PMID: 

Acta Derm Venereol. 1982 ;62(3):211-4. PMID: 6179360

Abstract Title: 

Blood glutathione-peroxidase levels in skin diseases: effect of selenium and vitamin E treatment.

Abstract: 

Blood glutathione-peroxidase (GSH-Px) was determined in 61 healthy subjects and 506 patients with various skin disorders. Depressed levels were observed in patients with psoriasis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, vasculitis, mycosis fungoides and dermatitis herpetiformis. Low values of GSH-Px were also found in some patients with pemphigoid, acne conglobata, polymyositis, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematodes. Vegetarian diet, malnutrition and alcohol abuse could possibly account for the low values in some patients. Fifty patients with low GSH-Px levels were treated with tablets containing 0.2 mg selenium as Na2SeO3 and 10 mg tocopheryl succinate. The GSH-Px levels increased slowly within 6-8 weeks of treatment. The clinical effect was encouraging and calls for controlled studies.

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PMID: 

Cell Biochem Funct. 2012 Oct ;30(7):552-7. Epub 2012 Apr 20. PMID: 22517509

Abstract Title: 

Isotretinoin treatment induces oxidative toxicity in blood of patients with acne vulgaris: a clinical pilot study.

Abstract: 

Acne vulgaris is the one of the most common skin diseases. Although isotretinoin (13-cis-retinoic acid) is an effective and well-tolerated medication, it has a wide range of side effects. Because the effects of isotretinoin on oxidant and antioxidant systems have not yet been clarified, we investigated plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant vitamins, lipid peroxidation (LP), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) values in patients with acne vulgaris before and after isotretinoin treatment. The study was performed on the blood plasma and erythrocytes of 31 acne vulgaris patients. Blood samples were taken from the patients before treatment and after isotretinoin (oral and 0·5-0·7 mg·kg(-1)) treatment for 2 months. Plasma amtioxidant vitamins, erythrocyte malondialdehyde, GSH and GSH-Px levels were measured. Plasma vitamin E (p

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PMID: 

Int J Dermatol. 2017 Jun ;56(6):686-690. Epub 2017 Mar 30. PMID: 28369875

Abstract Title: 

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc as an oral therapy for mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Abstract: 

Lactoferrin is an iron-binding milk-derived protein that has shown antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of lactoferrin, combined with vitamin E and zinc, for mild to moderate acne vulgaris. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 168 subjects aged 13-40 years old were randomly assigned to take either a capsule formulation containing lactoferrin with vitamin E and zinc or placebo twice a day for 3 months. The primary outcome measure was a reduction in the number of acne lesions compared to placebo. A total of 164 subjects completed the study per protocol. The lactoferrin group (n = 82) showed a significant median percent reduction in total lesions as early as 2 weeks (14.5%, P = 0.0120), with the maximum reduction occurring at week 10 (28.5%, P

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PMID: 

PLoS One. 2014 ;9(4):e95186. Epub 2014 Apr 17. PMID: 24743745

Abstract Title: 

The melanogenesis alteration effects of Achillea millefolium L. essential oil and linalyl acetate: involvement of oxidative stress and the JNK and ERK signaling pathways in melanoma cells.

Abstract: 

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2 and p38 MAPK, is known to be activated by ultraviolet (UV) radiation in melanocytes to regulate melanin production. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in the pathway of ERK and JNK activation. It has been established that the essential oil of Achillea millefolium L. (AM-EO) has activities that suppress the oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Thus, we analyzed the effects of AM-EO on melanogenesis in melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) treated melanoma cells. The results demonstrated that AM-EO suppresses melanin production by decreasing tyrosinase activity through the regulation of the JNK and ERK signaling pathways. This effect might be associated with the AM-EO activity leading to the suppression of ROS, and linalyl acetate is its major functional component. Therefore, we propose that AM-EO has the potential to treat hyperpigmentation in the future.

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PMID: 

Int J Toxicol. 2016 11 ;35(3 suppl):5S-15S. PMID: 27913788

Abstract Title: 

Safety Assessment of Achillea millefolium as Used in Cosmetics.

Abstract: 

Cosmetic ingredients derived from Achillea millefolium function in cosmetics as skin-conditioning agents-miscellaneous, skin-conditioning agents-humectants, and fragrance ingredients. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed relevant animal and human data to determine their safety in cosmetics and raised concerns about cosmetics containing linalool, thujone, quercetin, hydroquinone, orα-peroxyachifolid. Because final product formulations may contain multiple botanicals, each containing similar constituents of concern, formulators are advised to be aware of these components and to avoid reaching levels that may be hazardous to consumers. Additionally, industry was advised to usegood manufacturing practices to limit impurities. The Panel concluded that achillea millefolium extract, achillea millefolium flower extract, and achillea millefolium flower/leaf/stem extract are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics when formulated to be nonsensitizing.

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PMID: 

Med Arch. 2015 Aug ;69(4):212-7. Epub 2015 Aug 4. PMID: 26543303

Abstract Title: 

In Vitro Evaluation of Achillea Millefolium on the Production and Stimulation of Human Skin Fibroblast Cells (HFS-PI-16).

Abstract: 

AIM: In the present study, we aimed the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium (HEAML) on human skin fibroblast cells (HSF-PI-16) proliferation, stimulation and growth properties.METHODS: Initially, using HSF-PI-16 monolayer culture, we created one line scratch method as an in vitro wound closure and after 3 days monitored via an inverted microscopy.RESULTS: HEAML selectively inhibited proliferation of HSF-PI-16 cells at higher concentration (>20.0 mg/mL), and stimulated at lower concentrations (

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PMID: 

Int J Cosmet Sci. 2011 Dec ;33(6):535-42. Epub 2011 Jun 29. PMID: 21711463

Abstract Title: 

Surface rejuvenating effect of Achillea millefolium extract.

