Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Ethnopharmacol 2019 Jan 24. Epub 2019 Jan 24.

Dept. of Applied Chemistry, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State, Nigeria; National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Ackee plant (Blighia sapida K. D. Koenig) (Sapindaceae) is used in Sub-Saharan African where it has its origin and in different parts of the world (The Caribbean, North and South America, Europe) traditionally to manage numerous ailments like backache, constipation, cancer, fever in young children, gonorrhea, dysentery, psychosis, hernia, stomach ache, malaria, rheumatism, typhoid and several others. Read More

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2018 Dec 1;11(12):42-47. Epub 2018 Dec 1.

Ms. Janeczek is with the Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago in Maywood, Illinos.

Due to the emerging trend of alternative medicine, patients inquire about natural remedies to alleviate their symptoms. Dermatologists should be aware of the efficacy and safety of topical botanical treatments available on the market. native to the United States, has been recently shown to have anti-inflammatory properties useful in cutaneous disorders. Read More

Semin Cutan Med Surg 2018 Dec;37(4):254-262

Department of Dermatology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA.

The incidence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) reactions to personal care products has progressively increased, affecting women more so than men. Fragrances and preservatives are the major sensitizers behind cosmetic-induced ACD, due to their ubiquitous presence in these products, though emulsifiers, ultraviolet filters, and botanical allergens have been implicated as well. While patch testing is the standard for diagnosing ACD, many cosmetic-specific antigens are not currently included within the commercially available kits. Read More

Contact Dermatitis 2018 Nov 15. Epub 2018 Nov 15.

Department of Dermatology, CHU St Pierre, Brugmann and Huderf, Brussels, Belgium.

Skin Appendage Disord 2018 Aug 16;4(3):160-165. Epub 2017 Nov 16.

2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Attikon" General University Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in females is a difficult to treat skin disorder. A novel topical botanical lotion has been approved for its treatment. It acts by increasing Bcl-2, perifollicular Langerhans and mast cells, and perifollicular collagen. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2019 01;45(1):58-67

Both authors are associated with the Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington.

Background: Alternative herbal remedies for skin cancer are commonly found on the Internet. Many websites contain inaccurate or false information regarding side effects and efficacy.

Objective: To review the evidence behind several commonly advertised herbal remedies that claim to cure skin cancer: black salve, eggplant, frankincense, cannabis, black raspberry, milk thistle, St. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2018 Jul 18. Epub 2018 Jul 18.

Department of Dermatology, Research Center skinitial, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.

Background: Elevated levels of skin sebum are associated with the growth of Propionibacterium acnes. Intensive degreasing of the skin reduces Propionibacterium acnes but also may cause skin irritation.

Aims: We assessed the degreasing effect and skin tolerability of a botanical face cleanser with hops and willow bark extract and disodium cocoyl glutamate as mild cleansing agent compared to a standard face cleanser with sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). Read More

Front Med (Lausanne) 2018 26;5:188. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Medicine and Medical Specialties Department, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Alcalá University Madrid, Madrid, Spain.

Electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared ranges produces biologic effects in humans. Where some of these effects are beneficial, others are harmful to the skin, particularly those stemming from ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Pharmacological photoprotection can be topical or systemic. Read More

Clin Dermatol 2018 May - Jun;36(3):306-309. Epub 2018 Mar 10.

Department of Dermatology, Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Providence, RI.

Traditional medicine uses cultural knowledge and practices to promote health maintenance as well as diagnose and treat disease. In developing countries, the majority of people rely on traditional medicines; however, many of these practices have not been rigorously and systematically studied or reported. We review the current understanding and research behind traditional therapies prevalent in the Indian subcontinent, including mind-body and energy-based healing, botanical medicine, and herbal remedies. Read More

Front Pharmacol 2018 24;9:392. Epub 2018 Apr 24.

Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.

Human skin exposed to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) results in a dramatic increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The sudden increase in ROS shifts the natural balance toward a pro-oxidative state, resulting in oxidative stress. The detrimental effects of oxidative stress occur through multiple mechanisms that involve alterations to proteins and lipids, induction of inflammation, immunosuppression, DNA damage, and activation of signaling pathways that affect gene transcription, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis. Read More

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2018 Feb 1;11(2):28-37. Epub 2018 Feb 1.

Dr. Hollinger is with the Department of Dermatology, University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

Hyperpigmentation disorders are commonly encountered in dermatology clinics. Botanical and natural ingredients have gained popularity as alternative depigmenting products. We sought to review clinical studies evaluating the use of different natural products in treating hyperpigmentation so clinicians are better equipped to educate their patients. Read More

J Cosmet Laser Ther 2018 Oct 1;20(5):313-318. Epub 2018 Feb 1.

e Botanical Drug Research Team , Huons Co., Ltd ., Gyeonggi-do , Korea.

