The Beneficial Roles of Seaweed in Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe pruritus and recurrent flare-ups, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Current treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunomodulators, often provide symptomatic relief but can lead to adverse eff...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Ah-Reum Kim, Myeong-Jin Kim, Jaeseong Seo, Kyoung Mi Moon, Bonggi Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Marine Drugs
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/22/12/566
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Summary:Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterized by severe pruritus and recurrent flare-ups, significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Current treatments, such as corticosteroids and immunomodulators, often provide symptomatic relief but can lead to adverse effects with prolonged use. Seaweed, a sustainable and nutrient-dense resource, has emerged as a promising alternative due to its rich bioactive compounds—polysaccharides, phlorotannins, polyphenols, and chlorophyll—that offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This review explores the therapeutic potential of brown, red, and green algae in alleviating AD symptoms, highlighting the effects of specific species, including <i>Undaria pinnatifida</i>, <i>Laminaria japonica</i>, <i>Chlorella vulgaris</i>, and <i>Sargassum horneri</i>. These seaweeds modulate immune responses, reduce epidermal thickness, and restore skin barrier function, presenting a novel, safe, and effective approach to AD management. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and establish dosing strategies, paving the way for seaweed-derived therapies as natural alternatives in AD treatment.
ISSN:1660-3397