Skin disorders like dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, wounds, burns and others, are widely prevalent in the population. In severe cases, they demand topical application of drugs, like antibiotics, steroids and calcineurin inhibitors. However, in milder symptoms, plant-based medications, dietary supplements and cosmetic products are gaining greater popularity among professionals and patients. They can be applied in various pharmaceutical forms, such as raw infusions, tinctures, creams and ointments. 

Despite the usage of plant-based formulations by humankind since ancient times, the mechanisms of the observed beneficial effects often need to be clarified. Recent advances in the contribution of the skin microbiota in maintaining skin homeostasis can help understand the activity of topically applied plant-based products. 

Although the influence of various plants on skin-related conditions is well-documented in vivo and in vitro, we know little about the interaction with the network of the skin microbial ecosystem. Furthermore, it remains to be seen if skin microbiota can alter the chemical composition of herbal drugs applied directly on the skin surface. 

Some reported plant materials (e.g., sage leaf preparations) have shown antimicrobial potential. Yet, available reports are strictly limited to analyzing plant preparations affecting the growth of single strains of the chosen microorganisms. A literature analysis (Scopus) has revealed only 48 reports on plant extract/material and skin microbiota between 2001 and 2021. 

Plant extracts have the potential to modulate skin microbiota in many ways. Recent years have witnessed a rise in studies investigating the interaction between drugs and gut microbiota. However, the interaction between the skin microbiome and plant extracts is limited by the need for well-described and reliable models.

Future studies investigating skin microbiota with topically used plant materials or extracts are essential for the complex understating of the mechanism of action of those natural drugs in the prevention and treatment of various skin diseases.

Source: Melnyk N, Vlasova I, Skowrońska W, et al. Current knowledge on interactions of plant materials traditionally used in skin diseases in Poland and Ukraine with human skin microbiota. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(17):9644.