PMID: 

Food Chem Toxicol. 2011 Oct ;49(10):2580-5. Epub 2011 Jul 13. PMID: 21771629

Abstract Title: 

Inhibitory effects of (-)-α-bisabolol on LPS-induced inflammatory response in RAW264.7 macrophages.

Abstract: 

Although (-)-α-bisabolol, a natural monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol, is often used as a cosmetic soothing supplement, little is known about its mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of (-)-α-bisabolol and its mechanisms of action.In this study, we found that (-)-α-bisabolol inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) in RAW264.7 cells. In addition, expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes was reduced, as evidenced by Western blot and luciferase reporter assays for COX-2 and iNOS. To assess the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory property of (-)-α-bisabolol, its effects on the activity of AP-1 and NF-κB promoters were examined. LPS-induced activation of AP-1 and NF-κB promoters was significantly reduced by (-)-α-bisabolol. Consistently, (-)-α-bisabolol reduced LPS-induced phosphorylation of IκBα. In addition, while LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK and p38 was attenuated by (-)-α-bisabolol, significant changes in the level of phosphorylated JNK were not observed. Our results indicate that (-)-α-bisabolol exerts anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating expression of iNOS and COX-2 genes through inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 (ERK and p38) signaling.

read more

PMID: 

Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol. 2011 Dec ;384(6):525-33. Epub 2011 Aug 26. PMID: 21870032

Abstract Title: 

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of (-)-α-bisabolol in rodents.

Abstract: 

(-)-α-Bisabolol is an unsaturated, optically active sesquiterpene alcohol obtained by the direct distillation of essential oil from plants such as Vanillosmopsis erythropappa and Matricaria chamomilla. (-)-α-Bisabolol has generated considerable economic interest, as it possesses a delicate floral odour and has been shown to have antiseptic and gastroprotective activities. In this study, (-)-α-bisabolol was tested in standardised rodent models by gavage administration at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg in the models of inflammation and 25 and 50 mg/kg in the models of nociception. In the inflammatory models of paw oedema induced by carrageenan and dextran, the mice treated with (-)-α-bisabolol showed smaller oedemas compared to animals treated only with the vehicle. (-)-α-Bisabolol was capable of reducing paw oedemas induced by 5-HT but not oedemas induced by histamine. (-)-α-Bisabolol demonstrated anti-nociceptive activity in the models of visceral nociception induced by acetic acid and in the second phase of the nociception test induced by the intraplantar administration of formalin. (-)-α-Bisabolol did not have any effect in a thermal nociception model using a hot plate but was able to diminish mechanical inflammatory hypernociception evoked by carrageenan. These findings suggest that the anti-nociceptive action of (-)-α-bisabolol is not linked to a central mechanism but instead is related to the inflammatory process. (-)-α-Bisabolol was able to decrease leukocyte migration, protein extravasations and the amount of TNF-α to the peritoneal cavity in response to carrageenan. Additionally, (-)-α-bisabolol reduced neutrophil degranulation in response to phorbol-myristate-acetate. We demonstrate, for the first time, the peripheral anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptiveactivities of (-)-α-bisabolol.

read more

PMID: 

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2004 Mar 12 ;315(3):589-94. PMID: 14975741

Abstract Title: 

alpha-Bisabolol, a nontoxic natural compound, strongly induces apoptosis in glioma cells.

Abstract: 

In this study, alpha-bisabolol, a sesquiterpene alcohol present in natural essential oil, was found to have a strong time- and dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on human and rat glioma cells. After 24 h of treatment with 2.5-3.5 microM alpha-bisabolol, the viability of these cells was reduced by 50% with respect to untreated cells. Furthermore, the viability of normal rat glial cells was not affected by treatment with alpha-bisabolol at the same concentrations as above. Glioma cells treated with high concentration of alpha-bisabolol (10 microM) resulted in a 100% cell death. Judging from hypo-G1 accumulation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage, and DNA ladder formation, the cytotoxicity triggered by alpha-bisabolol resulted from apoptosis induction. Moreover, the dissipation of mitochondrial-inner transmembrane potential and the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria indicated that, in these glioma cells, apoptosis occurred through an intrinsic pathway. As pointed out by the experimental results, alpha-bisabolol may be considered a novel compound able to inhibit glioma cell growth and survival.

read more

PMID: 

Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2014 ;15(2):173-81. PMID: 24894548

Abstract Title: 

α-(-)-bisabolol reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production and ameliorates skin inflammation.

Abstract: 

α-(-)-bisabolol is a natural monocyclic sesquiterpene present in the essential oil has generated considerable interest in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and currently in use in various formulations, mainly in cosmetics. This study was undertaken to evaluate its therapeutic profile against skin inflammation using in-vitro, in-vivo and in-silico assays. Lipopolysachharide (LPS) and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in macrophage cells as well as in TPA-induced skin inflammation in mice was significantly inhibited by α-(-)-bisabolol. TPA-induced ear thickness, ear weight and lipid peroxidation and histopathological damage in the ear tissue were also significantly inhibited by topical application of α-(-)-bisabolol in a dose dependent manner. In-vitro and in-vivo toxicity profiles indicate that it is safe for topical application on skin. Molecular docking study also revealed its strong binding affinity to the active site of the pro-inflammatory proteins. These findings suggested that α-(-)-bisabolol may be a useful therapeutic candidate for the treatment of skin inflammation.

read more

PMID: 

Toxicol Res. 2014 Dec ;30(4):283-9. PMID: 25584148

Abstract Title: 

Anti-wrinkle Effects of Water Extracts of Teas in Hairless Mouse.

