Prunus armeniaca L. Seed Oil (PASO) has been historically utilized for its medicinal benefits, including enhancing vitality and managing bleeding. Its traditional applications are backed by its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-seborrheic properties. This study aimed to explore the mechanisms behind PASO’s anti-inflammatory and anti-seborrheic effects, particularly in relation to hair regrowth and seborrheic dermatitis (SD), by assessing its capacity to lower sebum production and prevent hair loss. The research involved 50 Wistar rats, divided into five groups (n=10 each):a sham group, a group exposed to 0.8 % dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) at 2 mg/kg, two DNFB group treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg PASO, and a sham group treated with 100 mg/kg PASO. At the conclusion of the study, we evaluated skin tissue for levels of critical inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α) and oxidative stress indicators, including total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, we assessed the expression of genes and proteins such as MMP- 9, MMP-2, CCR-5, and VEGF in the skin tissue. Our results indicated that DNFB treatment led to significant changes in antioxidant levels, inflammatory markers, and the expression of genes and proteins associated with SD. Treatment with PASO demonstrated a dose- dependent improvement, particularly at 10 mg/kg, effectively reversing these alterations. Histopathological and molecular analyses confirmed the structural restoration of skin tissue following PASO treatment. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of PASO in alleviating symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis and regulating skin inflammation, suggesting its potential application in managing DNFB-induced SD.
KEY WORDS: Virgin coconut oil; Inflammation; Apoptosis; Anti-seborrheic.
REN, N. & TAN, R. Exploring the anti -seborrheic dermatitis potential of Prunus armeniaca L. seed oil: A stereological, biochemical and molecular study on MMP-9, MMP-2, CCR-5, and VEGF pathways in a rat model. Int. J. Morphol., 43(6):2070-2078, 2025.
