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Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) as a tool for helping with Inflammation (general)
Astringent for skin irritation and minor inflammation of the skin and oral mucosa (tannins), applied topically
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Hamamelis virginiana L. (witch hazel) is a traditionally used medicinal plant, well-known for its dermatological applications. The plant's bark and leaves contain a rich array of bioactive compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, proanthocyanidins, and tannins, many of which exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. These activities have been verified by numerous in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as limited clinical trials. The H. virginiana extracts have demonstrated effectiveness against bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. Moreover, the extracts exert anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine expression and NF-κB signaling, improve skin regeneration, and protect against UV-induced damage and pollution. This review highlights H. virginiana as a complex botanical resource to be used in dermatology and cosmetology and shows that current research offers encouraging results for its future therapeutic use, especially in skin treatment.
2 sources supporting Witch Hazel for Inflammation (general). Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's anti-inflammatory action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
Hamamelis virginiana bark extract impaired the keratinocyte inflammatory cascade typical of atopic eczema by inhibiting NF-kB-driven cytokine release, supporting the anti-inflammatory topical use of witch hazel.
A glycolic extract from Hamamelis virginiana bark (rich in hamamelitannin and proanthocyanidins) was evaluated against Cutibacterium acnes- and TNF-alpha-induced inflammation in human keratinocytes. The extract inhibited IL-6 and IL-8 release by partially impairing NF-kB activation and acting through antioxidant mechanisms, supporting the use of witch hazel for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne.
Hamamelis virginiana extract showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects against Candida and bacteria, anti-inflammatory action and nitric-oxide modulation in macrophages without cytotoxicity, supporting the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory use of witch hazel.
Hamamelitannin from Hamamelis virginiana dose-dependently inhibited TNF-induced endothelial cell death, an activity that may explain the antihaemorrhagic and protective traditional uses of witch hazel.