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Home All issues Volume 27 (2020) OCL, 27 (2020) 49 Full HTML
Issue
OCL
Volume 27, 2020
Lipids and Cosmetics / Lipides et cosmétiques
Article Number 49
Number of page(s) 7
DOI https://doi.org/10.1051/ocl/2020043
Published online 25 September 2020

© C. Kern et al., Hosted by EDP Sciences, 2020

Licence Creative CommonsThis is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

1 Introduction on sensitive skin

1.1 Definition and overview

Sensitive or reactive skin is a common condition that concerns approximately 50% of people. 60% women and 40% men report having reactive skin, and the prevalence can also vary depending on the country (Misery et al., 2017). Epidemiological studies suggest that the prevalence of sensitive skins increases although the methods used for diagnosis have evolved with time (Misery et al., 2016). Sensitive skin refers to a sensory reaction triggered by contactors and/or environmental factors, usually without visible clinical manifestation (Duarte et al., 2017). Recently, a consensus definition was proposed by a working group (special interest group on sensitive skin of the International Forum for the Study of Itch) as: “A syndrome defined by the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (stinging, burning, pain, pruritus, and tingling sensations) in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations. These unpleasant sensations cannot be explained by lesions attributable to any skin disease. The skin can appear normal or be accompanied by erythema. Sensitive skin can affect all body locations, especially the face” (Misery et al., 2017). While the face is the most common site of sensitive skin, other parts of the body are also affected, such as hands, scalp, feet, neck, torso and back (Saint-Martory et al., 2008). Possible synonyms for this condition are hypersensitivity, (hyper)reactivity, sensitivity, intolerance or skin irritation. Described sensations can vary largely: pain, pruritus, burning, tingling, prickling, pungency, thickening or dryness of the skin, and may or may not be accompanied by signs such as redness, mild erythema, telangiectasias, xerosis, desquamation, or urticaria.

Environmental factors such as UV irradiation, air pollution, climate conditions (temperature, humidity, wind, sun exposure...), as well as lifestyle factors, such as cosmetic usage, diet and alcohol consumption, and physiological factors, such as stress or endogenous hormones, have been reported to induce or worsen the symptoms of sensitive skin (Misery et al., 2009; Duarte et al., 2017).

The main hypothesis attributed to the occurrence of sensitive skin is the increase in the permeability of the stratum corneum, leading to disruption of the epidermal barrier and a greater penetration of substances such as irritants or allergens and also increased water loss. Due to the wide variety of sensory symptoms such as burning, tingling, stinging, pain and sometimes even itching, neurosensory dysfunction in the skin also represents one of the pathomechanisms of sensitive skin (Ständer et al., 2009; Misery et al., 2016; Duarte et al., 2017 and Fig. 1).

thumbnail Fig. 1

Biological mechanisms underlying sensitive skin (Ständer et al., 2009; Misery et al., 2016; Duarte et al., 2017).

1.2 Inflammation in sensitive skin

When irritant substances penetrate the epidermis, they first are in contact with the keratinocytes which react and promote an inflammatory response by increasing the production and the release of various soluble molecules, such as cytokines (such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α), chemokines (such as IL-8) and anti-microbial peptides (such as defensins and cathelicidins) (Boxman et al., 1996; Duarte et al., 2017). The Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway is also activated and plays an important role in orchestrating and regulating inflammatory and immune responses (Sur et al., 2008). In normal conditions, NF-κB proteins are kept in the cytoplasm, bound to the IκB proteins. In response to inflammation/stress stimuli (such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, UV, wound, pathogens), IκB proteins are degraded and NF-κB translocates to the nucleus and induces the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as chemokines, proinflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules as well as inducible pro-inflammatory enzymes which can exacerbate and perpetuate the inflammatory process. On the other side, the blockage of NF-κB pathway also generates an inflammatory response through other pathways (Sur et al., 2008). Skin homeostasis thus requires a balanced NF-κB pathway. Deregulated inflammatory responses can cause excessive or long-lasting tissue damages, contributing to the development of acute or chronic inflammation. A balance in NF-κB activation can then be a key issue to control inflammation and homeostasis of skin.

