The Mechanism of Anti-Inflammatory Action in Human Skin Uncovered

Tiger ear grass () also known as stone lotus leaf, gold thread hanging lotus, tiger ear, etc., widely distributed in China.
In Japan, tiger ear grass is used as a herbal remedy for wounds and swelling, as well as as an ingredient in food and cosmetics.
Pharmacological studies showed that the extracts of Herba paniculata had antioxidant and anti-tumor activities.
However, little is known about its physiological effects on skin keratinocytes.
Its anti-inflammatory effects on the skin have not been fully explored.
In a new study published recently in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers from the Institute of Agricultural Research at Shinshu University in Japan have found that the plant can be used to treat routine infectious dermatitis.
Bacteria-specific antibiotics and anti-inflammatory steroids are commonly used to control dermatitis, but the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and the side effects of long-term use make them less effective.
Auricularia provides a means of locally controlling inflammation in the body by stimulating a limited immune response.
Known as “Yukinoshita” in Japanese, which means “under the snow,” tiger’s ear is a highly safe plant with a proven track record of use.
It has been used for centuries in food and cosmetics, as well as medicine.
Although its anti-inflammatory effects are well known, the detailed mechanism of action has not been elucidated.
In this study, we identified a novel biological mechanism by which Auricularia auriculata extract inhibits Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression in human skin keratinocytes and TLR2-mediated inflammation.
This study provides important insights into the anti-inflammatory effects of C. paniculata in human skin.

Based on the results of this study, researchers are planning a trial of the efficacy in patients with mild acne.
This method works by a different mechanism than traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, and if the trial is successful, it is expected that the plant could be widely used as an anti-inflammatory plant.