Novel oral-topical approach to improving symptoms of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin condition wherein the skin barrier is disrupted leading to a cycle of inflammation, redness, pruritus, and scratching. These symptoms further weaken the skin barrier increasing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and triggering de-hydration and inflammation.
The researchers explore Conventional AD treatments include topical corticosteroids alongside skincare routines with emollients/moisturizers and gentle cleansers. Integrative dermatology considers the role of the skin-gut axis in AD: in addition to topicals, it also addresses gut dysbiosis and systemic inflammation.
Eczema Skin-Gut Axis
Increased intestinal permeability (IP) is also known as leaky gut. Eczema is often correlated with leaky gut, and gut inflammation like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s-like symptoms. Studies have found that children with AD have increased IP, and one study reported a correlation between a marker of increased IP and the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index.1
Novel Biotech topical treatment for AD
The topical regimen discussed here consists of Bia™ unscented soap and Bia eczema relief lotion, made with the patented biotech BiaComplex 2.0.
The soap is cold processed to yield excess glycerine, so it does not strip moisture, sebum, or the microbiome from the skin. This is essential in maintaining skin barrier integrity and supporting the native skin microbiome to prevent S. aureus infections.
BiaComplex 2.0 is comprised of plant stem cell extracts as well as hyaluronic acid and NP ceramides. 1% colloidal oatmeal was included to meet USA FDA OTC Monograph M016.
The plant-biotech stem cells selected to repair and fortify the skin barrier include:
• Calendula officinalis: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing benefits2
• Symphytum officinale: allantoin promotes desquamation; rosmarinic acid increases ceramide formation3 and inhibits itch-causing S. aureus
• Haberlea rhodopensis: myconoside stimulates extracellular matrix synthesis4
• Padina pavonica thallus: laminarins and alginic acids moisturize and support wound healing.5
The use of sunflower oil as a carrier enables the bioactive compounds to penetrate skin without synthetic penetration enhancers. Its high concentration of linoleic acid (>60%) helps maintain skin barrier integrity, serves as an emollient, and reduces TEWL. It is safe for those with tree nut allergies, which are common in AD.
Treatment of Pruritus
Inflammatory skin disorders such as AD are also characterised by intense pruritus, leading to significant discomfort and distress. Particularly in children, interleukin-13 (IL-13), a cytokine that regulates immune responses and inflammation, can promote intense itch. Research has shown that elevated levels of IL-13 are present in the skin of individuals with AD.6
Gene expression studies of the BiaComplex 2.0 applied to epidermal tissues demonstrated downregulation of IL-4 cytokine genes that can activate IL-13, thereby reducing itching.7
Novel Anti-Inflammatory Oral Treatment for AD
L-histidine, an amino acid, supports skin barrier integrity through filaggrin formation and has been found to significantly reduce AD severity and flare-ups: children taking 0.8 grams of L-histidine daily for 12 weeks experienced 49% reduced AD severity;8 adults taking 4 grams of L-histidine daily for 8 weeks experienced 34% reduced AD severity.9
The Antü Skin Barrier Support supplement combines 4 g of L-histidine and three antioxidant, gut barrier supporting plants (M3Complex)
• Matico (Buddleja globosa): stigmasterol helps protect gut mucosa and reduces gut inflammation10
• Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis): anthocyanins and flavonoids help neutralize free radicals
• Murta (Ugni molinae): gallic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol enable strong antioxidant activity against lipid peroxidation.
The M3Complex antioxidant activity was compared to ascorbic acid (vitamin C), curcumin, black tea and green tea EGCG. In four laboratory methods, M3Complex showed comparable if not superior antioxidant capacity. It also showed the highest quercetic and phenolic equivalents. M3Complex is an effective option for reducing gut and systemic inflammation in AD.
Clinical Test Results
Two clinical trials were performed at Eurofins in Poland. The results are comparable to corticosteroids (e.g. triamcinolone or betamethasone) and have been submitted for publication.
The first study used only the soap and lotion on 34 subjects with mild AD (average SCORAD 29.8). By day 56, in 100% of subjects, SCORAD decreased by 99% (p < 0.0001) and pruritus decreased by 93% (p < 0.0001) compared to day 0 baseline. All skin parameters improved by day 56: 78% hydration increase, 40% TEWL decrease, and 65% desquamation index decrease.
The second study used the soap and lotion as well as the oral supplement on 35 subjects with moderate AD (average SCORAD 34.6). By day 56, in 100% of subjects, SCORAD decreased by 93% (p < 0.0001) and pruritus decreased by 97% (p < 0.0001) compared to day 0 baseline. All skin parameters improved by day 56: 117% hydration increase, 29% TEWL decrease, and 83% desquamation index decrease.
The test subject feedback fully supported the measured data with 100% reporting their skin condition improved and felt soothed, while 97% reported less itch and less dryness.
This initial data demonstrates conclusively that it is possible to leverage plant-biotech actives to achieve comparable performance in AD severity and pruritus reduction to traditional corticosteroids, but without the known side effects, allowing long-term use.
References available on request
Written by Barbara Paldus, CEO, Codex Labs Corp
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