1.3 Neurosensory dysfunction in sensitive skin

The altered sensations in individuals with sensitive skin (burning, tingling, stinging, pain, itching…) can result from an insufficient protection of cutaneous nerve endings due to impaired epidermal barrier integrity or a functional hyperreactivity of cutaneous nerves. Cutaneous nerve fibres such as unmyelinated C fibres mediating pain, itch and warmth are equipped with sensory neuroreceptors such as transient receptor potential channels (TRP). Notably, members of the TRP family are known to induce pain, burning and itch in sensitive skin. Since sensitive skin is induced by various environmental factors, including UV light, variation of temperature and air pollution, the activation of TRP channels represent a mechanism by which external stimuli can be transferred to individuals with sensitive skin (Ständer et al., 2009; Misery et al., 2016).

More particularly, the skin free endings (essentially C-type peptidergic unmyelinated fibers) possess ankyrin receptor TRPA1 (Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 channel), a nociceptive cationic (mainly Ca2+) channel. TRPA1 is also expressed in the basal keratinocytes. A variety of exogenous and endogenous activators or sensitizers of TRPA1 have been identified such as cold sensation, mustard oil compounds (for example AITC – allyl isothiocyanate), environmental pollutants, reactive oxygen species, bradykinin or cytokines (Gouin et al., 2017). TRPA1 is involved in a variety of physiological or cellular processes in humans including nociception, especially in response to chemical irritants, itch, neurogenic inflammation and thermosensation (Moore et al., 2018). TRPA1 is also a major sensor of skin barrier insult (Mollanazar et al., 2016): it is required for acute histamine-independent itch, as well as for chronic itch. TRPA1 is implicated in the itch-scratch cycle that can arise in dry skin (Wilson et al., 2013) and is involved in cutaneous neurogenic inflammation and its potentiation by enhancing cellular responses (Bautista et al., 2013; Gouin et al., 2017).

2 Ecodesigned coriander seed oil as a new ingredient dedicated to sensitive skin

2.1 Plant oils and skin

Beneficial influence of plant oils on skin is widely recognized in cosmetology and, more globally, on the human body by medicine, making them good candidates for a comprehensive in and out approach to wellness and beauty. Composed of a combination of triglycerides, their properties can vary a lot according to their fatty acids composition, as well as other lipophilic components such as vitamins and phytosterols. As an illustration of skin benefits of seed oils when used as dietary supplement, Bamford et al. (2013) performed a meta-analysis on clinical studies looking at the effect of primrose and borage oils on atopic eczema and identified 19 studies on the first one and 9 studies on the second one, however without showing positive effect on these oils on eczema. Hemp seed oil improved skin dryness and itching sensations in atopic dermatitis (Callaway et al., 2005). Supplementation of flaxseed oil showed evidence of reduced skin sensitivity generated by nicotinate irritation on Western women (Neukam et al., 2011). Benefits of topical application of seed oils (from olive, olive pomace, sunflower, coconut, safflower, argan, soybean, peanut, sesame, avocado, borage, jojoba, oat, pomegranate, almond, bitter apricot, rose hip, chamomile and shea) were also reviewed by Lin et al. (2017), showing promising and different effects according to their composition. No study was identified on skin benefits of coriander seed oil.

2.2 Coriander seed oil

Coriandrum sativum L. is an annual herb from the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family that originates from the Near East and Mediterranean area. Coriander is well known as a medicinal herb and has been shown to exhibit antioxidant (Wangensteen et al., 2004), antimicrobial (Rattanachaikunsopon and Phumkhachorn, 2010) and anti-inflammatory activities (Reuter et al., 2008).

Coriander seed oil is a 100% virgin oil of coriander seeds (Fig. 2), locally sourced and cultured in South West of France. The oil is obtained by mechanical pressing of the fruits using twin-screw extrusion technology, a gentle eco-extraction process without solvent to ensure the protection of the bioactive compounds, the protection of the environment and the safety of the product (Uitterhaegen et al., 2015).

Standardized fatty acids composition of the virgin coriander oil is unique, containing 60 to 75% of petroselinic acid (C18:1n-12) as the major component (see comparison with examples of other plant oils used for in and out benefits in Tab. 1). Petroselinic acid is a uncommon monounsaturated omega-12 positional isomer of oleic acid, with a rare 6-position of the double bond mainly found in the seeds from Apiaceae crops (Fig. 3). The fatty acid has already been shown to exhibit some attractive properties such as anti-aging and anti-inflammatory activity. It has already been demonstrated that petroselinic acid can inhibit the production of metabolites of arachidonic acid and/or reduces the formation of intracellular adhesion molecules (Alaluf et al., 2002).

