African Oils in Dermatology. Dermatologic Therapy.
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Date
2021
Authors
AYANLOWO, Olusola
COLE-ADEIFE, O
ILOMUANYA, Margaret
EBIE, C
ADEGBULU, A
EZEANYACHE, O
ODIASE, O
IKEBUDU, V
AKANBI, B
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
WILEY
Abstract
Plant and seed oils have been used for centuries and possibly millennia in Nigeria and
Africa for the maintenance of healthy skin and the traditional treatment of skin disorders.
In recent times, some of these oils have regained popularity due to their availability
and affordability coupled with concerns about the side effects of commercially
processed skin care products. This is to assess the chemical properties, current
knowledge, source of procurement, indications for topical use, benefits, and possible
adverse effects of six plant oils and one animal fat commonly used in Nigeria. This is
a literature review and interview with traditional healers and alternative health practitioners
to document the traditional, medical, cosmetics, and other usage of oils for skin
and scalp care in the African context. Literature review was done on the biochemical
and pharmacological properties of each of the seven oils. Searches were made from
PubMed, African Journal online, Medline, and Google scholar. Medical subject heading
terms used in the search include shea butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, palm oil,
soy oil, Baobab oil, and python oil. Plant and seed oils used locally in Nigeria and
other African countries for skin care and treatment have several benefits due to the
constituents of the plant oils (free fatty acids, triglycerides, ceramides, phospholipids,
vitamins and antioxidants) which have been shown to promote healthy skin barrier
function, wound healing and have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. They
are however not without adverse effects, which may be mainly due to processing
and storage hygiene. Further studies are required on these oils in view of their potential
in the development of novel skincare products and dermatological therapies.
Description
Keywords
African oils, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, plants and seed oils, skin care, snake oil
Citation
Ayanlowo O, Cole-Adeife O, Ilomuanya M, Ebie C, Adegbulu A, Ezeanyache O, Odiase O, Ikebudu V, Akanbi B. (2021) African Oils in Dermatology. Dermatologic Therapy. 30:e14968. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/dth.14968 PMID: 33928725.