Polyphenols as novel treatment options for dermatological diseases: A systematic review of clinical trials
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Polyphenol phytochemicals demonstrate biological properties in vitro and in vivo that have led to the development of novel treatments for certain dermatological conditions. OBJECTIVE: We sought to provide clinicians with an overview of clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of polyphenol-based therapies and highlight novel treatments and the evidence available supporting their use. METHODS: PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched to 4 July 2014. Two independent reviewers reviewed published abstracts for inclusion. References were also manually searched for relevant studies. Data were extracted independently from eligible studies and discrepancies were adjudicated by consensus. RESULTS: Our search yielded 356 unique abstracts, of which 17 studies met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Polyphenols were used in topical and oral forms. High-quality evidence suggests that green tea polyphenols may be effective in treating anogenital warts. Limited available evidence indicates that polyphenols may also benefit patients with alopecia, acne vulgaris, fungal infections, hyperpigmentation or photoaged skin. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Evidence-based knowledge regarding the effectiveness, indications and side effects of polyphenol-based phytochemicals is needed as their clinical use increases within dermatology. We qualitatively conclude that polyphenols may be effective in treating certain dermatological conditions. Additional rigorously conducted clinical trials are needed to further evaluate efficacy.
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Polyphenols used topically and orally may be effective in treating certain dermatological conditions, including anogenital warts, alopecia, acne vulgaris, fungal infections, hyperpigmentation and photoaged skin.
“Polyphenols used topically and orally may be effective in treating certain dermatological conditions, including anogenital warts, alopecia, acne vulgaris, fungal infections, hyperpigmentation and photoaged skin [217].”
From Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review (2021) · cites this paper as [217]
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- Authors
- Tuong, W., Walker, L., & Sivamani, R. K.
- Affiliations
- University of California, Davis (US)
- University of California, Riverside (US)
- Corresponding author
- Sivamani, Raja K.
- Venue
- Journal of Dermatological Treatment
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2014-12-30
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 381-388
- ISSN
- 0954-6634 (ISSN-L)
- 1471-1753
- OpenAlex
- W2047192164
- Cited by
- 17
- References
- 47
- Citations by year
- 2025: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 3 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 1 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 1
- FWCI
- 0.17
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Dermatological Treatment (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Skin Protection and Aging
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Biochemistry › Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Activities
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatology and Skin Diseases
- Keywords
- polyphenols, phytochemicals, skin diseases, green tea polyphenols, genital warts, hair loss, acne, fungal skin infection, hyperpigmentation, photodamaged skin
- MeSH terms
- Dermatologic Agents, Humans, Skin Diseases, Polyphenols
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