Oral botanical supplements

Abstract

Phytomedicine is the use of botanicals for medicinal purposes and has been used effectively for many centuries for skin disorders. Western herbal medicine is often used singly, while Eastern herbal medicines, such as in Chinese traditional medicine, are often used in combination with specific herbs. Many plants seem to have inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses in vitro. While herbs are generally less potent than laboratory-derived pharmaceutical medications, they also typically have lesser side effects. Integrative dermatology can utilize the best of both to help the patient (Zamani et al. Acta Med Iran 50(2):101-106, 2012; Norman, Integrative dermatology. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 2014). Adaptogens can be defined as substances that enable an increase in the human's body resistance to various chemical, biological, and physical stressors. By their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, some adaptogens may play a role as an adjuvant therapy for acne and rosacea treatments. While there is little clinical evidence about the effectiveness and safety of plants in the treatment of acne and other skin infections (Nasri et al. Jundishapur J Microbiol 8(11):e25580, 2015), herbs have gained popularity in the push toward a more "natural" approach. In this chapter, we will discuss the use of certain herbs in treating acne including di-indolyl methane, chasteberry, adaptogens, rhodiola, ashwagandha, CBD, turmeric, and schisandra.