Azulene and Its Derivatives as Potential Compounds in the Therapy of Dermatological and Anticancer Diseases: New Perspectives against the Backdrop of Current Research

Abstract

The scientific article focuses on the role of azulene and its derivatives in the therapy of dermatological diseases, presenting the latest laboratory and clinical research as well as prospects for further studies. In a synthetic literature review, various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Database of Polish Scientific Journals were queried to select relevant articles concerning azulene. The conclusions drawn from the thematic analysis of the studies emphasize the multifaceted pharmacological actions of azulene and its derivatives including their anti-inflammatory properties, potential anticancer effects, photoprotective abilities, alleviation of itching, management of atopic dermatitis, and treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, there are certain limitations associated with the application of unmodified azulene on the skin, particularly related to photodecomposition and the generation of reactive oxygen species under UV radiation. These effects, in turn, necessitate further research on the safety of azulene and azulene-derived substances, especially regarding their long-term use and potential application in phototherapy. The authors of this work emphasize the necessity of conducting further preclinical and clinical studies to fully understand the mechanisms of action. Incorporating azulene and its derivatives into the therapy of dermatological disorders may represent an innovative approach, thereby opening new treatment avenues for patients.

Photochemical and Oxidative Degradation of Chamazulene Contained in Artemisia, Matricaria and Achillea Essential Oils and Setup of Protection Strategies

“…Chamazulene, CA (1,4-dimethyl-7-ethylazulene) is a bicyclic unsaturated hydrocarbon with the molecular formula C14H16. It is found in the essential oils (EOs) from a variety of plants [1][2][3][4], notably german chamomile (Matricaria recutita, L.) [5], wormwood (Artemisia absinthium, L.) [6], and yarrow (Achillea millefolium, L.) [7]. CA is a blue-violet derivative of azulene formed by the thermal decomposition of colorless sesquiterpene matricin during the steam distillation process [8] (Scheme 1.).…”

“…Its deep blue color is a main feature determining its interest and the value of EOs containing it. Besides being used as a natural colorant in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, chamazulene has anti-inflammatory activity [1], has proven to slow down the oxidation of cumene [9], and, it has been used to protect human dermal fibroblast from oxidation by reactive oxygen species (ROS), specifically by boosting the biosynthesis of antioxidant enzymes, which would breakdown ROS present in the medium [10]. Hence, CA has indirect antioxidant properties, beside showing reactivity toward different radicals [11].…”

Photochemical and Oxidative Degradation of Chamazulene Contained in Artemisia, Matricaria and Achillea Essential Oils and Setup of Protection Strategies

“…Although there are studies regarding the (limited) stability of related guaiazulene in cosmetic formulations and under conditions of exposure to light and high temperatures [ 15 , 17 ], knowledge on CA appears scarce, despite its similarity to guaiazulene and its importance. Indeed, guaiazulene, differing from CA by an isopropyl substituent in the ring ( Scheme 1 ), is perhaps a better-known yet a less frequent component of EOs, sharing similar pharmacological properties [ 18 , 19 ]. While the two azulenes can sometimes be found in the same EO, e.g., of M. chamomilla L. [ 20 ], the most frequent and typical (often the only) dye found in “blue chamomile” EO is actually CA [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”