Clinical efficacy of herbal extract cream on the skin hydration, elasticity, thickness, and dermis density for aged skin: A randomized controlled double-blind study.

Background: Traditional medicine herbal prescriptions used for the treatment of skin disease have been developed into cosmetics. Sang-Hyul-Yun-Boo-Em (SHYBE) is a mixed herbal formula prescribed for patients with yin or blood deficiency patterns of skin disease. A previous study reported that SHYBE exercises anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Anti-allergic inflammatory effect of vanillic acid through regulating thymic stromal lymphopoietin secretion from activated mast cells.

Vanillic acid, which is well known as a benzoic acid derivative, has been used as a flavouring agent. Currently, we ascertained the therapeutic potential action of vanillic acid on allergic inflammatory reaction in human mast cell line, HMC-1. Treatment with vanillic acid resulted in a significant decrease in levels of thymic stromal lymphopoietin and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and calcium ionophore A23187 (PMACI)-treated HMC-1 cells.

Ameliorative effect of atractylenolide III in the mast cell proliferation induced by TSLP.

Atractylenolide III (ATL-III) is an active compound of Atractylodes lancea, which has been widely used for the treatment of cancer. Cancer is closely connected with inflammation, and many anti-inflammatory agents are also used to treat cancer. We investigated the influence of ATL-III on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)-induced inflammatory reactions.

Cordycepin Suppresses Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin Expression via Blocking Caspase-1 and Receptor-Interacting Protein 2 Signaling Pathways in Mast Cells.

Cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine) is one of the active components isolated from Cordyceps militaris, and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, and anti-cancer effects. Mast cell-derived thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammatory reactions. Here, we investigated the regulatory effect and mechanisms of cordycepin on the expression of TSLP in the human mast cell line, HMC-1 cells, and in the human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT cells.

Inhibitory effect of imperatorin on insulin-like growth factor-1-induced sebum production in human sebocytes cultured in vitro.

Aims: Acne is a common skin disease that originates in the sebaceous gland. The pathogenesis of acne is very complex, involving the increase of sebum production and perifollicular inflammation. In this study, we screened the anti-lipogenic material and demonstrated its effect using cultured human sebocytes.

A Novel Compound Rasatiol Isolated from Raphanus sativus Has a Potential to Enhance Extracellular Matrix Synthesis in Dermal Fibroblasts.

Background: The fibrous proteins of extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by dermal fibroblast contributes to the maintenance of connective tissue integrity.

Objective: This study is carried out to identify the bioactive ingredient from natural products that enhances ECM production in dermal fibroblasts.

Methods: Bioassay-directed fractionation was used to isolate the active ingredient from natural extracts.

Cedrol Enhances Extracellular Matrix Production in Dermal Fibroblasts in a MAPK-Dependent Manner.

Background: The extracellular matrix (ECM) produced by dermal fibroblasts supports skin structure, and degradation and/or reduced production of ECM are the main causes of wrinkle formation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the active ingredient that enhances ECM production in dermal fibroblasts.

Methods: Polarity-based fractionation was used to isolate the active ingredient from natural extracts, and the effects of cedrol (isolated from Pterocarpus indicusirginia) on ECM production in cultured human dermal fibroblasts was investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and Western blot analysis.

Adenosine stimulates growth of dermal papilla and lengthens the anagen phase by increasing the cysteine level via fibroblast growth factors 2 and 7 in an organ culture of mouse vibrissae hair follicles.

Hair regression and balding are distressing concerns for an increasing number of people due to changes in lifestyle and serious nutritional imbalances. Therapies for treatment of hair loss are needed. Among potential therapeutics, adenosine has been suggested as a potent regulator of hair growth.

Stimulation of the extracellular matrix production in dermal fibroblasts by velvet antler extract.

Background: Fibroblasts produce many components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and so they contribute to the maintenance of connective tissue integrity.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of velvet antler extract (VAE) on the ECM production of dermal fibroblasts cultured in vitro.

Methods: Primary cultured human dermal fibroblasts were treated with VAE, and then the ECM production was determined by RT-PCR, ELISA and Western blot analysis.

Induction of synapse associated protein 102 expression in cyclosporin A-stimulated hair growth.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) has been used as a potent immunosuppressive agent for inhibiting the graft rejection after organ transplantation. However, CsA provokes lots of side effects including hirsutism, the phenomenon of abnormal hair growth in the body. In the present study, we investigated the hair growth stimulating effect of CsA using in vivo and in vitro test models.

Establishment of type II 5alpha-reductase over-expressing cell line as an inhibitor screening model.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the most potent male hormone that causes androgenetic alopecia. The type II 5alpha-reductase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone (T) to DHT, therefore it can be expected that specific inhibitors for type II 5alpha-reductase may improve the pathophysiologic status of androgenetic alopecia. In this study, we attempted to establish the reliable and convenient screening model for type II 5alpha-reductase inhibitors.

Anticholinesterase activity of plastoquinones from Sargassum sagamianum: lead compounds for Alzheimer's disease therapy.

During the search for anticholinesterase compounds from marine organisms, two known plastoquinones, sargaquinoic acid (1) and sargachromenol (2), were isolated from Sargassum sagamianum. Both compounds showed moderate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity in a micromole range (IC(50) 23.2 and 32.

Inhibition of mast cell-dependent allergy reaction by extract of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa).

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) has been used as therapeutics for pain and inflammation in Korean folk medicine. The potential effects of black cohosh extract (BCE) on mast cell-dependent allergy reaction, however, have not been well elucidated yet. In the present study, we investigated the effect of BCE on the allergy reaction using mast cell-dependent in vivo and in vitro models.

Identification of androgen-regulated genes in SV40-transformed human hair dermal papilla cells.

Background: Androgens are major regulators of human hair growth, which exert their effect on follicular epithelium via the mesenchyme-derived dermal papilla (DP) cells. However, very few data are available with regard to the genes regulated by androgen in DP cells.

Objective: To investigate the differentially expressed genes by androgen in DP cells.

Anti-allergic action of buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) grain extract.

The anti-allergic action of buckwheat grain extract (BGE) was investigated using rodent experimental models. The oral, intraperitoneal and intradermal administration of BGE significantly inhibited the compound 48/80-induced vascular permeability documented by Evans blue extravasation. In addition, BGE showed potent inhibitory effect on passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE when orally administered.

The hair growth promoting effect of Sophora flavescens extract and its molecular regulation.

In search of natural extracts for hair growth, we found that the extract of dried root of Sophora flavescens has outstanding hair growth promoting effect. After topical application of Sophora flavescens extract onto the back of C57BL/6 mice, the earlier conversion of telogen-to-anagen was induced. The growth of dermal papilla cells cultured in vitro, however, was not affected by Sophora flavescens extract treatment.