Linoleic acid and its derivatives, also present at a large amount, play a central role in the structure and function of the stratum corneum permeability barrier. Linoleic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in the epidermis. Importantly, it is also the precursor to ceramides, a major component of the extracellular lipid matrix that forms the stratum corneum permeability barrier (McCusker and Grant-Kels, 2010).

Coriander seed oil is also a natural source of phytosterols and tocols (Uitterhaegen et al., 2016). Phytosterols and more particularly, β-sitosterol, the most abundant of them, are known for having anti-inflammatory action (Gupta et al., 1980; Bouic, 2001). Tocols, i.e. tocopherols and tocotrienols, are fat-soluble vitamin E isomers that can protect the oil from oxidative reactions. Tocols are also known to have a great antioxidant capacity, protecting the skin by scavenging free radicals, stabilizing the membranes of cells, reducing the number of apoptotic cells, and minimizing the activation of NF-κB (Souyoul et al., 2018).

Considering coriander seed oil original composition, as well as the effects reported for some of its well known compounds, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of coriander seed oil (CSO) in vitro, modelling the main components of sensitive skin: inflammation and nociception described above. The effect of CSO was followed with its capacity to regulate NF-κB and TRPA1 activation.

thumbnail Fig. 2

Coriander seed oil sourcing and characteristics.
Table 1

Example of major fatty acid compositions of plant oils.

thumbnail Fig. 3

Chemical structure of petroselinic acid.

3 Materials and methods

3.1 Study of NF-κB activation in keratinocytes

The soothing effect of CSO was assessed in an in vitro model of inflammation.

HaCaT human keratinocytes cell line was transfected with luciferase reporter gene or control gene under the control of a promoter recognized by the transcription factor NF-κB.

HaCaT cells were cultivated during 5 days at 37 °C in a humidified incubator under a 5% CO2 95% air atmosphere. Then CSO 0.0001% (v/v) or positive reference (a cell-permeable quinazoline compound as NF-κB activation inhibitor, C22H20N4O) 0.1 μM were added to the culture medium. After 24 h, the medium was replaced by an inflammatory stress, TNF-α 0.075 ng/mL, and once again tested products, for additional 16 h. Then, luciferase was dosed in supernatants, by adding luciferase substrate and measuring the emitted light. Proteins were dosed in cell lysates with a specific kit using the bicinchoninic acid method to normalise results (luciferase activity/quantity of proteins).

All experimental conditions were performed in at least four replicates. For each condition, the mean and the standard deviation were calculated and the value was standardised with value obtained for cells containing control reporter gene.

Percentage of stimulation for TNF-α treatment was calculated by mean (TNFα-stimulated cells) × 100 / mean (untreated cells). Percentage of protection was calculated with the following formula: [mean (condition) − mean (TNFα-stimulated cells)] × 100 / [mean (untreated cells) − mean (TNFα-stimulated cells)].

Statistical significance between conditions was assessed using a two-tailed, unpaired Student t-test, with p < 0.05 being considered significant.

3.2 Study of TRPA1 activation in keratinocytes-neurons co-culture

The soothing effect of CSO was assessed with an in vitro assay on keratinocytes-neurons co-culture model in which was evaluated TRPA1 activation by detecting variation of intracellular concentration of calcium.

Sensitive neurons were derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Cells were cultivated at 37 °C in a humidified incubator under a 5% CO2 95% air atmosphere until maturation. Then keratinocytes from an adult donor were seeded with sensitive neurons for 19 days of co-culture. CSO 0.001% (v/v) or positive reference (HC30031, C18H21N5O3) 10 μM were added, together with the fluorescent probe Fluo-4 AM which detects variation of intracellular concentration of calcium. After incubation, cells were washed, incubated once again with CSO or positive reference and immediately observed by epi-fluorescence in microscopy. Then they were stimulated with AITC and the fluorescence level of activated neurons was followed.

Experiments were done by 6 wells per condition. Mean and SEM (standard error of the mean) of fluorescence increase were analysed and compared with non-activated control and activated control without tested products.

Percentage of stimulation for AITC treatment was calculated by mean (AITC –  stimulated cells) × 100 / mean (untreated cells). Percentage of protection was calculated with the following formula: [mean (condition) − mean (AITC-stimulated cells)] × 100 / [mean (untreated cells) − mean (AITC-stimulated cells)].

Statistical analysis was done by One Way ANOVA test, with p < 0.05 being considered significant.

4 Results

4.1 CSO regulates NF-κB activation in inflammatory conditions in keratinocytes

TNF-α 0.075 ng/mL induced a significant increase in NF-κB activation (+380% vs. untreated cells, p < 0.001) in keratinocytes.

