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Anti-inflammatory activity and potential dermatological applications of characterized humic acids from a lignite and a green compost

in-vitro Grade C 2022 Open access
Authors: Verrillo, M., Parisi, M., Savy, D., Caiazzo, G., Di Caprio, R., Luciano, M.A., Cacciapuoti, S., Fabbrocini, G., Piccolo, A.
Journal: Scientific Reports 12 : 2152
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06251-2
View original study →

Key Findings

  • HA from lignite (HA-LIG) showed predominance of apolar aliphatic and aromatic components
  • HA from composted artichoke (HA-CYN) showed presence of polysaccharides and polyphenolic lignin residues
  • Both HA types increased viability of HaCaT keratinocytes pre-treated with Urban Dust — protective effect
  • HA-LIG significantly decreased gene expression of IL-6 and IL-1β pro-inflammatory cytokines
  • HA-LIG showed greater anti-inflammatory power than HA-CYN
  • Anti-inflammatory effect attributed to combination of hydrophobic components, conformational arrangements, and bioactive molecules
  • Suggests applicability of humic matter in dermatology as skin protectors from environmental irritants

In vitro study characterizing humic acids from two sources (lignite and composted artichoke waste) and evaluating their anti-inflammatory and skin-protective properties on HaCaT keratinocytes. HA from both sources protected keratinocytes from Urban Dust-induced damage (increased cell viability). Crucially, lignite-derived HA (HA-LIG) significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-1β gene expression, demonstrating superior anti-inflammatory activity compared to compost-derived HA. The study provides chemical characterization (IR, NMR, GC/MS, HPSEC) alongside biological data, linking specific structural features (aromatic/aliphatic composition) to anti-inflammatory efficacy. Suggests innovative application of HA in dermatology for environmental skin protection.

Where this source is used on this site

Each page below cites this paper as evidence for a specific claim. The note shows what the page draws from it.

Condition Acne Vulgaris

HA decreases IL-6 and IL-1β in keratinocytes — anti-inflammatory effect relevant to acne

HA increases keratinocyte viability and decreases IL-6/IL-1β — protective and anti-inflammatory

Condition Psoriasis

HA significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-1β in keratinocytes — anti-inflammatory mechanism directly relevant to psoriasis

Condition Rosacea

HA decreases IL-6/IL-1β in keratinocytes and protects from environmental irritants

Application Peat Cream / Lotion

HA significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-1β in keratinocytes — anti-inflammatory mechanism directly relevant to psoriasis

HA decreases IL-6 and IL-1β in keratinocytes — anti-inflammatory effect relevant to acne

Substance Humic Acids

Lignite-derived HA significantly decreased IL-6 and IL-1β gene expression in HaCaT keratinocytes; protective against Urban Dust damage

HA increases keratinocyte viability — protective effect supports skin barrier integrity

humic-acidanti-inflammatorydermatologykeratinocytesurban-dustIL-6IL-1betaskin-protection