Skin inflammations? Potentilla may be a good help

Irritations, acne and dermatitis are common skin problems often treated with corticosteroids, which are medicines that may show important side effects. A recent study (Woelfle et al, J Ethnopharmacol, 2017) performed by the researchers of the Freiburg University has observed that potentilla may have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect similar to that of corticosteroid drugs.

Potentilla erecta, also known as common tormentil, for topic uses on skin inflammations such as acne or dermatitis is able to accelerate the healing process thanks to its anti-inflammatory action. In particular, the studies have shown that the plant is able to reduce the markers of inflammation, such as interleukin 6 and prostaglandin E2, and that it is also able to inhibit the activation of the transcription factor NF-kB, an inflammation mediator. This means that potentilla plays a role in the reduction of the inflammation itself and that this plant can be used to counteract some skin problems such as acne and dermatitis.