NF-κB activator inhibitor significantly protected keratinocytes from NF-κB activation by 49% (p < 0.05). CSO 0.0001% also allowed a significant protection of keratinocytes from NF-κB activation by 48% (p < 0.05).

These data show that CSO was able to regulate NF-κB activation in inflammatory conditions in keratinocytes, and then can contribute to regulate inflammation by this way (Fig. 4).

thumbnail Fig. 4

Activation of NF-κB following stimulation with TNF-α.

4.2 CSO regulates TRPA1 activation in keratinocytes-neurons co-culture

AITC 1 mM induced a huge and significant increase in TRPA1 activation (+585% vs. untreated cells, p < 0.001) in keratinocytes-neurons co-culture.

HC30031 at 10 μM significantly protected keratinocytes-neurons co-culture from TRPA1 activation by 88% (p < 0.001). CSO 0.001% also allowed a significant protection of keratinocytes-neurons co-culture from TRPA1 activation by 61% (p < 0.001).

These data show that CSO was able to regulate TRPA1 activation in keratinocytes-neurons culture (Fig. 5).

thumbnail Fig. 5

Activation of TRPA1 following stimulation with AITC.

5 Conclusions and discussion

Two main mechanisms can support sensitive skin: a disruption of the epidermal barrier leading to an increased inflammation and a neurosensory dysfunction leading to the symptoms such as burning, tingling, stinging, pain, itching…

Data obtained with CSO showed that it can regulate NF-κB activation, and thereby inflammation induced by disturbed skin barrier in sensitive skin. CSO can also regulate TRPA1 activation, and thus sensations of nociception such as itching, tingling… Thus it is considered a promising soothing ingredient for sensitive and reactive skins (Fig. 6).

As previously described in the introduction, coriander is already known to have some beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the components of its oil are also recognized as beneficial, especially petroselinic acid, which is furthermore a fatty acid rarely found in plant oils. Coriander seed oil also contains linoleic acid, phytosterols and tocopherols which can contribute to the protective effect observed. But to our knowledge, it is the first time that the whole coriander seed oil was tested on skin models and showed a beneficial effect on inflammation and nociception. Additional investigations are required to identify the precise mode of action of the components of coriander seed oil.

Regulation of NF-κB and TRPA1 pathways are linked by cutaneous neurogenic inflammation. Pro-inflammatory mediators produced by keratinocytes such as cytokines can stimulate TRPA1 which can in turn also induce the production of pro-inflammatory neurotransmitters. Moreover, the activation of TRPA1 results in the local cutaneous release of neuropeptides such as substance P, which subsequently activates different cell types in the skin such as keratinocytes which release proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, resulting in the amplification of the cutaneous inflammatory process (Bautista et al., 2013; Gouin et al., 2017). To further study the soothing effect of coriander seed oil, it thus could be interesting to look at the mechanisms involved in the neurogenic inflammation and to study how coriander seed oil or its main components such as petroselinic or linoleic acids could modulate them.

Whether for cosmetic and food applications, clinical data are needed to be able to conclude on the effect of coriander seed oil in humans.

thumbnail Fig. 6

Summary of CSO biological action.

Conflict of interest

Seppic has filed two patent applications based on coriander seed oil experimental results.

Acknowledgements

Seppic would like to thank Ovalie Innovation and AGROMAT technological transfer hall of Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-industrielle (UMR 1010 INRAE/Toulouse INP) for providing coriander seed oil.

Seppic would also like to thank Neuron Experts for having tested the coriander seed oil on the model of co-culture between keratinocytes and neurons.

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Cite this article as: Kern C, Gombert C, Roso A, Garcia C. 2020. Soothing effect of virgin coriander seed oil on sensitive skin. OCL 27: 49.

All Tables

Table 1

Example of major fatty acid compositions of plant oils.

In the text

All Figures

thumbnail Fig. 1

Biological mechanisms underlying sensitive skin (Ständer et al., 2009; Misery et al., 2016; Duarte et al., 2017).
In the text
thumbnail Fig. 2

Coriander seed oil sourcing and characteristics.
In the text
thumbnail Fig. 3

Chemical structure of petroselinic acid.
In the text
thumbnail Fig. 4

Activation of NF-κB following stimulation with TNF-α.
In the text
thumbnail Fig. 5

Activation of TRPA1 following stimulation with AITC.
In the text
thumbnail Fig. 6

Summary of CSO biological action.
In the text

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