Adenostoma fasciculatum, California Chamise: Chemistry and Use in Skin Conditions

Abstract

Adenostoma fasciculatum is used traditionally to treat skin conditions such as eczema. The plant was found to contain monoterpenoids, including hydroquinone and geranial. Other terpenoids were found, including the triterpenoids 7α-hydroxybaruol and glutinol, the diterpenoids thalianol and thaliandiol as well as the steroids suberosol and campesterol. The new compound, 7α-hydroxybaruol, was further analyzed by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, 13C NMR and high-resolution high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. A balm was made from the plant with olive oil and bees wax. Several patients tried the balm and reported improvements in Adams disease, eczema symptoms and seborrhea within 1 week.