J Ethnopharmacol. 2017 Apr 8. pii: S0378-8741(16)31017-0. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2017.03.058. [Epub ahead of print]
1. Research Centre skinitial, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany. Electronic address: ute.woelfle@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
2.Research Centre skinitial, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.3.Molecular Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch is a medicinal plant of the Northern hemisphere belonging to the plant
family of roses (Rosaceae). It has traditionally been used to treat
inflammatory disorders of the skin and mucous membranes as well as
chronic diarrhea.
AIM OF THE STUDY:
In the present study we analyzed the anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive effect of a Potentilla erecta
extract (PE) and questioned if PE is similar effective as mild
corticosteroids. Then we analyzed if PE acts in the skin via a similar
mode of action as corticosteroids.
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
The anti-inflammatory effect of PE was analyzed in irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes by measuring the formation of IL-6 and PGE2. Additionally the effect of PE on TNF-α induced NF-κB activation was determined. As the anti-inflammatory effect of corticosteroids correlates with their vasoconstrictive properties
we tested if PE displays also vasoconstriction. Therefore we performed
an occlusive patch test and a collagen contraction assay. Furthermore
the binding of PE to the glucocorticoid receptor was determined with
stainings and reporter assays. The interaction of PE on the nitric oxide
(NO) content was examined with radical scavenging and endothelial NO
synthase (eNOS) reporter assays.
RESULTS:
In irradiated or TNF-α stimulated HaCaT cells the formation of IL-6 and PGE2
or NF-κB activation was strongly reduced by PE. Furthermore PE showed a
blanching effect comparable to hydrocortisone. However, in contrast to
glucocorticoids, PE did not cause nuclear translocation of the
glucocorticoid receptor in HaCaT cells. The blanching effect of PE was
at least partly attributable to a scavenging effect of NO and inhibition
of eNOS.
CONCLUSIONS:
PE displays anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictive effects and might therefore be beneficial for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.
Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.
KEYWORDS:
NO; Potentilla erecta; agrimoniin; glucocorticoid receptor; keratinocytes; vasoconstriction
