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

TL;DR

This paper reviews azulene and its derivatives as promising compounds for treating skin and cancer diseases, highlighting their benefits and the need for further research.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of azulene's therapeutic potential and identifies gaps for future preclinical and clinical studies.

Findings

Azulene derivatives show anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and photoprotective properties.

Unmodified azulene may generate reactive oxygen species under UV radiation, raising safety concerns.

Further studies are needed to understand long-term effects and mechanisms of action.

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.

Figures