Peat: A Natural Source for Dermatocosmetics and Dermatotherapeutics

Key Findings

• Dark peat contains ~10x more humic substances than white garden peat
• Humic/fulvic acids show antibacterial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, C. albicans
• Humic acids and poly(OH)carboxylates selectively inhibit HSV and CMV replication
• Oxihumate inhibits HIV-1 infection of MT-2 cells (IC50 = 12.5 µg/ml) by interfering with CD4 binding and V3 loop
• Tolpa Torf Preparation (TTP) induces TNF-α, IFN-α and IFN-γ in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• Oxihumate increases lymphocyte proliferative response, especially in HIV-infected patients, via IL-2 upregulation and IL-10 decrease
• Ammonium humate and humic acids show UVB-protective activity in the range of p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
• Open trial: daily peat application benefited chronic hand dermatitis and psoriasis palmaris — rapid itch relief, decreased inflammation, earlier pustule resolution
• Humic substances tolerated by sensitive skin; no measurable side effects documented
• Documented activities of humic substances: adsorptive, astringent, α2-adreno/D2 agonistic, antiallergic, antibacterial, anticoagulatory, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, chelating, estrogenic, hemostyptic, hyperemic, UVB-protective
• Potential indications: atopic dermatitis, pompholyx, psoriasis, focal hyperhidrosis, rosacea, candidal intertrigo