Pyrostegia venusta, also known as “flame vine” or “cipó-de-são-joão,” is a neotropical evergreen vine native to Brazil. It thrives in fields, coastal areas, forest edges, and roadsides, prized for its striking ornamental appeal and notable medicinal properties.

Traditional Uses

In traditional medicine, the leaves and stems of P. venusta are used as a tonic and antidiarrheal agent, while its vibrant flowers are commonly applied in the treatment of leucoderma and vitiligo. Additionally, it is valued for its anti-inflammatory effects and is used to alleviate coughs, bronchitis, flu, and colds.

Therapeutic Potential

Extracts from the flowers and roots of P. venusta are rich in phytochemicals with powerful antioxidative properties. These compounds act as free radical scavengers and inhibitors, contributing to the plant’s anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, it is among the most prolific sources of flavonoids, which are known for their health-promoting benefits.

Research Insights

Preclinical studies highlight the anti-inflammatory and hyperpigmenting activities of P. venusta, supporting its potential use in vitiligo treatment. However, the plant's in vivo efficacy remains uncertain. Many melanogenesis stimulators identified in vitro have failed in vivo due to challenges in penetrating the stratum corneum barrier to reach melanocytes effectively.

Understanding ‘In Vitro’ vs. ‘In Vivo’

When scientists study treatments or compounds, they often use two different approaches: in vitro and in vivo.

• In Vitro (Latin for "in glass") refers to experiments conducted outside a living organism, typically in a controlled environment like a test tube or petri dish. For example, researchers might study the effect of Pyrostegia venusta extracts on melanocyte activity in a lab setting. These studies help identify potential mechanisms or chemical interactions but don’t account for how the compound behaves in a living body.
• In Vivo (Latin for "in the living") refers to studies performed within a living organism, such as testing a compound's effectiveness on skin pigmentation in animals or humans. In vivo studies are essential to confirm whether a treatment works in real-world biological systems, considering factors like absorption, metabolism, and delivery to the target site.

While P. venusta has shown promise in vitro for stimulating melanogenesis (pigment production), its in vivo effectiveness is less clear. This discrepancy is often due to challenges like the stratum corneum (outer skin layer) acting as a barrier, preventing the active compounds from reaching the melanocytes.

Future Directions

While P. venusta shows promise as a therapeutic agent, further studies are needed to explore its bioavailability and effectiveness in clinical settings. Its potential role in vitiligo treatment may depend on innovative delivery systems that can overcome the skin's natural barriers.

 

Suggested reading: 

• Is there a traditional medicine to treat vitiligo?
• Diet, Microbiome, and Vitiligo: Unveiling the Mystery
• Impact of Diet and Nutrition on Vitiligo