<p>Adaptogenic herbal extracts, including ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), and schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), have gained attention for their potential role in treating stress-induced dermatoses such as eczema, psoriasis, and stress-related hair loss (e.g., telogen effluvium). Extracts act primarily by modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, helping regulate cortisol, a key hormone that exacerbates inflammatory skin conditions under chronic stress. Ashwagandha, with its steroidal lactones (withanolides), has been shown to lower cortisol levels and reduce systemic inflammation, while rhodiola’s active compounds, rosavin and salidroside, exhibit antioxidant properties and improve the body's resistance to physical and mental stressors. Schisandra, rich in lignans such as schizandrin, supports the body’s stress response by protecting against oxidative stress and preserving cellular homeostasis. Adaptogens may act synergistically in topical formulations to strengthen the skin barrier, improve moisture retention, and reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), while oral supplements may decrease systemic inflammatory markers and normalize immune function. Additionally, adaptogens promote neuroendocrine-immune balance, directly influencing cytokine production and mitigating exacerbations of conditions like psoriasis. Integrating herbal extracts into dermatological interventions offers a promising adjunctive strategy for modulating stress-associated pathways that contribute to disease exacerbation. </p>

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Adaptogenic herbal extracts for stress-induced dermatoses: a narrative review

  • Michelle Kaminski,
  • Alyssa Forsyth,
  • Kelly Frasier,
  • Pooja R. Shah

摘要

Adaptogenic herbal extracts, including ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), and schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), have gained attention for their potential role in treating stress-induced dermatoses such as eczema, psoriasis, and stress-related hair loss (e.g., telogen effluvium). Extracts act primarily by modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, helping regulate cortisol, a key hormone that exacerbates inflammatory skin conditions under chronic stress. Ashwagandha, with its steroidal lactones (withanolides), has been shown to lower cortisol levels and reduce systemic inflammation, while rhodiola’s active compounds, rosavin and salidroside, exhibit antioxidant properties and improve the body's resistance to physical and mental stressors. Schisandra, rich in lignans such as schizandrin, supports the body’s stress response by protecting against oxidative stress and preserving cellular homeostasis. Adaptogens may act synergistically in topical formulations to strengthen the skin barrier, improve moisture retention, and reduce trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), while oral supplements may decrease systemic inflammatory markers and normalize immune function. Additionally, adaptogens promote neuroendocrine-immune balance, directly influencing cytokine production and mitigating exacerbations of conditions like psoriasis. Integrating herbal extracts into dermatological interventions offers a promising adjunctive strategy for modulating stress-associated pathways that contribute to disease exacerbation.