Cassia alata, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa and Azadirachta indica: Food Ingredients as Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis-A Comprehensive Review.

Yik-Ling Chew, Mei-Ann Khor, Zhao Xu, Sue-Kei Lee, Jing-Wen Keng, Sze-Huey Sang, Gabriel Akyirem Akowuah, Khang Wen Goh, Kai Bin Liew, Long Chiau Ming

Journal: Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2022;27(17):5475

PMID: 36080243

Abstract

Traditional medicine is critical in disease treatment and management. Herbs are gaining popularity for disease management and treatment. Therefore, they can be utilised as complementary and alternative treatment (CAT) ingredients. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the common non-communicable diseases. It is characterised by chronic inflammatory skin disease with intense pruritus and eczematous lesions. AD is associated with oxidative stress, microbial infection, and upregulation of inflammatory cytokines. Both children and adults could be affected by this skin disorder. The prevalence of AD is increasing along with the country's level of development. This review revisited the literature on four medicinal herbs widely used as complementary medicine to manage AD. These therapeutic herbs are commonly eaten as food and used as spices in Asian cuisine. The four food herbs reviewed are Cassia alata, Coriandrum sativum, Curcuma longa Linn, and Azadirachta indica. Their traditional uses and phytochemical content will be covered. Four relevant pharmacological and biological activities of the plants crucial in AD management have been reviewed and discussed, including anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, and wound recovery.

Address: Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia.; Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology, INTI International University, Nilai 71809, Malaysia.; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Cyberjaya, Cyberjaya 63000, Malaysia.; PAP Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Gadong BE1410, Brunei.
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