A Review of Anti-Inflammatory Phytoconstituents Used in Herbal Cosmeceuticals for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis affect babies, children, and adults and are characterized by red skin/spots, severe itching that appears on the face, head, legs, neck, and hands, and various causes of illness caused by various external and internal factors. AD is a type IIgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction. Herbal preparations treat various dermatological diseases like dry skin, melasma, acne, and eczema. Cosmeceuticals are the connection between cosmetics and medicine, one of the world's most used forms of medicine. Cosmeceuticals products are beneficial in treating AD. Herbal cosmetics play a major role in curing various skin diseases. Today, various herbs used in cosmeceuticals have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiseptic effects. Compared to synthetic preparations, herbal preparations have fewer side effects. This review paper introduces Atopic dermatitis, cosmeceutical, and various phytoconstituents like gallic acid, ferulic acid, boswellic acid, quercetin, and naringenin tetra hydroxyl flavanol glycoside, glycyrrhizic acid, epigallocatechin gallate, etc., used in atopic dermatitis.

A single-center, randomized, controlled study on the efficacy of niacinamide-containing body emollients combined with cleansing gel in the treatment of mild atopic dermatitis

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of niacinamide-containing body emollients combined with a cleansing gel on the clinical symptoms of mild atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults.

METHODS

From July 2022 to January 2023, adults with mild AD were enrolled at Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University using single-center, randomized and placebo-controlled methods. They were divided into three groups: the control group, treatment group 1 (T1) receiving niacinamide-containing body emollients alone, and treatment group 2 (T2) receiving emollients plus niacinamide-containing cleansing gel. All patients were orally administered 10 mg of ebastine tablets daily. AD severity (SCORAD score), peak pruritus numeric rating scale (PP-NRS), patient-oriented measure of eczema (POEM), dermatological quality of life index (DLQI) score, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and stratum corneum water content (SCWC) were measured by the same dermatologist at days 0, 7, 14, and 28.

RESULTS

A total of 122 patients were enrolled, including 38 in the control group, 42 in the T1 group and 42 in the T2 group. There were no obvious adverse reactions at the end of the study and the clinical scores and stratum corneum barrier of all the groups improved significantly relative to baseline. The SCORAD, PP-NRS, DLQI, TEWL and SCWC scores in T1 group (12.43 ± 3, 3.3 ± 0.9, 7.1 ± 2.33, 17.1 ± 9.12, 67.2 ± 21.46, seperately) and T2 group (11.17 ± 3.26, 3 ± 1.3, 6.5 ± 2.11, 16.3 ± 9.12, 69.4 ± 24.52, seperately) were significantly improved than the control group(15.1 ± 3.64, 4.3 ± 1.7, 9.5 ± 2.46, 21.2 ± 9.47, 52.7 ± 22.43, seperately) at the endpoint of the study, while compared the POEM scores, only T2 group showed the difference with control group (5.2 ± 1.4 vs. 6 ± 1.6). The epidermal barrier parameters of TEWL and SCWC in the T2 group (17.57 ± 5.24, 66.46 ± 21.38, seperately) were significantly better than that of the T1 (19.96 ± 4.45, 56.45 ± 20.48, seperately) and control group(21.89 ± 7.03, 51.56 ± 16.58, seperately) on the 14th day of follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The use of niacinamide-containing body emollients can significantly improve the clinical symptoms, quality of life, and skin barrier function in patients with mild AD. The addition of niacinamide-containing cleansing gel can also affect the clinical efficacy at certain time points.

Hydrogel dressing integrating FAK inhibition and ROS scavenging for mechano-chemical treatment of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin disease caused by skin immune dyshomeostasis and accompanied by severe pruritus. Although oxidative stress and mechanical scratching can aggravate AD inflammation, treatment targeting scratching is often overlooked, and the efficiency of mechano-chemically synergistic therapy remains unclear. Here, we find that enhanced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is associated with scratch-exacerbated AD. We then develop a multifunctional hydrogel dressing that integrates oxidative stress modulation with FAK inhibition to synergistically treat AD. We show that the adhesive, self-healing and antimicrobial hydrogel is suitable for the unique scratching and bacterial environment of AD skin. We demonstrate that it can scavenge intracellular reactive oxygen species and reduce mechanically induced intercellular junction deficiency and inflammation. Furthermore, in mouse AD models with controlled scratching, we find that the hydrogel alleviates AD symptoms, rebuilds the skin barrier, and inhibits inflammation. These results suggest that the hydrogel integrating reactive oxygen species scavenging and FAK inhibition could serve as a promising skin dressing for synergistic AD treatment.

