Clinical efficacy of herbal extracts in treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris: an 8-week, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Herbal extracts with fewer adverse effects can be an alternative to these drugs because they can target various molecular pathways of acne pathogenesis.

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of herbal extracts (mangosteen, Lithospermum officinale, Tribulus terrestris L., Houttuynia cordata Thunb) for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Methods

Sixty patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive blinded treatment with herbal extracts or vehicle for 8 weeks. Inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts, Investigator’s Global Assessment, patient’s satisfaction and safety profiles were assessed. We also performed skin biopsy at baseline and week 8 to confirm immunological changes with immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

By the end of the study period, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts were significantly decreased in herbal extracts group (p< .05). In immunohistochemistry staining, expressions of IL-1α, IL-8, and keratin 16 were significantly decreased in herbal extracts group compared to vehicle group from baseline to week 8. There was no serious adverse events in both groups.

Conclusions

This herbal extracts can be a new therapeutic option for patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris who are reluctant to use drugs.

Keywords:

• Acne
• herbal extracts
• inflammation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest has been reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs (Grant S2530442).