Symptom → Plant Sources
Figwort (Scrophularia nodosa) as a tool for helping with Skin irritation
Anti-inflammatory; soothes inflamed, irritated skin; Traditional 'alterative' for chronic skin conditions - eczema, psoriasis, rashes (as a poultice, salve or tea)
Three acylated iridoid glycosides (scopolioside A, scrophuloside A4 and scrovalentinoside) were isolated from the dried seed pods of Scrophularia nodosa and shown in vitro to stimulate the growth of human dermal fibroblasts. The presence of these compounds may explain the European ethnobotanical use of figwort for healing wounds.
An ethnomedicine survey of 35 Transylvanian villages documented 180 remedies for 45 skin problems, including 112 plants. Scrophularia nodosa was among the species recorded for dermatological use, illustrating the persistence of figwort in folk treatment of skin disorders.
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 assessed phytotoxic, cytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal and analgesic activities. The fractions exhibited significant antibacterial and antifungal effects, the plant was non-toxic in the brine-shrimp assay, and the crude extract showed highly significant analgesic activity (65.6% inhibition at 500 mg/kg in the writhing test).
Superfine powders (50-180 microns) of four medicinal plants including Scrophularia nodosa significantly inhibited TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6 and nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated mouse peripheral blood mononuclear cells by at least 20% more than hydroethanolic extracts, and were more concentrated in phenolics, demonstrating an anti-inflammatory effect.