2014 Volume 14 Issue 1 Pages 27-36
We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments with the aim of elucidating the effect of roman chamomile essential oil on collagen synthesis. In our in vitro experiments, we also used german chamomile essential oil, roman chamomile extract, and german chamomile extract and compared the effects on collagen synthesis from dermal fibroblasts. A significant increase in the amount of collagen was observed after treatment with all four specimens. Roman chamomile essential oil showed the greatest stimulating effect on collagen synthesis, without any cellular toxicity, which was observed for german chamomile essential oil. Based on these findings, among the various chamomiles, roman chamomile is considered as the safest and most efficient agent for promoting collagen synthesis in dermal fibroblasts.
In our in vivo experiments, we investigated the effects of treatment oil, consisting of roman chamomile essential oil diluted to 1% in jojoba oil. To determine its effects, we measured water content of stratum corneum, sebum levels, transepidermal water loss, skin elasticity, skin texture imaging, skin texture coefficient, skin image analysis, finger plethysmography, skin macrophotography, microscopic imaging, skin color, cellular imaging of stratum corneum, and salivary amylase levels as a stress marker. A significant increase in water content of the stratum corneum in the lower leg was observed with continuous use of 1% dilution of roman chamomile essential oil in jojoba oil. To elucidate the best method of use and optimum concentration for inducing collagen synthesis, further studies are necessary to investigate the mechanism by which application of roman chamomile affects human skin.
