Planta Med 2025; 91(06/07): 338-352
DOI: 10.1055/a-2538-5769
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Possibility and Potenzial Intervention Targets of Saffron Extract in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: A Review

Authors

  • Huiyang Shi

    2   Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
  • Xuan Liu

    1   Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
  • Peiyi Zhao

    2   Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
  • Wei Huang

    2   Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
  • Hebin Wang

    2   Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
  • Heying Jin

    2   Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
  • Junyou Zhu

    3   Department of Burn, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China
  • Jianwu Wang

    1   Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
  • Tianjiao Li

    1   Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China

The authors are grateful to the National Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 82102332), the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (Grant Nos. 2022JJ40667 and 2022JJ30785), the Graduate Student Independent Exploration and Innovation Program of Central South University (1053320241380), the China International College Studentsʼ Innovation Competition (CXPY2024437), and the Natural Science Foundation of Changsha (Grant Nos. kq2202128 and kq2202078).
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Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by dry skin, eczema-like lesions, and severe itching. The multifaceted etiology of AD, which is not yet fully understood, includes genetic predispositions, immune dysfunctions(such as an impaired skin barrier and abnormal immune regulation), imbalances in the skin microbiota, and environmental factors, among others. In the field of AD treatment, the combination of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine is becoming an emerging trend. Given the potenzial side effects and reduced efficacy of conventional therapeutic drugs, Chinese herbal medicines offer patients new treatment options because of their unique efficacy and low toxicity. Some saffron extracts derived from saffron and gardenia, such as crocin, crocetin, and safranal, have shown promising potenzial in the treatment of AD. These natural ingredients not only possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties similar to those of traditional Chinese medicines but also demonstrate excellent effects in promoting the repair of damaged skin barriers. Therefore, this article reviews the therapeutic potenzial of saffron extract in the treatment of AD, with a special focus on its mechanisms and potenzial interventions, while emphasizing the importance of herbal medicines as alternatives to traditional treatments, providing AD patients with safer and more effective treatment options.



Publication History

Received: 01 October 2024

Accepted after revision: 29 January 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
13 February 2025

Article published online:
20 March 2025

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