Planta Med 2007; 73(11): 1190-1191
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-981583
Pharmacology
Letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Sage Extract Rich in Phenolic Diterpenes Inhibits Ultraviolet-Induced Erythema in Vivo

Juliane Reuter1 , Andrea Jocher1 , Silke Hornstein1 , Jürgen Schulte Mönting2 , Christoph M. Schempp1
  • 1Department of Dermatology, University Medical Centre, Freiburg, Germany
  • 2Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, University Medical Centre, Freiburg, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: May 14, 2007 Revised: June 28, 2007

Accepted: July 2, 2007

Publication Date:
23 August 2007 (online)

Abstract

The leaves of sage (Salvia officinalis L., Lamiaceae) contain high amounts of phenolic diterpenes such as carnosol and carnosic acid. These compounds display antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro. Here, we have investigated the anti-inflammatory potency of a sage extract (SE) rich in phenolic diterpenes in vivo using the ultraviolet (UV) erythema test. In a prospective randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study, test areas on the backs of 40 healthy volunteers were irradiated with the 1.5-fold minimal erythema dose. Subsequently, the test areas were treated occlusively with 2 % SE in a hydrophilic ointment, compared to 1 % hydrocortisone and 0.1 % betamethasone as positive controls, and the vehicle alone as placebo. Erythema values were measured photometrically prior to irradiation and after 48 hours. Compared to placebo, SE significantly reduced the ultraviolet-induced erythema, to a similar extent as hydrocortisone. These data suggest that SE might be useful in the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.

References

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Prof. C. M. Schempp

Department of Dermatology

University of Freiburg

Haupstr. 7

79104 Freiburg

Germany

Phone: +49-761-270-6701

Fax: +49-761-270-6829

Email: christoph.schempp@uniklinik-freiburg.de

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