Australian authors of a systematic review have concluded that topical herbal medicines (HMs) provide additional benefit to psoriasis patients when used in combination with pharmacotherapy. Eight studies met their inclusion criteria. All used multi-herb formulas, four in herbal baths, three in herbal ointments or creams and one as herbal steam. The pooled data indicated a benefit for the adding topical herbal therapy to anti-psoriatic pharmacotherapy....Weiterlesen

A team of researchers based in China and France have found a Chinese herbal ointment to be an effective therapy for plaque-type psoriasis. Shi Du Ruan Gao (SDRG) ointment contains Qing Dai (Indigo Pulverata Levis), Huang Bai (Cortex Phellodendri), Duan Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum Preparatum), Lu Gan Shi, (Smithsonitum [Calamine]) and Wu Bei Zi (Galla Rhois Chinensis). In an exploratory study, 100 patients with mild...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT Background: Cutaneous warts are small skin lesions formed as ar esult of infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV). In the lesion, viral manipulation creates a microenvironment that favors virus survival and reproduction. Most lesions eventually regress, probably as a result of a Th1-mediated immune response. However, some warts fail to regress and become persistent.  Objective: The efficacy of treatment of persistent HPV-caused warts...Weiterlesen

Hsing-YuChenabc  Yi-HsuanLinabc  Yu-ChunChendef ABSTRACT Ethno-pharmacological relevance Acne is a highly prevalent inflammatory skin disease which causes patients great psychological stress, especially teenagers. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is commonly used to treat acne with personalized but complicated prescriptions. The aim of this study is to determine a CHM network and core CHM treatments for acne by analyzing a nationwide database. Materials and methods From January 1st to December...Weiterlesen

A Chinese herbal formula, Pei Tu Qing Xin Tang (PTQXT) is effective for decreasing disease severity and improving quality of life (QOL) in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). PTQXT is composed of nine herbs: Tai Zi Shen (Radix Pseudostellariae), Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae), Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis), Xin Cao (Medulla Junci), Dan Zhu Ye (Herba Lophatheri), Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis), Shan Yao...Weiterlesen

Iranian authors reviewing the currently available literature suggest that an extract of Gingko biloba (GB, pinyin: Bai Guo Ye) has the potential to be effective against psoriasis. Ginkgo has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of health conditions, and it is now known that its leaves contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalides) as active ingredients. GBE has demonstrated the...Weiterlesen

A small study carried out in Thailand suggests that facial acupuncture, with or without body acupuncture, may be effective in decreasing the size of melasma (hyperpigmented skin) patches. Forty-one women with melasma were randomly assigned to either facial acupuncture, or facial and body acupuncture. Each group received two acupuncture sessions per week for eight weeks. Participants who were assigned to facial acupuncture only were needled...Weiterlesen

A Cochrane database systematic review of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) for atopic eczema was not able to find conclusive evidence that CHM, taken orally or applied topically, could reduce the severity of eczema in children or adults. The Australian authors included 28 studies, most which were assessed to be at high risk of bias, involving a total of 2306 participants. Although some of the studies...Weiterlesen

Results from a German pilot study show that acupuncture reduces itch intensity in patients with atopic eczema and that this correlates with reduced activation of basophils (histamine-secreting white blood cells). Ten patients with atopic eczema were randomised to acupuncture or no treatment. Mean itch intensity on a visual analog scale was rated significantly lower in the acupuncture group on day 15 (after 5 acupuncture treatments)...Weiterlesen

Acupuncture shows promise as a treatment modality for dermatological conditions, according to a systematic review by authors from the USA. Twenty-four studies met their inclusion criteria, of which 16 were randomised controlled trials. In 17 of 24 studies, acupuncture showed statistically significant improvements in outcome measurements compared with placebo acupuncture, alternative treatment options and no intervention. Acupuncture was found to improve outcome measures in the...Weiterlesen