apigenin and Dermatitis--Atopic

Kamillosan(R) cream contains chamomile extract as active principle manufactured from the chamomile sort Manzana which is rich in active principles and has been proved not to exhibit a chamomile-related allergen potential. For this reason Kamillosan(R) cream is suited for local therapy of atopic eczema. In a partially double-blind, randomized study carried out as a half-side comparison, Kamillosan(R) cream was tested vs. 0.5% hydrocortisone cream and the vehicle cream as placebo in patients suffering from medium-degree atopic eczema. After a 2-week treatment Kamillosan(R) cream showed a mild superiority towards 0.5% hydrocortisone and a marginal difference as compared to placebo.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Arachidonic Acid; Arm; Chamomile; Dermatitis, Atopic; Drug Combinations; Erythema; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Middle Aged; Oils, Volatile; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Pruritus; Sesquiterpenes; Treatment Outcome

As many as 40% of people have sensitive skin and at least half of them suffer from pruritus associated with allergies, atopic dermatitis (AD), chronic urticaria (CU), cutaneous mastocytosis (CM), and psoriasis. Unfortunately, the available topical formulations contain antihistamines that are often not as effective as those containing corticosteroids. Certain natural flavonoids have anti-inflammatory actions. We recently reported that the natural flavonoid tetramethoxyluteolin has potent antiallergic and anti-inflammatory actions in vitro and in vivo. This flavonoid was formulated in a skin lotion along with olive fruit extract and was first tested for tolerability in 25 patients with mastocytosis or mast cell activation syndrome and very sensitive skin who reported back through a questionnaire. The skin lotion was then used by eight patients, four with AD and four with psoriasis, who had not received any topical treatment for at least 2 months, twice daily for 2 weeks. The use of this tetramethoxyluteolin formulation resulted in significant improvement of the skin lesions and could be useful adjuvant treatment for allergic and inflammatory skin conditions.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Allergic Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Chamomile; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Flavones; Fruit; Honey; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Olea; Origanum; Pilot Projects; Plant Extracts; Psoriasis; Skin Cream; Skin Irritancy Tests; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Historically, German chamomile (GC) oil has been used for treatment of skin disorders. BALB/c mice were sensitized twice a week with 100 microL of 1% 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) and challenged twice the following week with 100 microL of 0.2% DNCB for atopic dermatitis induction. Thereafter, 3% GC oil was applied daily (70 microL, 6 times week) on the dorsal skin for 4 weeks. Saline or jojoba oil was used for the control mice. Blood was collected after second DNCB challenge, and at 2 and 4 weeks after initiating oil application. Serum IgE levels were significantly lowered in the GC oil application group at the end of the 4-week application period. The GC oil application for 4 weeks resulted in reduction in serum IgG1 level compared with that after 2-week application. The GC oil application group showed a significantly lower serum histamine level than the control group 2 weeks after oil application. Scratching frequency of the GC oil application group was significantly lower than either control groups. This study is to demonstrate GC oil's immunoregulatory potential for alleviating atopic dermatitis through influencing of Th2 cell activation.

Topics: Animals; Behavior, Animal; Chamomile; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Histamine; Immunoglobulin E; Immunoglobulin G; Interleukin-4; Male; Matricaria; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Phytotherapy; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms; Th2 Cells

Topics: Baths; Chamomile; Dermatitis, Atopic; Dermatomycoses; Diagnosis, Differential; Eczema; Hemorrhoids; Humans; Pruritus Ani; Rectal Fistula

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Chamomile; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Atopic; Eczema; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Homeopathy; Humans; Patch Tests; Phytotherapy; Plants, Medicinal; Prognosis

Topics: Asthma; Azulenes; Chamomile; Child; Dermatitis, Atopic; Eczema; Humans; Infant; Pharmaceutical Preparations