Abstract
Although essential oils from Douglas fir are popular topical skincare products, research regarding their biological effects on human skin cells is scarce. Here, we studied the biological activity of a commercially available Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) essential oil (DEO) in a human dermal fibroblast model of chronic inflammation and fibrosis induced by stimulation with cytokines. Chemical analysis of DEO indicated that its major chemical components (i.e. >5%) were beta-pinene (23%), sabinene (17%), terpinolene (14%), delta-3-carene (11%), and alpha-pinene (9%). We analyzed the effect of DEO on the levels of 17 important protein biomarkers associated with inflammation, immune system modulation, and tissue remodeling. DEO exhibited significant anti-proliferative activity in human fibroblasts. DEO also significantly inhibited the production of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, collagen III, and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1. We also observed that DEO robustly modulated global gene expression levels in diverse ways. In particular, DEO affected the expression of genes involved in immune modulation and cancer signaling. This study provides the first evidence of biological activity of DEO in human dermal fibroblasts. Our results suggest that DEO may modulate immune responses and tumor signaling processes. Further research about the biological and pharmacological mechanisms of DEO action is recommended.
Highlights
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) essential oil (DEO) is typically composed of beta-pinene, sabinene, terpinolene, delta-3-carene, alpha-pinene, and several other aromatic substances in smaller amounts
Our study examined the biological effects of Douglas fir essential oil (DEO) in a human skin disease model
Biological activity of DEO in pre-inflamed human dermal fibroblasts We analyzed the biological activity of DEO in the dermal fibroblast cell system HDF3CGF, which features the microenvironment of inflamed human skin cells with boosted inflammatory and immune responses
Summary
Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) essential oil (DEO) is typically composed of beta-pinene, sabinene, terpinolene, delta-3-carene, alpha-pinene, and several other aromatic substances in smaller amounts. DEO has been reported to possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties (Johnston, Karchesy, Constantine, & Craig, 2001; Tesevic et al, 2009). DEO has gained popularity in skincare usage, scientific studies of its biological effects on human skin cells are limited. We sought to evaluate the biological activity of a commercially available DEO in a human fibroblast model of chronic inflammation and fibrosis. We studied the effect of DEO on 17 important protein biomarkers that are critical for inflammation, immune modulation, and tissue remodeling. We analyzed the impact of DEO on genome-wide gene expression profile. This study provides the first evidence of biological activity of DEO in human skin cells. Our data suggest that DEO may modulate immune responses and tumor signaling processes
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