Abstract: 

Proopiomelanocortin is a precursor peptide that gives rise to several neuropeptides including adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) andβ-endorphin. POMC-derived peptides have been shown to be synthesized in human epidermis where they modulate numerous skin functions. Because we previously observed that melanocortin receptor-2 and μ-opioid receptor 1, the respective receptors for ACTH and β-endorphin decreased with ageing in human epidermis, we have selected an active ingredient (INCI name: Achillea millefolium extract) able to upregulate receptor expressions. The aim of the present work was first to evaluate the effect of A. millefolium extract on the expression pattern of various epidermal differentiation markers ex vivoin normal human skin biopsies using quantitative image analysis and second to evaluate its capacity to rejuvenate the appearance of skin surface in vivo. Results show an improved expression profile of cytokeratin 10, transglutaminase-1 and filaggrin in cultured skin biopsies as well as an increasedepidermal thickness. In vivo, a 2-month treatment with A. millefolium extract at 2% significantly improved the appearance of wrinkles and pores compared with placebo. Results were also directionally better than those of glycolic acid that was chosen as reference resurfacing molecule.

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PMID: 

J Ethnopharmacol. 2017 Mar 6 ;199:138-148. Epub 2017 Feb 3. PMID: 28163113

Abstract Title: 

The estimation of the traditionally used yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. Asteraceae) oil extracts with anti-inflamatory potential in topical application.

Abstract: 

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Olive or sunflower oil yarrow extracts have been extensively used against inflammatory disorders and skin wound healing in traditional medicine.AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate oil yarrow extracts traditional use in treatment of topical/dermatological skin impairments, sodium lauryl sulfate test was applied, and in vivo measuring of the biophysical parameters (erythema index, skin capacitance and the pH of the skin) in the artificially irritated skin was performed. As traditionally olive and sunflower oil have been used equally for extracts production, the experiment was carried out to investigate whether any of the oil extractants has the advantage over the other, and if the method of extraction might influence the desired activity. The observed activity has been connected to the chemical profile of the investigated extracts and their antioxidative properties.MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vivo measurements were performed using the appropriate probes for measuring skin capacitance, pH of the skin and erythema index (EI). The designed experiment enabled the evaluation of the anti-inflammatory effects of a seven-day application of oil yarrow extracts known in traditional medicine, on artificially irritated skin of volunteers. The chemical profile for the investigated samples was achieved applying the HPLC and UHPLC-MS methods. Also, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test was performed to assess the antioxidant properties of the investigated samples.RESULTS: The application of tested oil extracts on artificially irritated skin in vivo demonstrated the ability to re-establish their optimal pH and hydration of skin to the values measured prior to the irritation. Considering the EI transition, the investigated samples succeeded in re-establishing the baseline values, with no significant difference after three- and seven-day application.CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained in the study showed that the oil yarrow extracts had an evident anti-inflammatory property. Namely, the investigated extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effect in an in vivo double blind randomized study, using a sodium lauryl sulfate test. The skin parameters assessed in the study (skin capacitance, pH and EI) were restored to the basal values after three- and seven-day treatment with the tested extracts. The shown effects were attributed to yarrow oil extracts composition. The yarrow oil extracts might be used as promising base in the phytopreparations designed for dermatological application as anti-inflammatory agents with a positive impact on the skin pH and its moisture content.

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PMID: 

Scand J Immunol. 2008 Sep ;68(3):261-9. Epub 2008 May 29. PMID: 18510590

Abstract Title: 

The complex role of vitamin D in autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: 

Vitamin D, besides having well-known control functions of calcium and phosphorus metabolism, bone formation and mineralization, also has a role in the maintenance of immune-homeostasis. The immune-regulatory role of vitamin D affects both the innate and adaptive immune system contributing to the immune-tolerance of self-structures. Impaired vitamin D supply/regulation, amongst other factors, leads to the development of autoimmune processes in animal models of various autoimmune diseases. The administration of vitamin D in these animals leads to improvement of immune-mediated symptoms. Moreover, in human autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis the pathogenic role of vitamin D has been described. The review aims at describing the complex immune-regulatory role of vitamin D from the cellular level through autoimmune animal models and depicting the known contribution of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of human autoimmune diseases.

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PMID: 

Pulm Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Jun ;32:60-74. Epub 2015 Feb 28. PMID: 25732539

Abstract Title: 

Vitamin D as an adjunctive therapy in asthma. Part 1: A review of potential mechanisms.

Abstract: 

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is highly prevalent worldwide. The classical role for vitamin D is to regulate calcium absorption form the gastrointestinal tract and influence bone health. Recently vitamin D receptors and vitamin D metabolic enzymes have been discovered in numerous sites systemically supporting diverse extra-skeletal roles of vitamin D, for example in asthmatic disease. Further, VDD and asthma share several common risk factors including high latitude, winter season, industrialization, poor diet, obesity, and dark skin pigmentation. Vitamin D has been demonstrated to possess potent immunomodulatory effects, including effects on T cells and B cells as well as increasing production of antimicrobial peptides (e.g. cathelicidin). This immunomodulation may lead to asthma specific clinical benefits in terms of decreased bacterial/viral infections, altered airway smooth muscle-remodeling and -function as well as modulation of response to standard anti-asthma therapy (e.g. glucocorticoids and immunotherapy). Thus, vitamin D and its deficiency have a number of biological effects that are potentially important in altering the course of disease pathogenesis and severity in asthma. The purpose of this first of a two-part review is to review potential mechanisms whereby altering vitamin D status may influence asthmatic disease.

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