Omnia SanaSymptom → Plant Sources
Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa) and Skin irritation: evidence and sources
Anti-inflammatory; soothes inflamed, irritated skin; Traditional 'alterative' for chronic skin conditions - eczema, psoriasis, rashes (as a poultice, salve or tea)
For educational purposes only, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants, especially alongside prescribed medication, during pregnancy, or for a serious condition.
Three acylated iridoid glycosides (E)-6-O-(2", 4"-diacetyl-3" -O-p-methoxycinnamoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl catalpol (scopolioside A) (1), (E)-6-O-(2"-acetyl-3", 4"-di-O,O-p-methoxycinnamoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl catalpol (scrophuloside A(4)) (2) and (E)-6-O-(2",3"-diacetyl-4"-O-p-methoxycinnamoyl)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl catalpol (scrovalentinoside) (3) have been isolated from the dried seed pods of Scrophularia nodosa by HPLC. Their structures were determined by 1D and 2D NMR, UV/Vis and mass spectroscopy and by comparison with published data. All three compounds were shown in vitro to stimulate the growth of human dermal fibroblasts. The effect was negatively dose-dependent for 2 and 3 for which fibroblast growth stimulation was highest at 0.78 microg/mL but was not significantly different from the control at 100 microg/mL. The presence of these compounds in the mature seed pods may explain the ethnobotanical use of this plant in Europe for healing wounds.
From the beginning of recorded history through the present day, dermatologic disorders have been treated with ethnomedicine remedies. We present the ethnodermatologic practices in Transylvania, Romania. We conducted ethnomedicine surveys in 35 villages in Transylvania (2007-2019). The 650 people interviewed were questioned about the treatment of dermatologic disorders by drugs derived from plant, animal, human, or other origins. Collected data were compared to earlier records of the regions and other European countries, completed with relevant pharmacologic studies of some plants. A total of 180 drugs were documented for 45 skin problems, including 112 plants, 1 fungus, 19 animals, 5 humans, and 43 other materials used in 11 preparation forms. Among these, 144 drugs were mentioned in humans, 10 in veterinary medicines, and 26 included in both therapies with overlapping human/animal (eg, Petroselinum crispum) and specific uses (eg, Daphne mezereum, Scrophularia nodosa). Compared to data from other countries, the local use of 32 plants and various animals and minerals was described only in the study area. The present study demonstrates that ethnomedicine practices are a valuable source of knowledge for skin diseases and highlight the relevance of fieldwork in the selected regions of Transylvania.
4 sources supporting Figwort for Skin irritation. 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:
Biological screening of Scrophularia nodosa crude extract and its fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethyl-acetate, n-butanol and aqueous) was carried out on phytotoxicity, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, antifungal and analgesic activities. Crude extract and its fractions produced 50-100% phytotoxicity at 1000μ/mL concentration whereas 25-77% phytotoxicity was observed at 10μ/mL concentration. The fractions exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal effects. The non-toxic results of this plant were recorded in Brine Shrimps Bioassay method at all concentrations. Similarly no significant insecticidal activity was observed in crude extracts and fractions. Analgesic activity results of S. nodosa in mice were found highly significant in crude extract as compared to fractions. In writhing test crude extract at 500 mg/kg showed 65.6% highest inhibitory response in mice.
Anti-inflammatory effect of Rosa canina , Salix alba , Scrophularia nodosa and Hedera helix were studied in LPS-stimulated primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from mice (n=18) by comparing homogeneous powders of small microparticles (50-100 μm, 100-180 μm and 180-315 μm) obtained from plants via a controlled differential sieving process (CDSp) versus total plant materials obtained via hydroethanolic (HE) extraction. Further, phytochemical composition of the fine powders and HE extracts was determined by LC-PDA-ESI/MS analyses. Results showed that a one-hour pretreatment of PBMCs with fine powders, particularly those with superfine particle sizes (i.e. 50-100 μm and 100-180 μm), significantly inhibited TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6 and NO production in LPS-stimulated PBMCs, by at least ca. 20% more than HE extracts (all, p<0.05). For each of the plants studied, their superfine powdered fractions were more concentrated in phenolic contents than their HE extracts. Overall, our results further confirm CDSp, as an environmentally friendly method, for improving the concentration of bioactive compounds as well as their biological activities.