Plant-based ointments versus usual care in the management of chronic skin diseases: A comparative analysis on outcome and safety

EthnoHERBS: Harnessing traditional herbal knowledge for biodiversity conservation and innovative health solutions

EthnoHERBS represents a pioneering multidisciplinary initiative that integrates traditional herbal knowledge with advanced natural product chemistry to promote biodiversity conservation and foster innovative cosmeceutical solutions. The project systematically documents centuries-old ethnobotanical practices across South-Eastern Europe, leading to the identification of a diverse array of medicinal and aromatic plants traditionally used to treat skin disorders. Employing environmentally friendly extraction techniques alongside cutting-edge analytical tools-including UHPLC-HRMS, CPC, and NMR spectroscopy-over 500 bioactive compounds have been characterized, with 30 novel secondary metabolites isolated and structurally elucidated. Advanced in silico methodologies, such as docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and MM-GBSA rescoring, were implemented to evaluate the interaction profiles of these compounds with key skin disorder-related enzymes, including elastase, tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, and xanthine oxidase. Complementary in vitro and in vivo assays confirmed the potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties of the selected extracts. Furthermore, the project underscores sustainable practices by establishing organic cultivation protocols and pilot-scale production processes, ensuring the eco-friendly exploitation of natural resources. By fostering extensive collaboration between academic institutions and industry partners under the Horizon 2020 framework, EthnoHERBS not only advances scientific research and innovative product development but also serves as a model for preserving traditional knowledge and biodiversity.

Efficacy of a topical formulation of henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) in contact dermatitis in patients using prosthesis: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Contact dermatitis is a common complication in prosthetic limb users. There are no effective, available and cheap treatments for skin problems of these patients. In traditional Iranian medicine, henna (Lawsonia inermis L.) is a plant that has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin-enhancing properties, all of which are beneficial for people with artificial limbs. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a topical henna preparation in management of contact dermatitis in patients using lower limb prosthetics.

METHODS

The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on ninety-five participants with lower extremity amputation using limb prosthetics, aged 12-70 years who complained of contact dermatitis. They were randomly assigned to receive either two weeks of topical henna preparation every night as the intervention group, or topical placebo as the control group. Participants were instructed to spread henna preparation on the surfaces of the amputated limb that were in contact with the prosthesis. Severity of contact dermatitis symptoms was set as the primary outcome measure. Edema, papules and erythema were evaluated by a physician using standard color atlas. Secondary outcomes included symptoms such as burning, itching, pain, thickness and skin sweating evaluated by a self-administered questionnaire.

RESULTS

A significant improvement was observed in the symptoms of contact dermatitis including skin edema, itching, sweating, skin thinning and pain (p-value<0.05) in the henna group compared to the placebo group. Skin burning decreased more in the henna group compared to the placebo group, but this was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.052). Moreover, skin redness significantly increased in the henna group (p-value = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Topical formulation of henna might be a complementary choice for improving contact dermatitis in patients using lower limb prosthetics.

Adjuvant treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis in adults by a herbal combination: Open German trial and review of the literature

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting up to 6% of the World population. Skin care is the basic approach to restore epidermal barrier function, provide symptomatic relief, and ensure remission-free periods. We performed an open trial using herbal complex Soratinex® (also known as Dr Michaels®) in adult patients with mild-to-moderate chronic plaque psoriasis without further improvement to previous treatments in the last 6 weeks. The products Cleansing Gel, Scalp & Body Ointment, and Skin Conditioner were applied twice daily for 8 weeks. All patients achieved a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 50 response, 94.4% achieved a PASI 75, 66.7% achieved PASI 90, and 22.2% achieved a PASI 100. In week 8, 94.4% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment that was well tolerated. We performed a literature review on published trials in children and adults suffering from psoriasis. Herbal complex Soratinex® achieved a PASI 50 or more in about 50-90% of patients. It ensures prolonged relapse-free periods and improves the quality of life. Adverse events are mild and seen in a minority of patients only. In conclusion, herbal complex allows safe and effective self-treatment of patients with psoriasis and improves patient's autonomy.

Antifungal activity of Cardiospermum halicacabum L. (Sapindaceae) against Trichophyton rubrum occurs through molecular interaction with fungal Hsp90

Introduction

Dermatophytosis is a superficial fungal infection limited to the stratum corneum of the epidermis, or to the hair and nails, and constitutes an important public health problem because of its high prevalence and associated morbidity. Dermatophyte fungi, especially 2 species, Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, are the predominant pathogens. Topical antifungal drugs, mainly azoles or allyamines, are currently used for the treatment of dermatophytoses, although in some cases, such as in nail and hair involvement, systemic treatment is required. However, therapeutic efficacy of current antifungal agents can be limited by their side effects, costs, and the emergence of drug resistance among fungi. Plant extracts represent a potential source of active antimicrobial agents, due to the presence of a variety of chemical bioactive compounds. In the present work, we evaluated in silico and in vitro the antifungal activity of an extract of the medicinal plant Cardiospermum halicacabum against T. rubrum suggesting a potential interaction with Hsp90 as playing an important role in both pathogenicity and drug susceptibility of T. rubrum.

Methods

We investigated in vitro the effect of different concentrations of C. halicacabum (from 500 to 31.25 µg) against a clinical isolate of T. rubrum. Furthermore, using a computational assessment, the interaction between different C. halicacabum active compounds and the fungal Hsp90 was also investigated.

Results

Our results indicate a clear-cut antifungal activity of the total plant extract at the highest concentrations (500 and 250 µg). Among all tested C. halicacabum compounds, the luteolin and rutin molecules have been identified in silico as the most important potential inhibitors of Hsp90. Based on these data, luteolin and rutin were also individually assessed for their antifungal activity. Results demonstrate that both substances display an antifungal effect, even if lower than that of the total plant extract.

Conclusion

Our data indicate a strong fungistatic effect of C. halicacabum against T. rubrum, suggesting its potential therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of dermatophytoses. Additionally, C. halicacabum compounds, and particularly luteolin and rutin, are all possible Hsp90 interactors, explaining their fungistatic activity.