Translational potential of natural bioactive-based formulations in atopic dermatitis: Current insights

Abstract

The skin, as the body's largest organ, provides a crucial barrier against environmental hazards, including allergens, chemicals, toxins, and pathogens. A range of skin disorders, such as cancer, dermatitis, psoriasis, wounds, aging, acne, and infections, can compromise this vital function and significantly affect overall health. Natural products have emerged as a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention in these conditions. This review focuses specifically on the application of nanoformulations incorporating natural bioactives for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), summarizing key in vitro and in vivo studies. Many of these natural products exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, often demonstrating the ability to reduce inflammatory markers like TNF-α, scavenge reactive oxygen species, induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and prevent infections. Furthermore, the review explores the potential and challenges associated with transdermal and topical delivery of these natural products. While preclinical studies offer encouraging results, further clinical trials are essential to validate their efficacy. The future of skin disease treatment may lie in combining natural products with conventional drugs and developing innovative delivery strategies. This review provides an overview of the latest advancements in natural bioactive-based formulations in AD treatment.