Efficacy and Treatment Satisfaction of Different Systemic Therapies in Children and Adolescents with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Real-World Study

For the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents, the monoclonal antibody dupilumab and the selective JAK-1 inhibitor upadacitinib are two modern systemic therapies approved for long-term treatment. Both drugs have demonstrated high efficacy in randomized controlled trials, although evidence from real-world data in the pediatric population is limited. In a prospective analysis over 24 weeks, we investigated the efficacy, safety and treatment satisfaction of both systemic therapies in 23 patients (16 patients treated with dupilumab; 7 patients treated with upadacitinib). The median age of the patients was 16 years, with a median EASI of 18.8. A significant improvement in the EASI, VAS-itch, CDLQI, POEM and DFIQ from baseline to week 24 was demonstrated for both treatment options. No significant difference was observed between dupilumab and upadacitinib in any of the assessed scores. Less adverse events were recorded in the real-world setting compared with clinical trials. Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of dupilumab and upadacitinib as equivalent treatment options in children and adolescents in a real-world setting.

Use of Dexpanthenol for Atopic Dermatitis—Benefits and Recommendations Based on Current Evidence

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease of multiple phenotypes and endotypes, and is highly prevalent in children. Many people of all ages, including active adolescents, pregnant women, and the elderly, suffer from AD, experiencing chronicity, flares, and unexpected relapse. Dexpanthenol has multiple pharmacological effects and has been employed to treat various skin disorders such as AD. We aimed to summarize the up-to-date evidence relating to dexpanthenol and to provide a consensus on how to use dexpanthenol effectively for the treatment of AD. Methods: The evidence to date on the application and efficacy of dexpanthenol in AD was reviewed. The literature search focused on dexpanthenol use and the improvement of skin barrier function, the prevention of acute flares, and its topical corticosteroid (TCS) sparing effects. Evidence and recommendations for special groups such as pregnant women, and the effects of dexpanthenol and emollient plus in maintenance therapy, were also summarized. Results: Dexpanthenol is effective and well-tolerated for the treatment of AD. Dexpanthenol improves skin barrier function, reduces acute and frequent flares, has a significant TCS sparing effect, and enhances wound healing for skin lesions. Conclusion: This review article provides helpful advice for clinicians and patients on the proper maintenance treatment of AD. Dexpanthenol, as an active ingredient in ointments or emollients, is suitable for the treatment and maintenance of AD. This paper will guide dermatologists and clinicians to consider dexpanthenol as a treatment option for mild to moderate AD.

Vaginal hormone-free moisturising cream is not inferior to an estriol cream for treating symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy: Prospective, randomised study

This prospective, open-label, multicentre, multinational, randomised trial investigated the non-inferiority of treatment with a vaginal hormone-free moisturising cream compared to a vaginal estriol (0.1%) cream in a panel of post-menopausal women suffering from symptoms of vulvovaginal dryness in a parallel group design. In total, 172 post-menopausal women were randomly allocated to either one of the two treatments, each administered for 43 days. The primary endpoint was the total severity score of subjective symptoms (dryness, itching, burning and pain unrelated to sexual intercourse) of the respective treatment period. Secondary endpoints were severity of single subjective symptoms (including dyspareunia if sexually active), impairment of daily life, Vaginal Health Index, as well as assessment of safety. In both groups, women treated with hormone-free moisturising cream and those treated with estriol cream, total severity score improved significantly compared to baseline by 5.0 (from 6.1 to 1.1) and by 5.4 (from 6.0 to 0.6), respectively, after 43 days of treatment (p < 0.0001). One-sided test of baseline differences (for a clinically relevant difference Δ = 1.5) confirmed the hormone-free moisturising cream to be non-inferior to the estriol cream. Severity of dyspareunia as well as impairment of daily life due to subjective symptoms, significantly improved for both treatment groups (p<0.0001). Subgroup analysis of women with mild or moderate impairment of daily life at baseline caused by "vaginal dryness" symptoms benefited from both creams, while women with severe impairment showed a significantly greater benefit from the estriol cream (p = 0.0032). Both treatments were well tolerated with no serious adverse events occurring. This study provides clinical evidence that a hormone-free vaginal moisturising cream cannot only improve vaginal dryness compared to an 0.1% estriol cream but also can relieve dyspareunia as well as improve woman's impairment of daily life, justifying its use as a first choice for mild or moderate vulvovaginal dryness symptoms.

