspuren feststellen. Frau R. konnte die Hände kaum noch bewegen; zudem litt sie unter erheblichen Schlafstörungen. Seit Geburt leidet sie unter einer schweren Neurodermitis. In der Pubertät kam Heuschnupfen dazu. Zudem bestehen Allergien gegen Hausstaubmilbe, Baumund Gräserpollen sowie Tierhaare.