Anti-Itching and Healing Effects of Ointments Containing Herbal Essential Oils of Mentha Piperita, Eucalyptus Globulus, Caryophyllus Aromaticus, Cinnamomum Ceylanicom in Skin Eczema

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Associate professor, Skin and Stem Cell Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 General Practitioner, Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Eczema is one of the most common dermatologic disorders with specific clinical characteristics, unknown etiology, and not yet known curative treatment. Introducing any kind of treatment to relieve itching and inflammation will be considered as therapeutic success. The use of herbal essential oils has attracted widespread attention as a new natural treatment of dermatologic diseases and thus a step for revival of traditional medicine.Methods: In this study, essential oils of peppermint (Mentha piperita), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum ceylanicom) were selected as potential therapeutic candidates for eczema. Different concentrations of menthol and camphor were also added to increase the skin penetration and anti-itching effects of the ointment. Hydrocarbons were used as ointment base due to high solubility, stability, and good covering properties of essential oils in this base. A combination of 27% liquid paraffin and 35% paraffin wax was used as the best base of the ointments. Clinical evaluations were then performed on 110 patients among whom 50 patients received herbal ointment.Findings: Complete improvement was observed in 66% of the herbal group compared to 43.3% of the standard care and 13% of the placebo groups. Patients who received the herbal ointment experienced fast and stable relief of itching (after 1-2 weeks of using the ointment). Mild and transient side effects such as irritation and redness were seen in 20% of the cases in the herbal group.Conclusion: Fast relief of itching and short treatment period were some advantages of herbal ointment. Different concentrations of the active ingredients were prepared and some modifications were made to increase penetration, accelerate relief of itching, and decrease skin irritation induced by essential oils. This herbal ointment was most effective in chronic eczema and its efficacy on exogenous eczema was less than endogenous eczema.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 29, Issue 173 - Serial Number 173
November and December 2012
Pages 2945-2953

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 August 2011
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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