Medicinal plants as a source of future anti-pruritic drugs: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Pruritus is a distressing sensation of the skin that provokes the desire to scratch. Medicinal plants have been proposed as a worthful source for identifying new bioactive molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate some medicinal plants and their phytochemicals used in the management of pruritus. Medicinal plants including Avena sativa, Borago officinalis, Capsicum frutescens, Curcuma longa, Fumaria spp., Mentha x piperita and Oenothera biennis showed the promising anti-pruritic activity in human studies. In experimental studies, Angelica sinensis, Betula platyphylla, Matricaria chamomilla, Rumex Japonicus, Saururus chinensis and Vaccinium myrtillus are among the best medicinal plants for management of pruritus. Essential oils, alkaloids, saponins, sterols, terpens, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids were the bioactive constituents of herbs which exhibited their anti-pruritic activity through different mechanisms. The most predominant mechanisms involved in activity of plant-derived molecules in pruritis include reducing serum IgE and proinflammatory cytokines, stabilizing mast cells, suppressing the Th2 cellular response, suppressing the expression of substance P and NF-κB, inhibiting prostaglandin E2 production, and activating receptors involved in itch sensation. Overall, several medicinal plants and its bioactive compounds have shown marked activity in the management of pruritus and therefore can be considered as an alternative source of treatment.