R. nukuhivensis acts by reinforcing skin barrier function, boosting skin immunity and by inhibiting IL-22 induced keratinocyte hyperproliferation

Sci Rep. 2019 Mar 11;9(1):4132. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-39831-w.

Abstract

Rauvolfia nukuhivensis is a well-known plant used for its wide range of beneficial effects in Marquesas islands. It is made up of diverse indole alkaloids and is used as traditional medicine for skin application. The actual mechanism behind the virtue of this plant is still unknown. Hence, in this study we aimed at deciphering the impact of R. nukuhivensis on skin immune system in context of (1) homeostasis, (2) pathogen infection and (3) inflammation. Here we show that R. nukuhivensis enhances cellular metabolic activity and wound healing without inducing cellular stress or disturbing cellular homeostasis. It reinforces the epithelial barrier by up-regulating hBD-1. Nevertheless, in pathogenic stress, R. nukuhivensis acts by preparing the immune system to be reactive and effective directly. Indeed, it enhances the innate immune response by increasing pathogens sensors such as TLR5. Finally, R. nukuhivensis blocks IL-22 induced hyperproliferation via PTEN and Filaggrin up-regulation as well as BCL-2 downregulation. In conclusion, this study provides evidence on the several cutaneous application potentials of R. nukuhivensis such as boosting the immune response or in restoring the integrity of the epithelial barrier.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Filaggrin Proteins
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-22
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • Interleukins / metabolism*
  • Keratinocytes / drug effects*
  • Keratinocytes / immunology
  • Keratinocytes / physiology
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase / metabolism
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / metabolism
  • Rauwolfia / chemistry*
  • S100 Proteins / genetics
  • S100 Proteins / metabolism
  • Skin / cytology
  • Skin / drug effects*
  • Skin / immunology
  • Toll-Like Receptor 5 / genetics
  • Toll-Like Receptor 5 / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • FLG protein, human
  • Filaggrin Proteins
  • Interleukins
  • Plant Extracts
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2
  • S100 Proteins
  • TLR5 protein, human
  • Toll-Like Receptor 5
  • PTEN Phosphohydrolase