curcumin and Eczema

Eczema is characterized by itching, lichenification, scaling, oedema and erythema. Current management strategies include corticosteroids, which are limited due to side effects. Many herbal remedies are used traditionally but unfortunately have not been validated in controlled clinical trials. Three popular traditional treatments of eczema include Indian pennywort, Walnut and Turmeric. In this study three topical formulations (micro emulsion, gel and ointment) were prepared from extracts of Indian pennywort, Walnut and Turmeric. These formulations were monitored for stability for a period of three months. Controlled clinical trials were conducted on 360 eczema patients. Clinical parameters observed were degree of erythema, oedema, scaling, itching and lichenification. Effects of each formulation on these clinical parameters were compared with placebo formulations. Micro emulsion formulations in all cases proved to be more effective in reducing semi quantitative scores of erythema and oedema. Itching was relieved more by gel formulation. The ointment showed more efficacy towards scaling and lichenification. Comparison of the effects of placebo and the specific formulations was performed by chi-square statistics and found to be highly significant. In summary it is concluded that all the formulations could be used as promising source for treatment of eczema.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Centella; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Chi-Square Distribution; Curcuma; Dermatologic Agents; Double-Blind Method; Eczema; Emulsions; Female; Gels; Humans; Juglans; Male; Ointments; Pakistan; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Plant Stems; Plants, Medicinal; Rhizome; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical application of Herbavate cream (Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ahmedabad, India), a polyherbal formulation in the management of outpatients with eczema.. This was an open label design.. One hundred and fifty (150) outpatients with a clinical diagnosis of eczema and meeting the eligibility criteria used topical Herbavate twice daily for 4 weeks. Change in symptom score for eczema (erythema, scaling, thickening, and itching) was assessed weekly using a 4-point score. The trial was carried out at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Seth V.S. Hospital, Ahmedabad, and Stanley Medical College, Chennai.. The primary outcome measure was a change in symptom score at 4 weeks as compared to baseline scores. The secondary outcome measure was a weekly change in symptom score as compared to the previous visit. Local tolerance was judged by development of side effects at site of application.. Clinical improvement in symptom score at the end of study as compared to baseline was significant for all symptoms assessed (p < 0.001). Significant reduction in symptoms scores was observed from end of week 1. Local tolerance was good, with only 5 patients reporting side effects that improved with continued use. No patient withdrew due to side effects.. Herbavate, a topical polyherbal formulation, appears to an attractive alternate option for the management of outpatients with eczema.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Calotropis; Child; Curcuma; Drug Combinations; Eczema; Female; Humans; Magnoliopsida; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Preparations; Pongamia; Severity of Illness Index; Solanum; Young Adult