Background: Oxidative stress and photodamage resulting from ultraviolet radiation exposure play key roles in skin aging. Fermented Cyclopia intermedia, which is used to brew honeybush tea, exerts antioxidant and anti-wrinkle effects by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production and downregulating matrix metalloproteinase activity.

Objectives: This randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fermented honeybush (Cyclopia intermedia) extract (HU-018) for skin rejuvenation. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2018 Jun 24;17(3):305-312. Epub 2018 Jan 24.

Marmur Medical, New York, NY, USA.

Background: The cosmeceutical industry is an ever-growing and in demand market, especially in Asia. Korea has been on the forefront of creating the newest generation and most innovative cosmeceuticals products including ingredients such as snail secretions, starfish powder, botanical extracts, green tea, and red ginseng. Given their increasing prevalence in the cosmeceutical industry, scientists have been conducting investigations into these extracts and their properties. Read More

J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2017 Oct 1;10(10):34-39. Epub 2017 Oct 1.

Dr. Moy is from Facial Cosmetic Surgery in Beverly Hills, California.

Many skin conditions and diseases are characterized by inflammation, infection, and hyperplasia. Safe and effective topical treatment options that can be used long-term are needed. Traditional botanical medicines, which are often complex mixtures that exert their biological activities via multiple mechanisms of action, are being studied as potential new active ingredients in dermatology. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2018 Apr 10;17(2):138-144. Epub 2018 Jan 10.

Dermatology Consulting Services, PLLC, High Point, NC, USA.

Moisturizers provide functional skin benefits, such as making the skin smooth and soft, increasing skin hydration, and improving skin optical characteristics; however, moisturizers also function as vehicles to deliver ingredients to the skin. These ingredients may be vitamins, botanical antioxidants, peptides, skin-lightening agents, botanical anti-inflammatories, or exfoliants. This discussion covers the science of moisturizers. Read More

Indian J Dermatol 2017 Nov-Dec;62(6):558-577

Consultant Dermatologist, Solapur, Maharashtra, India.

Melasma is one of the most common hyperpigmentary disorders found mainly in women and dark-skinned patients. Sunlight, hormones, pregnancy, and genetics remain the most implicated in the causation of melasma. Although rather recalcitrant to treatment, topical agents such as hydroquinone, modified Kligman's Regime, azelaic acid, kojic acid, Vitamin C, and arbutin still remain the mainstay of therapy with sun protection being a cornerstone of therapy. Read More

Eur Ann Allergy Clin Immunol 2017 Nov;49(6):244-251

Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Photobiology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, Grenoble, France.

Summary: Food allergy to pumpkin seed is considered very rare, and only some isolated case reports have so far been published. We report here a case of food anaphylaxis to pumpkin seed in an eight-year-old boy, who tolerated all other edible seeds, peanut and tree nuts, as well as pulp of different kinds of pumpkins and other fruits of the Cucurbitaceae family. From this observation, a review of the botanical, historical, medicinal and allergenic aspects of pumpkin and its seeds is proposed. Read More

Contact Dermatitis 2018 Mar 7;78(3):177-184. Epub 2017 Dec 7.

Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.

Background: Natural ingredients have variable compositions, so their allergenic potencies may differ.

Objectives: To retrospectively analyse subjects reacting to herbal remedies over the past 27 years, with the aim of (i) evaluating demographic characteristics and lesion locations, (ii) describing the frequencies of positive patch test reactions, (iii) identifing sensitization sources, and (iv) studying concomitant sensitivity.

Patients And Methods: In total, 15980 patients were patch tested between 1990 and 2016 with the European baseline series and/or other series, product(s) used, and, whenever possible, the respective ingredients. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2017 Oct;77(4):607-621

Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. Electronic address:

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs after various dermatoses, exogenous stimuli, and dermatologic procedures. The clinical course of PIH is chronic and unpredictable, although the probability of resolution of epidermal hyperpigmentation is better than those of dermal hyperpigmentation. PIH can be prevented or alleviated. Read More

JAMA Dermatol 2017 11;153(11):1099-1105

Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.

Importance: Because moisturizer use is critical for the prevention and treatment of numerous dermatological conditions, patients frequently request product recommendations from dermatologists.

Objective: To determine the product performance characteristics and ingredients of best-selling moisturizers.

Design And Setting: This cohort study involved publicly available data of the top 100 best-selling whole-body moisturizing products at 3 major online retailers (Amazon, Target, and Walmart). Read More

J Altern Complement Med 2017 Dec 26;23(12):920-929. 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), -equol, racemic equol or -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.

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 infections are recalcitrant to antibiotic therapy due to their ability to form a biofilm, which acts not only as a physical barrier to antibiotics and the immune system, but results in differences in metabolism that further restricts antibiotic efficacy. 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.

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. A prospective case series of 10 subjects. 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 Nov/Dec;28(6):353-359

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 Jul/Aug;21(4):288-298. Epub 2017 Feb 2.

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 02 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 01 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 11 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 11 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