Formulation and clinical evaluation of topical dosage forms of Indian Penny Wort, walnut and turmeric in eczema
- 1
- The
Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan / Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary and animal Sciences,
Lahore, Pakistan / Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences,
University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- 2
- The
Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan / Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology,
Abbottabad, Pakistan.
- 3
- The Islamia University of
Bahawalpur, Pakistan / Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University
of Veterinary and animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
- 4
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
- 5
- The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Abstract
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