Extracts of this foodstuff has been used for years in cosmeceuticals for fruit acids particularly malic, ascorbic acid, and pectin. Other active compounds include tannins such as quercetin and caffeic acids such as quinic acid. Procyanidin B-2 is a protein kinase C inhibiting tannin recently demonstrated to promote hair cell growth and anagen induction in vitro (67).
Arnica (Arnica montana)
Arnica, of the compositae family, is approved for treating inflammation of cutaneous and muscosal surfaces and blunt injury and reducing the risk of developing infection. This herb functions as an analgesic, antidandruff, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antiphlogistic but is an immunostimulant. The major active compounds include sesquiterpene lactone esters including helenalin, flavonoids, including flavonol glycosides, polyynes, volatile oils such as thymol, free fatty acids, caffeic acids such as chlorogenic acid, and hydroxycumarines.
Extract, tincture, and powder of arnica are administered topically as infusion, poultice, gel, plaster, oil, and ointment. The health hazards are primarily contact allergic and irritant dermatitis, but erosions and necrosis occur rarely (3). One death and one case of Sweet’s syndrome have been reported. The literary giant Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ingested arnica tea to relieve angina in the 19th century (29). It is controversial regarding its safety with oral administration although it is used in cosmetic surgery (unpublished). One author suggests it should not be administered orally and another states the FDA considers arnica to be unsafe (13,22).
Cactus Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)
This herb decreases oxidative damage to lipids and improves antioxidant status in healthy humans after oral supplementation. Vitamin C at a comparable dosage orally also enhances overall antioxidant defense but does not significantly decrease body oxidative stress (68).