Abstract
An Ayurvedic medicated oil, Jatyadi Taila (J), is known to be used in Ayurveda (Indian traditional medicine), especially for anal fistula surgery involving the medicated thread Kshara Sutra. Although this surgical method has been introduced into Japan, the pharmacological efficacy, toxicity and postoperative care for J remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of this oil on production of the chemokine interleukin (IL)-8 as well as cell proliferation in cultured human epidermal keratinocytes. We also attempted to create an oil for Kshara Sutra based on Kampo ointments such as shiunko and chuoko, instead of J. J itself did not affect IL-8 production in keratinocytes co-stimulated with TPA, but showed a strong cytotoxicity toward this cell line. Among the tested oils, oil of turmeric resulted in suppression of not only IL-8 production but also cell growth in cultured keratinocytes. Oil of turmeric and Phellodendri Cortex showed a tendency to suppress IL-8 production under the same condition. The methanol-eluted fractions of J suppressed IL-8 production without any significant cytotoxicity. The methanol fraction of the oil from sesame or Lithospermi Radix significantly enhanced the proliferation of keratinocytes without IL-8 production. These findings indicate that the Ayurvedic oil J may have potential for suppression of skin inflammation through regulation of the keratinocyte inflammatory response. It is further proposed that Japanese Taila based on shiunko and chuoko might be useful for Kshara Sutra surgery in patients.
