Complementary effects of white rose petal extract on canine atopic dermatitis

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of white rose petal extract (WRPE) in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Experiment 1 involved clinical assessments using atopic dogs and experiment 2 used beagles with experimentally induced dermatitis. The atopic dogs were divided into four groups: 1% WRPE solution (group 1), 0.5% WRPE solution (group 2), 1% WRPE cream (group 3) and 1% WRPE cream containing lipid granules (group 4). Three normal beagles were used for the experimental induction of dermatitis. Experimental dermatitis was induced by intradermal injections of histamine dihydrochloride, compound 48/80 or substance P. WRPE solution or cream was applied once daily in the experiment 1. 1% WRPE solution (group 5), 1% WRPE cream (group 6) and control cream (0%, group 7) were applied thrice daily for 28 days in experiment 2. In experiment 1, clinical assessments were performed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), lesion severity and pruritus. In experiment 2, the TEWL and wheal diameter were measured. Furthermore, histopathology and transmission electron microscopy were performed. In experiment 1, 1% WRPE decreased the TEWL and lesion severity (P < 0.05), whereas pruritus remained unchanged. In experiment 2, the increase in TEWL and changes in lipid lamellae and corneocyte derangement were significantly lower and wheal diameter, edema and inflammatory cells also significantly decreased in 1% WRPE cream-treated lesions (P < 0.05). Therefore, WRPE may be beneficial on CAD by restoring skin barrier function and reducing inflammation.