Although the broad-spectrum anti-parasitic effects of the avermectin derivative ivermectin are well documented, its anti-inflammatory activity has only recently been demonstrated. For over 25 years, ivermectin has been used to treat parasitic infections in mammals, with a good safety profile that may be attributed to its high affinity to invertebrate neuronal ion channels and its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier in humans and other mammals. Numerous studies report low rates of adverse events, as an oral treatment for parasitic infections, scabies and head lice. Ivermectin has been used off-label to treat diseases associated with Demodex mites, such as blepharitis and demodicidosis. New evidence has linked Demodex mites to rosacea, a chronic inflammatory disease. Ivermectin has recently received FDA and EU approval for the treatment of adult patients with inflammatory lesions of rosacea, a disease in which this agent has been shown to be well tolerated. After more than 25 years of use, ivermectin continues to provide a high margin of safety for a growing number of indications based on its anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory activities.

Authors:Knezevic P, Aleksic V, Simin N, Svircev E, Petrovic A. PMID:26671210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.008 Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance: Traditional herbal medicine has become an important issue on the global scale during the past decade. Among drugs of natural origin, special place belongs to essential oils, known as strong antimicrobial agents that can be used to combat antibiotic-resistant [...]

Authors:Dancer RC, Parekh D, Lax S, D'Souza VD, Zheng S, Bassford CR et al. PMID: PMC4484044 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2014-206680 Abstract Rationale: Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated as a pathogenic factor in sepsis and intensive therapy unit mortality but has not been assessed as a risk factor for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Causality of these [...]

Glucocorticosteroids (GCS) are used on a daily basis to reduce airway inflammation in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This treatment is usually escalated during acute disease exacerbations, events often associated with virus infections.

Authors: Valentova K, Vrba J, Bancirova M, Ulrichova J. PMID: 24680690 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.03.018 Abstract The flavonoid isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucopyranoside) is commonly found in medicinal herbs, fruits, vegetables and plant-derived foods and beverages. This article reviews the occurrence, preparation, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, toxicology and biological activity of isoquercitrin and "enzymatically modified (α-glucosylated) isoquercitrin" (EMIQ). Pure isoquercitrin can now [...]

Authors: Giuliani C, Bucci I, Di Santo S, Rossi C, Grassadonia A, Piantelli M. PMID: 24447974 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.01.016 Abstract Quercetin is the most abundant flavonoid present in a broad range of fruit and vegetables. Furthermore, quercetin is available as dietary supplements that are based on its antioxidant, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. However, concerns have been [...]

Authors: Colombo D, Lunardon L, Bellia G. PMID: 24527031 doi: 10.1155/2014/145325 Abstract Cyclosporine (CyA) is a well-known immunosuppressant with a narrow therapeutic window. Its bioavailability is affected by many other traditional drugs and herbal extracts. Cytochrome P-450 isoenzymes CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 and protein P-glycoprotein (P-gp) are involved in CyA bioavailability. Interactions of CyA with herbal [...]

Authors:Bergman P, Lindh AU, Bjorkhem-Bergman L, Lindhagen L. PMID:PMC3686844 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065835 Abstract Background: Low levels of 25-OH vitamin D are associated with respiratory tract infection (RTI). However, results from randomized controlled trials are inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the preventive effect of vitamin D supplementation [...]

Authors: Weng Z, Zhang B, Asadi S, Sismanopoulos N, Butcher A. PMID: 22470478 PMCID: PMC3314669 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033805 Abstract Mast cells are immune cells critical in the pathogenesis of allergic, but also inflammatory and autoimmune diseases through release of many pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8 and TNF. Contact dermatitis and photosensitivity are skin conditions that involve [...]

The aim of the present study is to summarize existing literature on vitamin D levels in adults in different continents and different countries worldwide. The best determinant of vitamin D status is the serum concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D).