Clinical efficacy and safety of 4-hexyl-1,3-phenylenediol for improving skin hyperpigmentation.

Hyperpigmentation disorders are of social and cosmetic concerns to many individuals due to their prevalent locations on highly visible parts of the body. Topical formulation containing hydroquinone is the most widely used remedy for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders. However, reports of side effects in long-term usage have raised concerns for its use in cosmetic products.

Galvanic zinc-copper microparticles inhibit melanogenesis via multiple pigmentary pathways.

The endogenous electrical field of human skin plays an important role in many skin functions. However, the biological effects and mechanism of action of externally applied electrical stimulation on skin remain unclear. Recent study showed that galvanic zinc-copper microparticles produce electrical stimulation and reduce inflammatory and immune responses in intact skin, suggesting the important role of electrical stimulation in non-wounded skin.

Parthenolide sensitizes ultraviolet (UV)-B-induced apoptosis via protein kinase C-dependent pathways.

Parthenolide (PN) is the principal sesquiterpene lactone in feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) with proven anti-inflammatory properties. We have previously reported that PN possesses strong anticancer activity in ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced skin cancer in SKH-1 hairless mice. In order to further understand the mechanism(s) involved in the anticancer activity of PN, we investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) in the sensitization activity of PN on UVB-induced apoptosis.

Anti-cancer potential of sesquiterpene lactones: bioactivity and molecular mechanisms.

Sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) are the active constituents of a variety of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In recent years, the anti-cancer property of various SLs has attracted a great deal of interest and extensive research work has been carried out to characterize the anti-cancer activity, the molecular mechanisms, and the potential chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic application of SLs. In this review, we attempt to summarize the current knowledge of the anti-cancer properties of SLs by focusing on the following important issues.

Beta-phenylethyl and 8-methylsulphinyloctyl isothiocyanates, constituents of watercress, suppress LPS induced production of nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Beta-phenylethyl (PEITC) and 8-methylsulphinyloctyl isothiocyanates (MSO) represent two phytochemical constituents present in watercress Rorripa nasturtium aquaticum, with known chemopreventative properties. In the present investigation, we examined whether PEITC and MSO could modulate the inflammatory response of Raw 264.7 macrophages to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by assessment of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression.

Chemopreventive activity of parthenolide against UVB-induced skin cancer and its mechanisms.

Parthenolide (PN) is a major sesquiterpene lactone of feverfew (Tanacetum parthanium) with known anti-inflammatory activity. However, the anticancer effects of PN have not been well studied. In the present investigation, we examined the cancer chemopreventive property of PN using a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches.