The Chemistry inside Spices & Herbs: Research and Development: Volume 2

Pankaj Kumar Chaurasia, Shashi Lata Bharati

• Editorial: Bentham Science Publishers
• Año: 2001
• ISBN:
  9781681089492
• Categoría: Medicine
• Categoría: Pharmacology

The Chemistry inside Spices & Herbs: Research and Development brings comprehensive information about the chemistry of spices and herbs with a focus on recent research in this field. The book is an extensive 2-part collection of 20 chapters contributed by experts in phytochemistry with the aim to give the reader deep knowledge about phytochemical constituents in herbal plants and their benefits. The contents include reviews on the biochemistry and biotechnology of spices and herbs, herbal medicines, biologically active compounds and their role in therapeutics among other topics. Chapters which highlight natural drugs and their role in different diseases and special plants of clinical significance are also included. Part II continues from the previous part with chapters on the treatment of skin diseases and oral problems. This part focuses on clinically important herbs such as turmeric, fenugreek, ashwagandha (Indian winter cherry), basil, Terminalia chebula (black myrobalan). In terms of phytochemicals, this part presents chapters that cover resveratrol, piperine and circumin. This book is an ideal resource for scholars (in life sciences, phytomedicine and natural product chemistry) and general readers who want to understand the importance of herbs, spices and traditional medicine in pharmaceutical and clinical research.

Drugs from Natural Sources in the Management of Skin Diseases

Deepa S. Mandlik¹, Yogesh A. Kulkarni^{2, *}

¹ Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University, Pune-411038, India

² Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM’s NMIMS, V. L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai- 400056, India

Abstract

The skin or dermis is the largest organ of the human body, having important functions, such as protection and thermoregulation. Skin-related diseases are an important public health concern. A variety of skin diseases like acne, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and skin cancer affect a large group of people throughout the world. The innumerable etiological factors for skin diseases are bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa infections, declining immunity, interaction with allergens, noxious substances, or infected skin of other person's and genetic factors.

Many synthetic drugs in various dosage forms are available in the market to treat these skin conditions, but they are associated with certain drawbacks. The usage of medicinal plants for the management of various diseases is as ancient as mankind. Treatment of different skin diseases with herbs and natural products is an economical and safe option. Many plants like Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, etc., are reported to have significant effects on various skin problems. The present chapter aims to provide detailed scientific information about the management of skin diseases by using drugs from a natural source.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris, Atopic dermatitis, Bio active compounds, Herbal plants, Psoriasis, Skin, Skin cancer, Skin diseases, Skin pigmentation.

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^* Corresponding author Yogesh A. Kulkarni: Shobhaben Pratapbhai Patel School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM’s NMIMS, V. L. Mehta Road, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai- 400056, India; E-mail: [email protected]

Introduction

Skin

The skin comprises three layers; the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous fat layer (hypodermis). These layers comprise various kinds of cellular level components bringing about various skin structures displaying diverse functions and different

sorts of light proliferation. The outer layer is called the epidermis and is made out of five sublayers: the stratum corneum (inner layer), stratum granulosum, stratum spinosum, stratum basale, and stratum lucidum. The second layer of skin is the dermis, thicker and composed of collagen and elastic fibers. It also consists of papillary and reticular layers. The third layer is made up of fats [1].

Skin is the largest organ of the human body that covers a major part of the human body. It is continually exposed to dangerous compounds, physical and natural toxins. It gives essential protection against microorganisms, as it acts as a significant barrier between environmental conditions and the body. It is involved in thermoregulation, protection, and a strikingly decent boundary against microbial diseases [2]. Skin is populated by enormous microbes, the vast majority of that is innocuous and beneficial. Cooperative microorganisms possess extensive scope of specialties of the skin and give defence against attack by pathogenic microbes. The microbiota of the skin is linked to the skin site. There is, nonetheless, a harmony between the host and the microorganisms; interruptions in a crit...