J Altern Complement Med 2017 Jun 26. Epub 2017 Jun 26.

4 Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami , Miami, FL.

Objectives: Various treatment options are available for the management of rosacea symptoms such as facial erythema, telangiectasia, papules and pustules, burning, stinging, and itching. Botanical therapies are commonly used to treat the symptoms. The objective of this review is to evaluate the use of polyphenols in rosacea treatment. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2017 Jun 3;18(6). Epub 2017 Jun 3.

Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology and The Neuroscience Center, LS 4005, College of Life Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA.

Phytochemicals are botanical compounds used in dermatology applications as cosmeceuticals to improve skin health. Resveratrol and equol are two of the best-known polyphenolic or phytoestrogens having similar chemical structures and some overlapping biological functions to 17β-estradiol. Human skin gene expression was reviewed for 28 different biomarkers when resveratrol, 4' acetoxy resveratrol (4AR), R-equol, racemic equol or S-equol were tested. Read More

Contact Dermatitis 2017 Aug 23;77(2):67-87. Epub 2017 May 23.

BoDD - Botanical Dermatology Database, Penarth, UK.

This review focuses on contact dermatitis as an adverse effect of a selection of topically used herbal medicinal products for which the European Medicines Agency has completed an evaluation up to the end of November 2013 and for which a Community herbal monograph - now (since 2014) called a 'European Union herbal monograph' - has been produced. The present part 4 addresses species from Solidago virgaurea L. to Vitis vinifera L. Read More

Oncotarget 2017 Apr;8(17):28342-28358

Department of Nursing, Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chia-Yi, Taiwan.

Artocarpin has been shown to exhibit cytotoxic effects on different cancer cells, including non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC, A549). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we explore both p53-dependent and independent apoptosis pathways in artocarpin-treated NSCLC cells. Read More

Front Microbiol 2017 23;8:496. Epub 2017 Mar 23.

Department of Chemistry, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA.

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. It is listed among the top "serious threats" to human health in the USA, due in large part to rising rates of resistance. Many S. Read More

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2017 Feb 1;10(2):52-56. Epub 2017 Feb 1.

Department of Dermatology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine at Florida International University, Miami, Florida;; Greater Miami Skin and Laser Center, Miami Beach, Florida.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel oral supplement, Forti5(®), containing green tea extract, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, cholecalciferol, melatonin, beta-sitosterol, and soy isoflavones, and in the management of subjects with androgenetic alopecia. Design: A prospective case series of 10 subjects. Setting: Open-label, evaluator-blinded, proof-of-concept study. Read More

Avicenna J Phytomed 2017 Mar-Apr;7(2):107-115

Department of Traditional Persian Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.

Objective: Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease that may be fatal without proper medical intervention. It is a blistering disease that involves both the skin and mucus membranes, in which the most important causes of death comprise superimposed opportunistic infections and complications of long-term high-dose corticosteroid therapy or prolonged consumption of immune suppressant drugs. Skin lesions are the most important sources of infection, and any local treatment decreasing the healing time of lesions and reducing the total dosage of drugs is favorable. Read More

Dermatitis 2017 Mar 23. Epub 2017 Mar 23.

From the *University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis; †Department of Dermatology, Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, MN; ‡HCMC Parkside Occupational and Contact Dermatitis Clinic; and §Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis commonly occurs on the face. Facial cleansing wipes may be an underrecognized source of allergens.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of potentially allergenic ingredients in facial wet wipes. Read More

J Dermatol 2017 Jul 22;44(7):735-741. Epub 2017 Mar 22.

Department of Environmental Immuno-Dermatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.

Gibberellin-regulated protein (GRP) is a new allergen in peach allergy, with an amino acid sequence very well conserved through several botanical species. We investigated the allergenicity of GRP in fruit allergies other than peaches and identified the clinical characteristics of fruit allergy patients with GRP sensitization. One hundred consecutive Japanese patients with fruit allergies were enrolled in the present study. Read More

J Cutan Med Surg 2017 Feb 1:1203475417690306. Epub 2017 Feb 1.

2 Department of Dermatology & Skin Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Introduction: First Nations people have a long history of working with medicinal plants used to treat skin diseases. The purpose was to assess the dermatologic therapeutic potential of western red cedar, white spruce, birch, balsam poplar, and black spruce.

Methods: Based on expert recommendations, 5 trees were selected that were used in First Nations medicine for cutaneous healing and have potential and/or current application to dermatology today. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2017 Aug;18(4):451-468

Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 3301 C Street, Suite #1400, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA.

Background: Patients with psoriasis often enquire about the use of numerous botanical therapeutics. It is important for dermatologists to be aware of the current evidence regarding these agents.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases for controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials that assessed the use of topical botanical therapeutics for psoriasis. Read More

Sci Rep 2017 Feb 10;7:42275. Epub 2017 Feb 10.

Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, 550 Asbury Circle, Candler Library 107E, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Widespread antibiotic resistance is on the rise and current therapies are becoming increasingly limited in both scope and efficacy. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a major contributor to this trend. Quorum sensing controlled virulence factors include secreted toxins responsible for extensive damage to host tissues and evasion of the immune system response; they are major contributors to morbidity and mortality. Read More

J Altern Complement Med 2017 Jun 3;23(6):418-425. Epub 2017 Feb 3.

5 Department of Dermatology, University of California-Davis , Sacramento, CA.

Introduction: Patients with psoriasis often use botanical therapies as part of their treatment. It is important for clinicians to be aware of the current evidence regarding these agents as they treat patients.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE database for randomized clinical trials assessing the use of botanical therapeutics for psoriasis. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2017 Jan;43(1):81-86

*Department of Internal Medicine, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, California;†Department of Dermatology, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, California;‡Dermatology Service, Sacramento VA Medical Center, Mather, California;§Department of Dermatology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York.

Background: Skin fibrosis is a debilitating condition that significantly impacts patient quality of life. Ultraviolet phototherapy is currently used to treat several diseases featuring skin fibrosis. High-fluence light-emitting diode-generated red light (HF-LED-RL) does not cause DNA damage associated with skin cancer, and it is generally regarded as safe, portable, and cost-effective. Read More

Contact Dermatitis 2016 Dec;75(6):387-388

Department of Health Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Genoa, 16132, Genoa, Italy.

Dermatitis 2016 Nov/Dec;27(6):317-324

From the *University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; and †Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison.

Largely because of their perceived safety, the use of essential oils and other botanically derived products has become increasingly popular. Recent evidence raises concern about the safety of these products, frequently found in cosmetics and sought as an alternative to standard medical treatments. Essential oils are challenging to standardize because of the variable growing conditions, genetics, and harvesting of botanicals. Read More

Appetite 2017 Jan 22;108:83-92. Epub 2016 Sep 22.

Institute for Biological and Environmental Research, University of Prishtina "Hasan Prishtina", Mother Teresa Str., 10000 Prishtinë, Republic of Kosovo.

A food ethnobotanical field study was conducted among the Gorani of South Kosovo, a small ethnic minority group that speaks a South-Slavic language and lives in the south of the country. We conducted forty-one semi-structured interviews in ten villages of the Kosovar Gora mountainous area and found that seventy-nine wild botanical and mycological taxa represent the complex mosaic of the food cultural heritage in this population. A large portion of the wild food plant reports refer to fermented wild fruit-based beverages and herbal teas, while the role of wild vegetables is restricted. Read More

Ageing Res Rev 2016 Nov 9;31:36-54. Epub 2016 Aug 9.

Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology and The Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA. Electronic address:

Oxygen in biology is essential for life. It comes at a cost during normal cellular function, where reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated by oxidative metabolism. Human skin exposed to solar ultra-violet radiation (UVR) dramatically increases ROS production/oxidative stress. Read More

Phytomedicine 2016 Sep 23;23(10):1043-52. Epub 2016 Jun 23.

Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy. Electronic address:

Background: De Materia Medica written by Pedanios Dioscorides (1 century CE) has shaped European and Mediterranean herbal medicine to a large extent. Despite its fundamental importance for modern medico-botanical traditions the content of this work has never been systematically assessed.

Purpose: We present a quantitative survey of the botanical drugs described in De Materia Medica (ex Matthioli, 1568) and identify overall therapeutic, diachronic and botanical patterns. Read More

Semin Cutan Med Surg 2016 Jun;35(2):87-95

Geisinger Health System, Department of Dermatology - Scenery Park, State College, Pennsylvania, USA.

Acne and rosacea are common inflammatory processes historically classified in the same disease category, but evolving understanding of their disparate pathophysiology and exacerbating factors have generated an enormous armamentarium of therapeutic possibilities. Patients seek over-the-counter therapies first when managing cutaneous disease; therefore, this review defines ingredients considered to be effective over-the-counter acne and rosacea products, their mechanisms, and safe formulations, including botanical components, oral supplements, and other anecdotal options in this vast skin care domain. Read More

Am J Clin Dermatol 2016 Dec;17(6):557-581

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.

Background: Complementary and alternative interventions are becoming increasingly utilized as adjuncts to conventional treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). While the number of studies continues to grow, the vastness of the subject coupled with the relatively poor quality and small size of the studies limit their usefulness to clinicians.

Purpose: Our aim was to comprehensively review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of complementary and alternative therapies for AD. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2016 Dec 17;15(4):e13-e20. Epub 2016 Jun 17.

IRSI, Port Chester, NY, USA.

Background: Dietary modification, through supplementation and elimination diets, has become an area of interest to help slow skin aging, reduce symptom severity or prevent reoccurrence of certain dermatologic conditions [Clinical Dermatology vol. 31 (2013) 677-700]. Free radical components (reactive oxygen species or ROS) or lipid peroxide (LPO) is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of accelerated skin aging when prolonged oxidative stress occurs. Read More

Allergy 2016 Nov 30;71(11):1626-1631. Epub 2016 Jun 30.

School of Chinese Medicine for Post-Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Background: An individual's birth month has been associated with allergic diseases, but little is known about the association between birth month and atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of AD in children born in various months.

Methods: Using Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a case-control study that included 31 237 AD cases and 124 948 age- and gender-matched controls without AD. Read More

Skin Therapy Lett 2016 Jan;21(1):1-7

Spalding Drive Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Dermatology, Beverly Hills, CA, USA.

Dyschromia is a leading cause for cosmetic consultation, especially in those with diverse skin types (mixture of ethnicities) and with the rise of non-core and untrained physicians performing cosmetic procedures. Melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) account for the majority of cases and are characterized by pigmented macules and patches distributed symmetrically in sun-exposed areas of the forehead, cheeks, and chin in melasma, and irregularly in areas of inflammation or an inciting traumatic event with PIH. Treatment is challenging and focused on a variety of mechanisms to stop, hinder, and/or prevent steps in the pigment production (melanocytic hyperactivity) process, breaking down deposited pigment for internal removal or external release, exfoliating cells to enhance turnover, and decreasing inflammation. Read More

Dermatitis 2016 May-Jun;27(3):110-8

From the *Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee; †Section of Pediatric Dermatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; and ‡Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis in young children may be an under-recognized cause of perineal dermatitis. The diapered infant skin is uniquely susceptible to allergic contact dermatitis because of more permeable neonatal skin, a moist environment, frequent contact with irritants and resultant skin barrier breakdown, and exposure to topical products such as diaper wipes, diaper preparations, and disposable diapers. To our knowledge, potential allergens in these products have not been thoroughly catalogued or studied. Read More

Autophagy 2016 ;12(1):1-222

kb Emory University, School of Medicine , Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Atlanta , GA , USA.

PLoS One 2015 3;10(12):e0144175. Epub 2015 Dec 3.

Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.

ZAC, an encoding gene mapped at chromosome 6q24-q25 within PSORS1, was previously found over-expressed in the lower compartment of the hyperplastic epidermis in psoriatic lesions. Cytokines produced in the inflammatory dermatoses may drive AP-1 transcription factor to induce responsive gene expressions. We demonstrated that mZac1 can enhance AP-1-responsive S100A7 expression of which the encoding gene was located in PSORS4 with HaCaT keratinocytes. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2016 Jun 24;15(2):117-9. Epub 2015 Nov 24.

Dermatology Consulting Services, High Point, NC, USA.

Background: Eczema is a frequently encountered dermatologic condition characterized by inflammation resulting in erythema, scaling, induration, and lichenification.

Aims: The objective of this research was to examine the roll of botanical anti-inflammatories in alleviating the signs and symptoms of mild-to-moderate eczema.

Method: A total of 25 subjects 18+ years of age with mild-to-moderate eczema were asked to leave all oral medications and cleansers unchanged substituting the botanical study moisturizer for all topical treatment three times daily for 2 weeks. Read More

Contact Dermatitis 2016 Mar 13;74(3):131-44. Epub 2015 Nov 13.

BoDD - Botanical Dermatology Database, Penarth, UK.

This review focuses on contact dermatitis as an adverse effect of a selection of topically used herbal medicinal products for which the European Medicines Agency has completed an evaluation up to the end of November 2013 and for which a Community herbal monograph - now (since 2015)(†) called a European Union herbal monograph - has been produced. Part 3: Mentha × piperita L.-Solanum dulcamara L. Read More

J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2016 Jan 21;25(1):220-7. Epub 2015 Oct 21.

School of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Anaesthesiology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Health Policy Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. Electronic address:

Background: Factors associated with poststroke adverse events were not completely understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether stroke patients with previous pressure ulcers had more adverse events after stroke.

Methods: Using the claims data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a retrospective cohort study matched by propensity score. Read More

New Phytol 2015 Dec 24;208(4):1217-26. Epub 2015 Aug 24.

