Abstract

A REVIEW ARTICLE ON ATOPIC DERMATITIS PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, SKIN BARRIER DYSFUNCTION AND HOW ECTOINE AND PUMPKIN SEED EXTRACT HELP TO REPAIR SKIN BARRIER AND REDUCE INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE

Shimaa Mohamed*, Akhil Ahmed, Wan Ting Chau, Shakeb Ahmed, Deepapriya Velumani

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by impaired skin barrier function, intense pruritus, and immune dysregulation. The current review study explores the potential benefits of combining Ectoine and Pumpkin Seed Extract in topical formulations to improve AD symptoms. Ectoine, a cyclic amino acid derivative and extremolyte, exerts strong protective effects on cellular structures through preferential hydration, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), enhancing membrane fluidity, and improving skin hydration. Additionally, pumpkin seed extract, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds, demonstrates potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities, pumpkin extract also downregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 while enhancing antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, CAT, and GPx. The integration of Ectoine’s barrier-stabilizing properties with the anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects of pumpkin extract presents a promising synergistic strategy for improving skin barrier function, reducing inflammation, and alleviating AD-associated symptoms. This combined approach may offer an effective, safe, and natural alternative for the topical management of AD.

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis; Ectoine; Pumpkin seed extract; Skin barrier; Inflammation; Cytokines; Transepidermal water loss (TEWL); Filaggrin; Oxidative stress; Topical therapy.