The anti-inflammatory effect of cherry blossom extract (Prunus yedoensis) used in soothing skincare product

摘要

Synopsis OBJECTIVE: Previous investigations suggested that cherry blos-soms could provide valuable bioactive materials. However, few observations regarding the anti-inflammatory effect of cherry blos-soms were reported. This study was to explore the anti-inflamma-tory effect of cherry blossom extract (CBE), which was used as a soothing ingredient in skincare product.METHODS:In vitro study, the anti-inflammatory effect of CBE on the nitric oxide (NO) inhibition assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. In vivo study, 40 volunteers were included in a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. 24-hour-occlusive test chambers were applied on the flexor side of the forearm with 3% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS).Subsequently, the test areas were treated on 9 subsequent days with a cream containing 3% CBE or a placebo. Evaluation included a visual score and determination of erythema value (E value).RESULTS:In vitro study, 2% CBE reduced NO production by 31.83% compared to the placebo. In the SLS irritant patch test, the visual score and erythema value of CBE were lower than that of the placebo on D5 and D9.CONCLUSION: Cherry blossom extract shows good anti-inflamma- tory effect in vitro and in vivo and represents a promising func-tional ingredient in soothing skincare product by reducing skin inflammation.