Targeting therapeutic approaches and highlighting the potential role of nanotechnology in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic as well as widespread skin disease which has significant influence on the life attributes of affected people and their families. Systemic immunosuppressive drugs can be utilised for effective care of disease, although they are often prescribed for rigorous disruption or disease that is complicated to manage. Therefore, topical applications of corticosteroids are considered the primary pharmacologic therapies for atopic dermatitis, and research recommends that these medications might be helpful in preventing disease flare-ups. However, topical medicine administration to deeper layers of skin is challenging because of the skin anatomic barrier that restricts deeper drug permeation, and also due to barrier function abnormalities in atopic dermatitis skin, which might result in systemic drug absorption, provoking systemic consequences. Hence, effective management of atopic dermatitis needs new, effective, safe and targeted treatments. Therefore, nanotechnology-based topical therapeutics have attracted much interest nowadays because of their tendency to increase drug diffusion and bioavailability along with enormous drug targeting potential to affected cells, and, thereby, reducing the adverse effects of medications. In this review, we mention different symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and provide an overview of the different triggering factors causing atopic dermatitis, with emphasis on its epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features and diagnostic, and preventive measures. This review discusses existing therapeutics for treating atopic dermatitis, and the newer approaches as well as the current classical pharmacotherapy of atopic dermatitis against new nanoparticle skin delivery systems. This review has also briefly summarised the recent patents and clinical status of therapeutic modalities for atopic dermatitis.

The impact of external factors on psoriasis

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases, constituting a significant health and socioeconomic problem. Despite numerous therapeutic options, the results of treatment very often remain insufficient. It is extremely important to remember that many external factors impact the effectiveness of therapy. This article discusses the importance of emollients in therapy and the influence of infectious agents and injuries on the course of psoriasis. Understanding the above-mentioned factors in the treatment of psoriasis is critical to achieve satisfactory therapeutic effects.

HP-NAP ameliorates OXA-induced atopic dermatitis symptoms in mice

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic skin inflammatory disease characterized by disequilibrium between Th1/Th2 lymphocytes. Helicobacter pylori neutrophil-activating protein (HP-NAP) has been reported that it has the potential immunomodulatory effect able to regulate the Th1/Th2 balance.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of HP-NAP in AD mice model.

METHODS

The model of AD was built with oxazolone (OXA) in BALB/c mice, then HP-NAP was used to treat AD by intraperitoneal injection. Ear thickness was measured by a digital thickness gauge. The ears tissues were collected and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue (TB) staining. The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, and TNF-α) in ear tissue were measured using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The secretion of IgE, IL-4, and IFN-γ was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Treatment with HP-NAP successfully alleviated the symptoms of AD, such as erythema, horny substance, and swelling. The infiltration of lymphocytes and mast cells were significantly reduced following HP-NAP therapy. The secretion of IgE and IL-4 was significantly attenuated following treatment with HP-NAP. Additionally, HP-NAP observably downregulated inflammatory cytokine expression (e.g. IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, and TNF-α) in ear tissues.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Taken together, our results showed that HP-NAP possessed the potential to be a novel immunomodulatory candidate drug against AD.

Changing perspectives in atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifaceted disease that involves a complex interplay between the skin and the immune system. The course of the disease depends strongly on the genetic background of the patient and on yet poorly-defined environmental factors. Changes in lifestyle could be behind the dramatic rise in the prevalence of AD across continents; including hygienic conditions, food, social habits, skin microbiome or exposure to a number of allergens. Although AD typically develops in childhood and disappears after a few years, in a relatively large number of patients it continues into adulthood. Adult AD can also appear de novo but it is often underdiagnosed and its treatment can be challenging. New, highly effective drugs are being developed to manage moderate and severe forms of the disease in adults. In this review, we highlight the most recent developments in diagnostic tools, current insights into the mechanistic basis of this disease, and therapeutic innovations.