Science & Education, The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA.

We studied the evolutionary history of the Parmeliaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota), one of the largest families of lichen-forming fungi with complex and variable morphologies, also including several lichenicolous fungi. We assembled a six-locus data set including nuclear, mitochondrial and low-copy protein-coding genes from 293 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The lichenicolous lifestyle originated independently three times in lichenized ancestors within Parmeliaceae, and a new generic name is introduced for one of these fungi. Read More

PLoS One 2015 21;10(8):e0136486. Epub 2015 Aug 21.

Department of Microbiology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America.

The Mediterranean is home to a rich history of medical traditions that have developed under the influence of diverse cultures over millennia. Today, many such traditions are still alive in the folk medical practices of local people. Investigation of botanical folk medicines used in the treatment of skin and soft tissue infections led us to study Castanea sativa (European Chestnut) for its potential antibacterial activity. Read More

Phytother Res 2015 Oct 14;29(10):1439-51. Epub 2015 Aug 14.

Department of Dermatology, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.

Botanical and cosmeceutical therapies are commonly used to treat symptoms of rosacea such as facial erythema, papules/pustule counts, and telangiectasia. These products may contain plant extracts, phytochemicals, and herbal formulations. The objective of this study was to review clinical studies evaluating the use of botanical agents for the treatment of rosacea. Read More

J Ethnopharmacol 2015 Jul 15;170:284-96. Epub 2015 May 15.

Department of Botany, Institute of Applied Biotechnology and Basic Sciences, University of Rzeszów,Werynia 502, 36-100 Kolbuszowa, Poland. Electronic address:

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Fermented food and beverages represent an important part of the worldwide foodscape, medicinal food domain and domestic strategies of health care, yet relevant traditional knowledge in Europe is poorly documented.

Methods: Review of primary ethnographic literature, archival sources and a few ad-hoc ethnobotanical field studies in seven selected Eastern European countries (Albania, Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Kosovo, and Poland) were conducted.

Results: Current or recently abandoned uses of 116 botanical taxa, belonging to 37 families in fermented food or medicinal food products were recorded. Read More

J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 2015 May 12;11:39. Epub 2015 May 12.

Center for the Study of Human Health, Emory University, 550 Asbury Circle, Candler Library 107E, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.

Background: Kosovo represents a unique hotspot of biological and cultural diversity in Europe, which allows for interesting cross-cultural ethnobotanical studies. The aims of this study were twofold: 1) to document the state of traditional knowledge related to local (esp. wild) plant uses for food, medicine, and handicrafts in south Kosovo; and 2) to examine how communities of different ethnic groups in the region (Albanians, Bosniaks/Gorani, and Turks) relate to and value wild botanical taxa in their ecosystem. Read More

J Dermatolog Treat 2015 13;26(6):558-70. Epub 2015 Apr 13.

a Department of Dermatology , University of California Davis , Sacramento , CA , USA.

Background: Overexposure to solar radiation is a major contributor to skin cancer development and premature skin aging. Botanical extracts and vitamins may represent novel photoprotective agents.

Objective: We sought to systemically review clinical evidence for the use of botanically derived agents and vitamins as photoprotective agents. Read More

Virol Sin 2015 Jun;30(3):214-7

Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, 77004, USA.

Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2015 22;28(4):177-88. Epub 2015 Jan 22.

Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisc., USA.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of skin and joints for which conventional treatments that are effective in clearing the moderate-to-severe disease are limited due to long-term safety issues. This necessitates exploring the usefulness of botanical agents for treating psoriasis. We previously showed that delphinidin, a diet-derived anthocyanidin endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, induces normal epidermal keratinocyte differentiation and suggested its possible usefulness for the treatment of psoriasis [1]. Read More

J Ethnopharmacol 2015 Jan 30;159:137-57. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius. Electronic address:

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Acalypha is the fourth largest genus of the Euphorbiaceae family with approximately 450-570 species. Several Acalypha species are used as medicinal plants in Africa and in the Mascarene Islands. Almost every part of the plant including the leaves, stem and roots are used as traditional remedies to treat and manage a panoply of ailments. Read More

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2014 May;7(5):36-44

Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit that affects almost all teenagers. Different treatments offer different modes of action, but aim to target acne pathology. Topical therapies, such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, antibiotics with alcohol-based preparations, and salicylic acid, can cause skin irritation resulting in a lack of patient adherence. Read More

Expert Opin Biol Ther 2014 Jul 28;14(7):1033-43. Epub 2014 Apr 28.

