title: Inhibition of elastase activity by essential oils in vitro.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Essential oils are widely used, for example in aromatherapy and aroma massage. In aroma massage, essential oil, diluted with vegetable oil, is rubbed onto the skin. Components of essential oil penetrate into the skin and have an influence on the dermis. Elastase is an enzyme which degenerates dermal elastin. Elastase activity is believed to contribute to cutaneous wrinkling and ageing.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the inhibitory effect of essential oils on elastase activity.
  
  
  METHODS
  Inhibition of elastase activity by various essential oils was assessed using two elastase enzymes: porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) and human neutrophil elastase (HNE).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Elastase activity was inhibited by various essential oils, especially by those oils derived from lemons, juniper and grapefruit. Although the specific inhibitory component was not determined, lemon oil had the greatest inhibitory effect on PPE. Some essential oils also inhibited HNE.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These studies demonstrate a possible rationale for the use of essential oil massage as a preventive treatment for cutaneous wrinkling and ageing.
authors.affiliation: Research and Development Division, Institute of Cosmetic Science, Club Cosmetics Co. Ltd, Japan. moori@clubcosmetics.co.jp
authors.forename: Masahiro
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mori
authors.forename: Norikazu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ikeda
authors.forename: Yoshiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kato
authors.forename: Miki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Minamino
authors.forename: Kazuhito
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Watabe
mesh_terms: D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D009822:Oils, Volatile; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase