Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research

Aims: Medicinal plants have always been highly valued as an accessible traditional treatment for atopic dermatitis in Vietnam. Accordingly, this review aims to assemble and discuss plants with validated anti-atopic dermatitis potency in the country, putting a great emphasis on the practice of phytomedicines and the development of plant-based products for dermatologic conditions. Existing concerns and future perspectives are included to ensure comprehensiveness of the overview.

Methodology: This review is a systematic compilation of published in vitro studies, clinical trials and case studies on the effectiveness of single plant extracts in alleviating atopic dermatitis that can be found in Vietnam.

Results: 39 publications presenting 31 plant species were collected in total. Preparation of plant extracts and route of administration varied slightly between the studies. Root and leaves are plant parts that were most commonly investigated (25.00% and 22.50%). Disease symptoms were mostly induced on NC/Nga mice (61.54%) using sensitizers like 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (28.57%), 1-fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (25.71%) and Dermatophagoides farinae body extract (28.57%). Effects of plant extracts on epidermal/dermal thickness, IgE serum level, infiltration of immune cells and hyperproduction of inflammatory cytokines were intensively investigated in the collected studies.

Conclusion: This review highlights the enormous potential of medicinal plants as an effective and easily accessible alternative therapy against atopic dermatitis. The use of these still needs to be further supported by scientific evidence and controlled by strict regulations to ensure good practice and stable development of phytomedicines.