A Natural Composite Extract Restores Skin Barrier Function by Modulating Inflammatory, Hydration, and Redox Pathways

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Cosmeceutical Science
• In Vitro Skin Biology
• Plant-Based Therapeutics

Background:

• Pediatric skin disorders often involve inflammation, itching, and oxidative stress.
• Current treatments may have limitations, necessitating exploration of novel, safe alternatives.
• Plant-derived compounds are increasingly investigated for dermatological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel composite plant extract (PLCP) on key skin health parameters.
• To assess PLCP's effects on skin hydration, inflammation, itching, and oxidative stress.
• To investigate potential age-dependent differences in keratinocyte response to PLCP.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pediatric (NHEK) and adult (HaCaT) keratinocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
• Assessed PLCP's impact on inflammation (TSLP, ET-1), itching, hydration (HAS), and oxidative stress (ROS, SOD) markers.
• Employed rt-PCR, ELISA, ROS assays, and SOD activity measurements for comprehensive analysis.

Main Results:

• PLCP significantly suppressed LPS-induced TSLP and ET-1 secretion/mRNA levels in both cell types.
• PLCP dose-dependently upregulated hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS) mRNA, indicating enhanced hydration.
• PLCP demonstrated potent antioxidant effects by decreasing ROS and increasing SOD activity.

Conclusions:

• PLCP exhibits significant anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties in vitro.
• Pediatric keratinocytes showed a more pronounced response to PLCP, suggesting age-specific efficacy.
• PLCP presents a promising, safe, plant-based option for managing pediatric skin disorders.