Redness, itching, minor skin irritations... The signs of skin inflammation are numerous. There are reasons to believe that duckweed might alleviate them. Several studies have shown that this active ingredient is capable oflowering the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ. The Spirodela polyrhiza also inhibits the infiltration and degranulation of mast cells, thus reducing the skin's allergic and inflammatory responses. Finally, this extract from the water lentil helps to restore certain skin barrier proteins, like filaggrin, sirtuin-1, and claudin-1, which are essential for maintaining healthy and resilient skin.
There are a few studies that have shown that spirodela can reduce the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness, skin dryness, and varying degrees of itching. Although these studies were conducted on mice and not humans, which limits their applicability, they provide an interesting initial insight. One study, in particular, involved 100 mice in which eczema was induced using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). The application of solutions with varying concentrations of Spirodela polyrhiza (1 to 100 mg/mL) allowed for a dose-dependent decrease in serum levels of immunoglobulin E, antibodies associated with eczema. A decrease in mast cell infiltration, as well as the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α), was also recorded.
By modulating the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, the Spirodela polyrhiza can help to alleviate skin irritations.