Contact leukomelanosis induced by the leaves of Piper betle L. (Piperaceae): a clinical and histopathologic survey

Leaves that leave their mark: A case series of pediatric Piper Betle-induced leukomelanosis

This case series presents 10 pediatric patients, aged 4 to 9 years, with leukomelanosis on the chest or forehead. The pigmentary changes developed after the traditional use of Piper betle leaves as a home-based remedy for a cough or cold. Piper betle-induced leukomelanosis in children is a rare dermatosis resulting from cultural practices. It is important to recognize the role of ethnobotany in dermatology.

Adult-onset dyschromatoses

The dyschromatoses are a group of pigmentary disorders characterized clinically by mixed and often guttate hypopigmentend and hyperpigmented lesions. There are many conditions that present with dyschromatosis, including genodermatoses, inflammatory skin diseases, infections, drug and chemical use, and nutritional disorders. Some conditions have extracutaneous features. In this article, we describe the dyschromatoses with typical onset in adulthood. Most diseases in this group are acquired conditions. To organize the various acquired dyschromatoses, we have categorized them into those with a history of chemical exposure, drug exposure or dermatological procedures, and those without a history of such exposure. In contrast to the genetic dyschromatoses, some acquired dyschromatoses are preventable and treatable. We hope this review will serve as a guide for dermatologists to the recognition and treatment of these conditions.

Antioxidant and non-toxic properties of Piper betle leaf extract: in vitro and in vivo studies

Piper betle leaves are used in folk medicine for the treatment of various disorders and is commonly chewed among Asians. The present study investigates the protective efficacy of P. betle leaf extract. The presence of the extract inhibited the radiation induced lipid peroxidation process effectively. This could be attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals involved in initiation and propagation steps. Oral supplementation with extract (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg) was administered daily for 2 weeks to Swiss albino mice and the hepatic antioxidant status was analysed. The GSH content was enhanced and no appreciable change was found in the levels of oxidative damage in terms of lipid peroxidation. Also, the specific activity of SOD increased in a dose dependent manner. These factors indicate the elevation of antioxidant status in the animals. The effect on the glyoxalase system which is considered to be activated under stress conditions was also investigated. Our findings did not observe any significant change in gly I and gly II activities, implying a non-stress condition after oral treatment of the extract. The present study indicates the antioxidant activity of P. betle leaf extract and its potential to elevate the antioxidant status.