capryloyl-salicylic-acid and Skin-Diseases

To review some of the promising natural remedies within dermatology to explore their potential clinical benefit in supplementing conventional drugs.. MEDLINE searches from January 1966 through October 2000 and Science Citation Index searches from January 1974 through October 2000 were conducted.. Primary importance was given to in vivo and in vitro controlled studies, the results of which encourage further exploration.. The controls used, the statistical approach to analysis, and the validity of the experimental method analyzed were considered particularly important. Data were independently extracted by multiple observers.. Natural remedies seem promising in treating a wide variety of dermatologic disorders, including inflammation, phototoxicity, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, and poison oak.. The alternative medications presented seem promising, although their true effects are unknown. Many of the presented studies do not allow deduction of clinical effects. Further experimentation must be performed to assess clinical benefit.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Complementary Therapies; Drugs, Investigational; Fatty Acids, Essential; Humans; Oils, Volatile; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Salicylates; Skin Diseases; Tea; Vitamin E

Studies comparing purported antiaging compounds are rare.. To compare in a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study 10% glycolic acid (GA), 2% 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid (beta-lipohydroxy acid, LSA) and 0.05% all-trans-retinoic acid (RA).. Women volunteers treated one forearm twice daily with one of the active products and the other one with the vehicle. Comparative evaluations of efficacy were made using histochemistry and quantitative immunohistochemistry.. Improvement in the various epidermal compartments was the most prominent finding at the RA-treated site. The LSA-treated site also exhibited similar positive changes, although to a lesser degree. GA showed no significant effect.. In the presently tested concentrations and formulations, RA had a beneficial impact upon the aging epidermis. LSA mimicked RA but with somewhat lesser efficacy. By contrast, GA appeared almost inactive.

Topics: Double-Blind Method; Epidermis; Female; Filaggrin Proteins; Glycolates; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Intermediate Filament Proteins; Keratins; Keratolytic Agents; Ki-67 Antigen; Lectins; Middle Aged; Plant Lectins; Salicylates; Skin; Skin Diseases; Transglutaminases; Treatment Outcome; Tretinoin