Clinical evaluation of an Indian polyherbal topical formulation in the management of eczema

J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Jun;15(6):669-72. doi: 10.1089/acm.2008.0508.

Abstract

Objectives: 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.

Design: This was an open label design.

Subjects and setting: 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.

Outcome measures: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: Herbavate, a topical polyherbal formulation, appears to an attractive alternate option for the management of outpatients with eczema.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Topical
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Calotropis
  • Child
  • Curcuma
  • Drug Combinations
  • Eczema / classification
  • Eczema / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnoliopsida*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy* / adverse effects
  • Plant Preparations / administration & dosage
  • Plant Preparations / adverse effects
  • Plant Preparations / therapeutic use*
  • Pongamia
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Solanum
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • Plant Preparations