Less-known botanical cosmeceuticals.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become increasingly popular in the United States during the last 10-15 years. The use of oral and topical supplements falls within this framework. Most oral and topical supplements are based on or include several botanical ingredients, many of which have long histories of traditional or folk medicine usage. Several of the available products derived from botanical sources are touted for their dermatologic benefits. The focus in this discussion will be on a select group of botanical compounds that have been used for dermatologic purposes or show promise for such applications, including: rosemary, polypodium leucotomos, propolis, oatmeal, olive oil, grape seed extract, lavender, mushrooms, and coffeeberry. Other more commonly used products of botanical origin, such as arnica, bromelain, caffeine, chamomile, ferulic acid, feverfew, green tea, licorice, pomegranate, and resveratrol, are also briefly considered.
Baumann
Leslie S
LS
Division of Cosmetic Dermatology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33125, USA. lsb@derm.net
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003358:Cosmetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D041743:Herb-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015595:Skin Aging / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D017592:Skin Care / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003358:Cosmetics; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts