Blocking Mast Cells – Benefits of luteolin and Oregano oil in the treatment of Psoriasis
Mast cell activation is a normal process that is protective for the human body. Dr. Theoharis Theoharides (Dr. Theo), one of our speakers for Wellapalooza 2015, has done an immense amount of research on mast cells and various conditions, including Psoriasis. Below is a description of how mast cells contribute to our immune response and inflammation:
“Mast cells are the “universal alarm cell” that starts the inflammatory cascade leading to psoriasis, according to Dr. Theoharis Theoharides, a researcher at Tufts University who received a $200,000 NPF Translational Grant in 2013 and a co-author of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology study. They can be triggered by infection, allergens, environmental factors like pollution, or even emotional stress. Once that happens, Theoharides explained, mast cells set into motion a series of inflammatory reactions, including the activation of immune cells and the release of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), a pro-inflammatory protein, or cytokine, involved in psoriatic disease.
Not only are mast cells the source for most TNF-alpha in the body, Theoharides said, it also is the only kind of cell that stores ready-made TNF-alpha that can be released in seconds.”
Dr. Theo and his colleagues have studied various compounds related to blocking mast cell activation, including luteolin and olive oil. The results of his research have proven promising and could provide a natural alternative for the treatment of psoriasis. A summary of his research findings are below.
“He and his colleagues first identified another natural molecule called luteolin, found in chamomile and artichokes, that could block mast cells. But then they discovered that methoxyluteolin, a different version of luteolin found in Thai black ginger, was an even more potent mast cell blocker.
Through a series of experiments, they found that both luteolin and methoxyluteolin inhibited the ability of mast cells to start inflammation, and could even block inflammation when given before a trigger sets mast cells into action, as reported in the study.
But in addition to being more powerful, methoxyluteolin had two other advantages, Theoharides said. It could be easily absorbed by the skin, and it had no color—two attributes that are important for a topical treatment.
Although methoxyluteolin and luteolin can both be found in food sources, it is impossible to eat enough to get a therapeutic effect, Theoharides explained. So he developed a topical containing purified methoxyluteolin extract.
“It was almost a no-brainer that we should try to make a skin lotion with methoxyluteolin,” said Theoharides.
A small group of people with psoriasis and other skin disorders have already tried the lotion, trademarked as Gentle Derm, which also contains aloe vera, olive fruit extract, honey and oregano oil. So far, Theoharides said, it seems like the lotion might be a recipe for success.
Gentle Derm has yet to undergo a clinical trial. But, many of the people who tried the lotion saw improvement in their psoriasis or other skin issues after one to two weeks of daily use, according to Theoharides. He hopes to get enough funding to launch a clinical trial soon.
“It’s very gratifying to see that this works,” said Theoharides.””
To read the full article quoted above, go to: Natural Psoriasis remedy
The full list of Dr. Theo’s publications can be viewed by going to: Dr. Theo’s publications.
What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome?
