ECZEMA

Licorice Root-

Glycrrhetinic acid isolated from licorice exerts an effect similar to hydrocortisone in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis

Experimental study" 9/12 patients with intractable eczema noted marked improvement, and 2 patients noted mild improvement when an ointment of glycyrrhetinic acid was applied topically.  In a separate study, 93% of patients applying glycyrrhetinic acid demonstrated improvement. (Evans FQ.  The rational use of glycrrhetenic acid in dermatology.  BR J Clin Pract 12:269-79,1958)..

PSORIASIS

ALOE VERA-

Experimental Double-Blind Study: 60 pts. aged 18-50 with slight to moderate plaque type psoriasis (mean duration 8,5 years) received either topical  Aloe vera (.5%) in a hydrophilic cream or a matching placebo cream.  The aloe vera groupover 8 months had greater improvement 83.3% when compared to the placebo group 7.7 per cent.  The aloe group had a greate number of healed plaques (82.8%) when compared to the placebo (7.7%).

(Syed TA, Ahmad SA, Holt AH, et al. Management of psoriasis with Aloe vera extract in a hydrophilic cream; a placebo controlled, double bind study. Trop Med Int Health 1(4):505-9,1996).

CAPSICUM-

Pts. applied .025% capsicum cream or vehicle 4 times a day for 6 weeks.  Capsicum treated pts. showed significantly greater reduction in combined psoriasis severity scores.

Ellis CN et al.  A double-blind evaluation of topical capsicum for moderate and severe psoriasis vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 15(3):504-7,1986).

Experimental Study:  In a retrospective analysis, the records of 142 pts. were reviewed.  142 cases received 400,000 units of vitamin A and 600,000 units of vitamin D 3 wks per month followed by 1week per month.  Treatment was for a total of 2 mo. for pts. experiencing their first outbreak and 3 months for pts who had experienced more than one outbreak.  Of the 27 pts. with their first outbreak, 60% had very good results, 26% good results, 8% fair results and 8% poor results.  Of the pts. experiencing further outbreaks, 9% had very good results, 32% had good results, 40% had fair results, and 19% had poor results.  3 pts. had to stop treatment due to headaches or anorexia. (Marron Gasca J et al. (General treatment of psoriasis.  Review of our cases. Actas Dermosifiliogr 65(7-*):295-304,1974) (in Spanish).

NOTE:  VITAMIN A AND D IN THESE DOSES CAN BE TOXIC.  SEE YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.  DO NOT ATTEMPT THIS ON YOUR OWN. (I use a bioemulsible A and D in liquid form, which carries far lower toxicity.)

ALSO SEE BOVINE TRACHEAL CARTILAGE IN WOUNDS SECTION

DERMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS-

"Herbal therapy in Dermatology,"  Bedi MK, Shenefelt PD, Arch Dermatol, February 2002;138:232-242.

Tannins act as astringents and have been used in acne.  Fruits acids have been applied topically.  Tea tree oil contains approximately 100 compounds mainly plant terpenes, and has been shown to be effective in acne.  Vitex agnus-castus has been shown to be effective in premenstrual acne with the German E Commission recommending 40 mg. daily.   Aloe Vera leaves produce two substances, a gel and a juice or latex.  The gel has been used for centuries topically for the treatment of wounds and burns.  Aloe vera has been shown to be bactericidal and antifungal in vitro. Marigold has been used as an antiseptic and to heal wounds, as well as for conditions such as ulcers, burns, boils, rashes, chapped hands, herpes zoster and varicose veins.  Balm (Melissa officinalis) has been used to treat herpes simplex and minor wounds.  Herpes zoster has been treated with a topical licorice gel preparation containing the active component glycyrrhizin. (an active component of licorice).  Capsicum, which is the main ingredient of cayenne pepper, has been used in the treatment of psoriasis.  Arnica for centuries has been used for for muscles and joints.  German chamomile has been used for skin infections and dermatitis.  Chronic venous insufficiency has been treated with horsechestnut extract.  Grape seed extract contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to strengthen capillaries.  Ginkgo helps promote vasodilatation.  Butcher's broom and sweet clover have been used for venous insufficiency.  Green tea has been shown to block many mediators of the inflammatory process.