Daphne gnidium L. bark and leaf extracts: skin damage by topical application

This study was performed in the rabbit to evaluate the tolerability of the methanol extracts of D. gnidium bark and leaves in single topical application, after repeated application and after UV exposure, as these preparations prove to have good antibacterial and antimycotic activities. The results of the acute primary irritation, phototoxicity and sensitization tests show that D. gnidium leaf extract has a good cutaneous tolerability, while the bark extract could not be used by topical application due to its capability to induce photochemical skin damage. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.