Yanni Li; Yan Liu; Shaobo Wang & Wei Li

Summary

Apricot Kernel Oil (AKO) is utilized for medicinal purposes to enhance strength and control hemorrhage. AKO has a long history of use due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseborrheic effects. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of AKO's antiinflammatory and anti-seborrheic properties, particularly regarding hair restoration and seborrheic dermatitis (SD), through its sebum-suppressing effects and its role in preventing hair loss. We conducted our research on 50 Wistar rats, which were divided into five groups (n=10/group): a normal group, a group induced with 0.5 % dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) ointment at 2 mg/kg, a DNFB group treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of AKO ointment, and a normal group treated with 400 mg/kg of AKO ointment. At the end of the study, we measured tissue levels of key inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α) and various oxidative stress parameters, including the total antioxidants capacity and lipid peroxidation levels. Additionally, we assessed the expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, CCR-5, and VEGF at both gene and protein levels in skin tissue. Results showed that DNFB administration caused significant changes in tissue antioxidant levels, inflammatory markers, and the expression of genes and proteins associated with SD in the skin. AKO treatment demonstrated dose-dependent effects in alleviating these changes especially at the 400 mg/kg. Histopathological and molecular evaluations indicated structural improvements in skin tissue with AKO treatment. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of AKO to provide anti-SD benefits in DNFB-induced conditions. KEY WORDS: Apricot Kernel Oil; Inflammation; Apoptosis; Cerebral hemorrhage.

How to cite this article

LI, Y.; LIU, Y.; WANG, S. & LI, W. Exploring the anti-seborrheic dermatitis effects of apricot kernel oil using the rat–dinitrofluorobenzene induced model: An investigation using biochemical, molecular, and histopathological methods. Int. J. Morphol., 43(2):564-573, 2025.