Clinical application of hempseed or flaxseed oil-based lyotropic liquid crystals: Evaluation of their impact on skin barrier function

Acta Pharm. 2024 May 30;74(2):301-313. doi: 10.2478/acph-2024-0014. Print 2024 Jun 1.

Abstract

The principal function of skin is to form an effective barrier between the human body and its environment. Impaired barrier function represents a precondition for the development of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis (AD), which is the most common inflammatory skin disease characterized by skin barrier dysfunction. AD significantly affects patients' quality of life, thus, there is a growing interest in the development of novel delivery systems that would improve therapeutic outcomes. Herein, eight novel lyotropic liquid crystals (LCCs) were investigated for the first time in a double-blind, interventional, before-after, single-group trial with healthy adult subjects and a twice-daily application regimen. LCCs consisted of constituents with skin regenerative properties and exhibited lamellar micro-structure, especially suitable for dermal application. The short- and long-term effects of LCCs on TEWL, SC hydration, erythema index, melanin index, and tolerability were determined and compared with baseline. LCCs with the highest oil content and lecithin/Tween 80 mixture stood out by providing a remarkable 2-fold reduction in TEWL values and showing the most distinctive decrease in skin erythema levels in both the short- and long-term exposure. Therefore, they exhibit great potential for clinical use as novel delivery systems for AD treatment, capable of repairing skin barrier function.

Keywords: atopic dermatitis; erythema index; lamellar liquid crystals; melanin index; stratum corneum hydration; transepidermal water loss.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Cutaneous*
  • Adult
  • Cannabis / chemistry
  • Dermatitis, Atopic* / drug therapy
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Erythema / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Linseed Oil* / chemistry
  • Linseed Oil* / pharmacology
  • Liquid Crystals* / chemistry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plant Extracts
  • Skin* / drug effects
  • Skin* / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Linseed Oil
  • hempseed oil
  • Plant Extracts