The potential effects, mechanisms and translational perspectives of natural products in the treatment of atopic dermatitis

Abstract Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder with a continuously increasing global incidence. Current therapeutic options are often associated with adverse effects. In recent years, natural products have attracted considerable attention due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms of AD. Objective This study provides a comprehensive review of the research progress on the use of natural ingredients for the treatment of AD both domestically and internationally, with an emphasis on their efficacy and advantages in the context of AD pathogenesis. The aim is to offer a reference for the development of herbal ingredients as safer complementary or alternative therapeutic agents for AD. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed using key terms such as “atopic dermatitis”, “natural products”, “anti-inflammatory”, “skin barrier dysfunction”, “anti-pruritic”, “antimicrobial”, “antioxidant”, “gut microbiota”, and their combinations in databases including CNKI, PubMed, and Google Scholar. We systematically evaluated the pathogenesis and therapeutic mechanisms of AD, with a particular emphasis on in vivo studies. Results Research has demonstrated that natural ingredients exhibit multifaceted advantages in the treatment of AD, including anti-inflammatory effects, skin barrier repair, anti-pruritic activity, modulation of the skin microbiota, alleviation of oxidative stress, and regulation of gut microbiota. Conclusion We discuss and analyze various bioactive natural ingredients capable of modulating cytokines and signaling pathways, while also identifying their major translational limitations, such as standardization and safety issues. This review provides a mechanistic and evidence-based reference for developing natural products as safe, adjunctive therapies for AD.