University of Berlin, Skin Cancer Center Charite (HTCC), Department of Dermatology , Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin , Germany.

Introduction: Sinecatechins was the first botanical drug licensed for treatment in humans in the US. It is approved for the topical treatment of external genital and perianal warts. Some properties of the polyphenolic components included in sinecatechins suggest additional therapeutic potential for other skin diseases. Read More

Biochem Pharmacol 2014 Jun 24;89(3):349-60. Epub 2014 Mar 24.

Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA. Electronic address:

The incidence of melanoma continues to rise. Inspite of treatment advances, the prognosis remains grim once the disease has metastasized, emphasizing the need to explore additional therapeutic strategies. One such approach is through the use of mechanism-based dietary intervention. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2013 Dec;12(4):306-13

Dipartimento di Scienze e Innovazione Tecnologica, DiSIT, Università del Piemonte Orientale "Amedeo Avogadro", Alessandria, Italy.

Honey is a bee-derived, supersaturated solution composed mainly of fructose and glucose, and containing proteins and amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and other minor components. Historical records of honey skin uses date back to the earliest civilizations, showing that honey has been frequently used as a binder or vehicle, but also for its therapeutic virtues. Antimicrobial properties are pivotal in dermatological applications, owing to enzymatic H2 O2 release or the presence of active components, like methylglyoxal in manuka, while medical-grade honey is also available. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2014 Feb 23;70(2):352-65. Epub 2013 Nov 23.

Department of Dermatology, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California. Electronic address:

Background: Hyperpigmentation disorders are common among those seeking care from dermatologists and primary care physicians. The cosmeceutical and natural product industries are rapidly growing and many botanical agents are purported to improve hyperpigmentation disorders.

Objective: We sought to review clinical evidence for the use of botanical agents in the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Read More

Cutis 2013 Oct;92(4):174-6

Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, 609 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118, USA.

Semin Cutan Med Surg 2013 Sep;32(3):140-6

Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 SW Bond Ave., CH16D, Portland, OR 97239, USA.

Topically applied cosmetics and medicaments containing botanical extracts are commonly used. Despite popular beliefs of their benignancy, some botanicals have been implicated in causing allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible patients. The offending allergen may be the botanical extract itself or another ingredient such as a fragrance, preservative, dye, or sunscreen found in the product. Read More

Contact Dermatitis 2014 Feb 2;70(2):90-7. Epub 2013 Aug 2.

Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Dermatology, University of Ferrara, I-44121, Ferrara, Italy.

Background: The evidence on the safety of topical preparations containing botanical extracts is limited.

Objectives: To assess (i) the use of botanically derived compounds in a large population, (ii) the incidence of cutaneous side-effects, and (iii) the diagnostic usefulness of patch testing.

Methods: A questionnaire was used in 2661 patients to assess both the prevalence and type of topical botanical preparations used, and the occurrence of adverse skin reactions. Read More

Clin Exp Dermatol 2013 Jul 11;38(5):449-56. Epub 2013 Jun 11.

Alan Lyell Centre for Dermatology, Southern General Hospital Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.

This review provides a summary of key findings from 24 systematic reviews of atopic eczema (AE) published or indexed between 1 August 2010 and 31 December 2011, updating published summaries from previous years. Epidemiological evidence points to the protective effects of early daycare, endotoxin exposure, consumption of unpasteurized milk, and early exposure to dogs, but antibiotic use in early life may increase the risk for AE. With regard to prevention of AE, there is currently no strong evidence of benefit for exclusive breastfeeding, hydrolysed protein formulas, soy formulas, maternal antigen avoidance, omega-3 or omega-6 fatty-acid supplementation, or use of prebiotics or probiotics. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2012 Nov;11(11):e55-60

Department of Dermatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

Botanical products, including and especially green tea leaves, have a wide range of both reputed and demonstrated health benefits and have been used medicinally for thousands of years. This paper focuses on green tea catechins, principally reviewing their known biologic properties and potential mechanisms of action (MOAs). The primary objective is to discuss the proposed antiviral, antiproliferative, and immunostimulatory activity of catechins based on strong evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies conducted to date, including two preclinical in vitro studies with sinecatechins, a proprietary mixture of catechins. Read More

Antioxid Redox Signal 2013 Jul 18;19(2):151-62. Epub 2012 Dec 18.

Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA.

Significance: Diet-derived antioxidants are now being increasingly investigated for their health-promoting effects, including their role in the chemoprevention of cancer. In general, botanical antioxidants have received much attention, as they can be consumed for longer periods of time without any adverse effects. Flavonoids are a broadly distributed class of plant pigments that are regularly consumed in the human diet due to their abundance. Read More