Ophiopogon japonicus, a natural solution to soothe atopic dermatitis?

Ranked among the most common skin diseases, atopic dermatitis is a recurring chronic inflammatory condition that can occur at different life stages. This genetically originated disease is characterised by the presence of redness (erythema), intense itching (pruritus), small vesicles, oozing, crusts, and dry, thick areas (lichenification). It is primarily treated with medicinal therapies aimed at alleviating the symptoms, typically including corticosteroids. However, these topical treatments, although effective, are often associated with adverse effects, notably skin atrophy, tingling, and burning sensations.

In light of these findings, many patients are choosing to explore complementary/alternative medicines, such as phytotherapy. Indeed, traditional Chinese medicine is garnering increasing interest as natural alternative sources for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, in conjunction with current therapies. In 2008, it was demonstrated that the daily oral administration of a herbal formula from traditional Chinese medicine was effective in alleviating atopic eczema in mouse models with house dust mite-induced atopic dermatitis. Among other ingredients, it containedOphiopogon japonicus, a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The results revealed significant reductions in the expression levels of the cytokines IL-1α and TNF-α in the treated mice compared to the control mice. It is suggested that the observed effects are partly due to theOphiopogon japonicus.

Subsequently, a randomised, single-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial was conducted on a cohort of 90 children and 144 Caucasian adults with mild to moderate atopic eczema (SCORAD < 40). Subjects were required to apply a moisturising cream containing 0.5% extract of Ophiopogon japonicus twice daily for a period of two months. In this research programme, the scientists report that oligofructosanes, natural active ingredients isolated and purified from the tubers of Ophiopogon japonicus, successfully improved the clinical signs and reduced the severity score of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) in patients from both age groups. Furthermore, a significant reduction in the relapse rate was also observed, thereby extending the remission periods between two eczema flare-ups.

Furthermore, the clinical study also demonstrated that theextract ofOphiopogon japonicus is safe for skin application and was well tolerated by the atopic skin of both children and adults, even though rare cases of mild adverse events (erythema and itching) were reported.

How does Ophiopogon japonicus act on atopic dermatitis?

According to studies, the oligofructosanes isolated from theOphiopogon japonicus have helped to restore the homeostasis of atopic skin by targeting their main abnormalities, through their action on several skin parameters that remain somewhat unclear to this day.

• Restoring the weakened skin barrier: The extract of Ophiopogon japonicus has been found to restore the expression of several components of the skin barrier (tight junction protein claudin-1 and filaggrin) in atopic patients, correlated with an improvement in skin hydration and a reduction in transepidermal water loss;

• Reducing inflammatory reactions: according to a study, the local application of oligofructosanes (ophiopogonin D) derived from theOphiopogon japonicus helps to decrease the increase of certain pro-inflammatory mediators in murine models of eczema by inhibiting NF-kB and MAPK signalling pathways. Indeed, an abnormally high amount of cytokines can lead to an overproduction of IgE by mast cells, which can then exacerbate atopic dermatitis. However, the extract ofOphiopogon japonicus has been shown to regulate the activation of mast cells and thus prevent the release of an excessive amount of histamine capable of producing pro-inflammatory factors.

What are the limitations of the clinical study?

It has been reported that the fructosans derived fromOphiopogon japonicus, when incorporated into Diprobase emollient cream, restore the integrity of the skin barrier. But could these results not be due to the occlusive nature of Diprobase cream, which is primarily composed of mineral oils? Diprobase cream has already proven its effectiveness on dry skin and eczema. In the clinical study, on certain measured parameters, particularly concerning the evaluation of patients' quality of life (SCORAD, IDQOL, DLQI), no significant difference was observed with the control group (placebo). Furthermore, the mechanisms involved in theOphiopogon japonicus remain misunderstood. Thus, further clinical studies must be conducted to confirm the effects of the extract of Japanese lilyturf on the various aspects of atopic dermatitis, as well as more effective studies on the mechanism of action.

Designed to soothe the discomfort of skin prone to atopic eczema in both children and adults, our anti-itch concentrate containsan extract ofOphiopogon japonicus enriched with oligofructosanes (INCI: Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract), whose effectiveness has been significantly proven by clinical studies.