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Medical Device Repairing Emollient Cream Associated with a Topical Corticosteroid in Adults with Atopic Dermatitis: An Open-label, Intra-individual Randomized Controlled Study

Introduction

Medical device repairing emollient creams (MDRECs) are designed to repair and protect the skin barrier. In this study, we examined the added clinical benefit and tolerability of a MDREC when used in association with a moderately potent topical corticosteroid (TCS) for adults with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods

This was an intra-individual randomized controlled trial in adults with moderate to severe AD (EudraCT no. 2014-002,194-10). Symmetrical lesions on each arm of the subjects were randomized to treatment for 10 days with twice-daily TCS (desonide) cream alone or with combined TCS + MDREC. Subjects were then included in a following 2-week maintenance phase if the AD on at least one test area had sufficiently improved so that the treatment was no longer needed. During the maintenance phase, treatment with the TCS cream was stopped, but twice-daily application of the MDREC was continued on the same test area previously assigned to receive it. The primary outcome measure was the change in local Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index between day 1 and 3 based on investigators’ assessment. Secondary measures of lesion severity included changes in the local patient-oriented SCORAD index, pruritus intensity according to subjects’ assessments, and global assessments by subjects and investigators.

Results

The study included 54 subjects. The change in investigator-observed local SCORAD index between day 1 and 3 was − 14.4% with TCS alone and − 24.5% for TCS + MDREC (p = 0.0005). Between baseline and the end of the treatment phase, all secondary measures of lesion severity decreased more with the combined TCS + MDREC treatment than with the TCS cream alone. The MDREC also reduced the relapse of AD lesions during the maintenance phase. Tolerability was very good, and the product was well accepted by subjects.

Conclusion

These results support using the MDREC in association with TCS during AD flares and as a maintenance therapy after treatment with TCS has stopped.

Funding

Laboratoires Dermatologiques Ducray, Pierre Fabre.

Novel topical agent containing superoxide dismutase 100 000 IU and 4% of plant extracts as a mono-therapy for atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment for the acute phase of atopic dermatitis (AD), whereas topical emollients are mainly used for maintenance of remission. A topical agent that combines emollient and anti-inflammatory properties would achieve control of all phases of AD, without the need for chronic corticosteroid use.

AIM

To assess the efficacy of a novel topical agent containing superoxide dismutase (SOD) 100 000 IU and 4% of a combination of plant extracts (blackcurrant seed oil, sunflower oil concentrate, balloon vine extract).

METHODS

Twenty patients (age range from 8 months to 72 years old) with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis were assessed. The product was used as mono-therapy, applied to the affected skin areas twice daily. Patients were evaluated before and after a 30-day course using the SCORAD and the Visual Analog Scale for assessment of pruritus intensity. Primary endpoint was improvement of AD according to SCORAD and clinical assessment. Secondary endpoint was patient satisfaction and improvement of pruritus.

RESULTS

Mean SCORAD on day 0 was 32.61(range = 16.0-46.9) and decreased to 10.55 (range = 0-17.0) on day 30, reflecting a reduction of 67.6%. On day 30, all patients described significant improvement in pruritus and quality of sleep.

CONCLUSION

The application of the study product cream resulted in significant improvement of AD, as reflected by the objective SCORAD measurement, and the subjective assessment of pruritus and quality of life. This novel anti-inflammatory emollient product may emerge as a safe and effective therapeutic tool for all phases of AD without the adverse effects of chronic use of corticosteroids.

Topical E6005/RVT-501, a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, for the treatment of atopic dermatitis

INTRODUCTION

Local adverse effects of steroid use and the burning sensation of calcineurin inhibitors impair patients' adherence to treatment and decrease the treatment response in atopic dermatitis (AD). Steroid phobia appears to be a psychological problem in patients with AD. Topical non-steroidal remedies are in demand. Areas covered: This manuscript reviews the current literature on preclinical and clinical studies regarding topical E6005/RVT-501, a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor. We also discuss the mechanistic background of E6005/RVT-501 in the treatment of AD. Expert opinion: Topical E6005/RVT-501 improves skin eruption and pruritus of pediatric and adult AD patients without any serious side effects. It is useful for mild to moderate lesions of AD in pediatric and adult patients. Topical E6005/RVT-501 is non-steroidal agent but its potency is equal to that of mild rank topical steroid, therefore, it may fit the demand of patients with steroid phobia. Its steroid-sparing effects may also be investigated in future clinical trials and may minimize the dose and frequency of topical steroids.

Atopic Eczema: Genetic Associations and Potential Links to Developmental Exposures

Atopic eczema (AE), or atopic dermatitis (AD), is a common inflammatory skin disease with a disrupted epidermal barrier and an allergic immune response. AD/AE is prominently characterized by a symptomatic itch and transient skin lesions. Infants compose a significant percentage affected. Two models have been proposed to explain AD/AE skin pathology: the gut microbiome-focused inside-outside model and the outside-inside model concentrating on the disrupted skin barrier/skin microbiome. Gene disruptions contributing to epidermal structure, as well as those in immune system genes, are implicated. Over 30 genes have been linked to AD/AE with Flg and Tmem79/Matt alterations being common. Other linked disruptions are in the interleukin-1 family of cytokines/receptors and the TH2 gene family of cytokines. Inheritable epigenetic modifications of the genes or associated proteins may also be involved. Skin barrier disruption and the allergic immune response have been the main foci in mechanistic studies of AD/AE, but the role of the environment is becoming more apparent. Thus, an examination of in utero exposures could be very helpful in understanding the heterogeneity of AD/AE. Although research is limited, there is evidence that developmental exposure to environmental tobacco smoke or phthalates may impact disease. Management for AD/AE includes topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors, which safely facilitate improvements in select individuals. Disease heterogeneity warrants continued research not only into elucidating disease mechanism(s), via identification of contributing genetic alterations, but also research to understand how/when these genetic alterations occur. This may lead to the cure that those affected by AD/AE eagerly await.

Bathing and Associated Treatments in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common complaints presenting to dermatologists, and patients typically inquire as to appropriate bathing recommendations. Although many dermatologists, allergists, and primary-care practitioners provide explicit bathing instructions, recommendations regarding frequency of bathing, duration of bathing, and timing related to emollient and medication application relative to bathing vary widely. Conflicting and vague guidelines stem from knowledge related to the disparate effects of water on skin, as well as a dearth of studies, especially randomized controlled trials, evaluating the effects of water and bathing on the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis. We critically review the literature related to bathing and associated atopic dermatitis treatments, such as wet wraps, bleach baths, bath additives, and balneotherapy. We aim to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of water and related therapies on atopic dermatitis as well as recommendations based upon the published data.

Treatment of allergic children - Where is the progress (for the practicing allergist)?

For any kind of therapeutic intervention in allergic diseases such as environmental control, pharmacological, or immunomodulating treatment including educational programs, children are addressed separately from adults. Health authorities like the Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America or the European Medicine Agency in Europe request a specific 'Pediatric investigational plan' with studies addressing dose-response relationship, safety, and efficacy for infants, children, and adolescents. During the last 2 years, promising advances have been reported for the treatment of a variety of allergic and immunologic disorders. This review summarizes the progress in the treatment of pediatric asthma and allergic diseases, based on publications of approximately the last 2.5 years (end of 2013 until May 2016) in and beyond this journal. Meanwhile, it highlights areas with promising novel therapeutic approaches, which are likely to change treatment for allergic children in the near future.

Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (also known as atopic eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterised by intense itching and recurrent eczematous lesions. Although it most often starts in infancy and affects two of ten children, it is also highly prevalent in adults. It is the leading non-fatal health burden attributable to skin diseases, inflicts a substantial psychosocial burden on patients and their relatives, and increases the risk of food allergy, asthma, allergic rhinitis, other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, and mental health disorders. Originally regarded as a childhood disorder mediated by an imbalance towards a T-helper-2 response and exaggerated IgE responses to allergens, it is now recognised as a lifelong disposition with variable clinical manifestations and expressivity, in which defects of the epidermal barrier are central. Present prevention and treatment focus on restoration of epidermal barrier function, which is best achieved through the use of emollients. Topical corticosteroids are still the first-line therapy for acute flares, but they are also used proactively along with topical calcineurin inhibitors to maintain remission. Non-specific immunosuppressive drugs are used in severe refractory cases, but targeted disease-modifying drugs are being developed. We need to improve understanding of the heterogeneity of the disease and its subtypes, the role of atopy and autoimmunity, the mechanisms behind disease-associated itch, and the comparative effectiveness and safety of therapies.

Treating pediatric atopic dermatitis: current perspectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition which affects millions of people worldwide. It is most commonly seen in children but may also progress into adulthood. Management of this complex disease requires a multi-pronged approach which can address the myriad of issues which underscore its development. Avoidance of triggering factors is imperative in establishing consistent control of skin irritation while daily moisturization can be very effective in skin barrier repair and maintenance. Judicious use of anti-inflammatory medications has been shown to make a significant impact on both treatment as well as prevention of disease. Unfortunately, pruritus, a key feature of AD, has proven much harder to control. Finally, awareness of the risks of colonization and infection in patients with AD should be incorporated into their surveillance and management plans. While our understanding has progressed greatly regarding this disease, further research is still needed regarding future directions for both treatment and prevention.