Abstract: 

Tea flavonoids and polyphenols are well known for their extraordinary antioxidant activity which is considered important for anti-aging processes in animals. This study evaluated the anti-wrinkle effects of three different kinds of tea (Camellia sinensis) water extracts (CSWEs) including green, white, and black teas using a photoaged hairless mouse model. Data showed that the CSWE-treatment greatly improved skin conditions of mice suffering from UVB-induced photoaging, based on the parameters including the skin erythema index, moisture capacity, and transepidermal water loss. In addition, the wrinkle measurement and image analysis of skin replicas indicated that CSWEs remarkably inhibited wrinkle formation. In histological examination, the CSWE-treated mice exhibited diminished epidermal thickness and increased collagen and elastic fiber content, key signatures for skin restoration. Furthermore, the reduced expression of MMP-3, a collagen-degradative enzyme, was observed in the skin of CSWE-treated animals. Interestingly, comparative data between green, white, and black tea indicated that the anti-wrinkle activity of white tea and black tea is equally greater than that of green tea. Taken together, these data clearly demonstrated that CSWEs could be used as an effective anti-wrinkle agent in photoaged animal skin, implying their extended uses in therapeutics.

read more

PMID: 

Int J Cosmet Sci. 2010 Apr ;32(2):99-106. PMID: 20412217

Abstract Title: 

Clinical efficacy comparison of anti-wrinkle cosmetics containing herbal flavonoids.

Abstract: 

Herbal anti-wrinkle cosmetics were formulated from ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba), a mixture of tea and rooibos (Camellia sinensis and Aspalathus linearis) and soybean (Glycine soja). These extracts were incorporated into the preliminary developed stable gel base with good preference. The gingko formulation was found to be more stable than the formula containing a mixture of tea and rooibos and the soybean formula. Clinical efficacies of the ginkgo formula and the formula containing a mixture of tea and rooibos were compared following 28 days of application. The ginkgo preparation increased skin moisturization (27.88%) and smoothness (4.32%) and reduced roughness (0.4%) and wrinkles (4.63%), whereas the formula containing tea and rooibos showed the best efficacy on wrinkle reduction (9.9%). In comparison to the tea and rooibos formula, gingko significantly improved skin moisturization (P = 0.05).

read more

PMID: 

J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2015 ;17(6):343-52. Epub 2015 Jul 3. PMID: 25968169

Abstract Title: 

An update on cutaneous aging treatment using herbs.

Abstract: 

Skin aging is caused by several factors. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure as well as oxidative stress elevates inflammatory mediators causing degradation of the extracellular matrix, which is regarded as the major cause of skin wrinkles, one of the signs of aging. Topical applications of active ingredients protect against dermal photodamage and scavenge radicals that can delay skin aging. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors against degradation of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronan are the key strategy to combat cutaneous aging. In addition, active ingredients with the efficacy to enhance extracellular matrix production, including those with UV protection efficacy, play an important role in protecting the skin from aging. Naturally derived compounds for combating skin wrinkles are gaining more interest among the consumers as they are perceived to be milder, safer, and healthier. This article, therefore, briefly addresses the causes of skin aging and extensively summarizes on herbs appraisal for skin wrinkles treatment. Therefore, delaying aging of skin using the functional herbs would maintain the individual's appearance with high esthetic and psychosocial impacts.

read more

PMID: 

Skin Therapy Lett. 2000 ;5(4):3-5. PMID: 10785407

Abstract Title: 

Herbal anti-inflammatory agents for skin disease.

Abstract: 

Herbs have been used in clinical medicine for thousands of years. However, it is only in recent times that we have been able to employ scientific methods to prove the efficacy of many of these herbs and to give us a better understanding of their mechanisms of action. This article will focus on the use of herbs in various dermatological conditions characterized by inflammation and pruritus. Topical preparations of many of these herbs are more commonplace in Europe. However, their availability is increasing in the US. As this is occurring we are witnessing a growing marriage between alternative and traditional medicines.

read more

PMID: 

Pharmacogn Rev. 2014 Jan ;8(15):52-60. PMID: 24600196

Abstract Title: 

Plants used to treat skin diseases.

Abstract: 

Skin diseases are numerous and a frequently occurring health problem affecting all ages from the neonates to the elderly and cause harm in number of ways. Maintaining healthy skin is important for a healthy body. Many people may develop skin diseases that affect the skin, including cancer, herpes and cellulitis. Some wild plants and their parts are frequently used to treat these diseases. The use of plants is as old as the mankind. Natural treatment is cheap and claimed to be safe. It is also suitable raw material for production of new synthetic agents. A review of some plants for the treatment of skin diseases is provided that summarizes the recent technical advancements that have taken place in this area during the past 17 years.

read more

PMID: 

Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013 Jun ;30(3):170-7. Epub 2013 Jun 20. PMID: 24278070

Abstract Title: 

Medicinal plants used in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

Abstract: 

Skin is an organ providing contact with the environment and protecting the human body from unfavourable external factors. Skin inflammation, reflected adversely in its functioning and appearance, also unfavourably affects the psyche, the condition of which is important during treatment of chronic skin diseases. The use of plants in treatment of inflammatory skin diseases results from their influence on different stages of inflammation. The paper presents results of the study regarding the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant raw material related to its influence on skin. The mechanism of action, therapeutic indications and side effects of medicinal plants used for treatment of inflammatory diseases of the skin are described.

read more