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Planta Med 2019; 85(07): 608-614
DOI: 10.1055/a-0835-6806
Biological and Pharmacological Activity
Original Papers
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Novel Topical Herbal Composition (VEL-091604) Consisting of Gentian Root, Licorice Root and Willow Bark Extract

Jasmin Seiwerth   *
1   Research Center skinitial, Department of Dermatology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
,
Georgia Tasiopoulou   *
1   Research Center skinitial, Department of Dermatology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
,
Julia Hoffmann
1   Research Center skinitial, Department of Dermatology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
,
Ute Wölfle
1   Research Center skinitial, Department of Dermatology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
,
Kay Schwabe
2   BSI Beauty Science Intelligence GmbH, Langenhagen, Germany
,
Karl-Werner Quirin
3   Flavex Naturextrakte GmbH, Rehlingen, Germany
,
Christoph Mathis Schempp
1   Research Center skinitial, Department of Dermatology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 21 November 2018
revised 08 January 2019

accepted 13 January 2019

Publication Date:
28 January 2019 (online)

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Abstract

The anti-inflammatory properties of the topical herbal composition VEL-091604 with gentian root, licorice root, and willow bark extract were assessed in a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind ultraviolet (UV)-erythema test study with 42 healthy volunteers in comparison to 1% hydrocortisone acetate. The efficacy and tolerability of VEL-091604 cream 2 times daily over 2 wk was evaluated in an open-label, prospective proof of concept study in 10 subjects with atopic dermatitis using a lesional SCORAD severity score. In the UV-erythema test VEL-091604 cream significantly reduced inflammation compared to placebo and was as effective as 1% hydrocortisone acetate. The clinical study with atopic subjects revealed a significant and rapid reduction of the lesional SCORAD severity score in the test areas after 1 and 2 wk. No adverse events were recorded. It is concluded that the herbal cream VEL-091604 with licorice root, willow bark, and gentian root extract display anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. It is a promising new treatment option for atopic dermatitis that warrants further investigation in controlled studies.

Key words

Glycyrrhiza uralensis - Fabaceae - Salix daphnoides - Salicaceae - Gentiana lutea - Gentianaceae - UV-erythema test - atopic dermatitis

* These authors contributed equally.


 

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