Phytotherapeutic Potential of Medicinal Plants for Atopic Dermatitis: Centella asiatica, Clinacanthus nutans, Senna alata, and Coccinia grandis

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with significant global health implications, particularly in low-resource settings. In many Asian countries, traditional herbal medicine remains an integral part of healthcare and presents promising alternatives for managing AD. This review examines the therapeutic potential of four ethnomedicinal plants; Centella asiatica, Clinacanthus nutans, Senna alata, and Coccinia grandis, focusing on their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. Evidence from preclinical and clinical studies highlights key bioactive compounds and underlying mechanisms, demonstrating their efficacy in alleviating AD symptoms and supporting skin barrier restoration. Comparative analysis suggests complementary and potentially synergistic effects across these species, targeting multiple aspects of AD pathophysiology. However, translation into clinical practice is constrained by inconsistent formulations, limited human trials, bioavailability challenges, and regulatory variability. Future directions include the development of standardized extracts, nanotechnology-based delivery systems, integration with conventional therapies, omics-driven precision medicine, and harmonized regulatory frameworks. Collectively, these strategies outline a therapeutic development pipeline for advancing plant-based interventions for AD from traditional use to clinical application.