Marshmallow and its action on inflamed 3D skin model mimicking atopic dermatitis

The root of marshmallow (Althaea officinalis L.) is commonly known for its anti-inflammatory action and used traditionally in different inflammatory conditions like sore throat. Furthermore, there are some hints of its traditional, topical usage on inflamed skin conditions [1], [2]. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of marshmallow root extract on the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines and further markers on active AD lesions by using a 3D skin model for atopic dermatitis (AD) [3].

The AD-like 3D skin model was obtained by systematic treatment of a reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) with a proinflammatory cytokine mix (IL-22, TNFa, IL-4, and IL-13). This proinflammatory cytokine treatment led to an upregulation of cytokines related to AD (CXCL1, IL-8. CCL-5, CCL-27), and increased the gene expression of AD related antimicrobial peptides such as human β-defensin-2 and S100A2. This inflamed, AD-like skin model was then used to study the anti-inflammatory effect of marshmallow root extract. The topical treatment of the inflamed RHE with the marshmallow extract reduced dose dependently the expression of the cytokines CXCL1, IL-8. CCL-5 and CCL-27 in comparison to the control. The upregulation of human β-defensin-2 and S100A2 in the inflamed condition was also reduced after the topical treatment with marshmallow.

These data support the traditional use of marshmallow in skin health, demonstrating its anti-inflammatory action after topical application.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 December 2022

• References

• 1 Khalighi N, Jabbari-Azad F, Barzegar-Amini M. et al. Impact of Althaea Officinalis extract in patients with atopic eczema: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Clinical Phytoscience 2021; 7: 73
• 2 Naseri V, Chavoshzadeh Z, Mizani A. et al. Effect of topical marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) on atopic dermatitis in children: A pilot double-blind active-controlled clinical trial of an in-silico-analyzed phytomedicine. Phytother Res 2020; 1-10
• 3 Bernard FX, Morel F, Camus M. et al. Keratinocytes under Fire of Proinflammatory Cytokines: Bona Fide Innate Immune Cells Involved in the Physiopathology of Chronic Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis. J Allergy (Cairo) 2012; 2012: 718725