The effectiveness of a locally applied cream prepared from the hydroalcoholic extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi in treating cutaneous dermatitis in patients with hand eczema

Abstract

Background: Dracocephalum kotschyi is a traditional herbal medicine famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, to date, there have been no scientific reports on the efficacy of D. kotschyi extract preparations for treating dermatitis. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of D. kotschyi extract cream on patients suffering from cutaneous eczema. Methods: A two-group parallel convenience clinical trial design was used to evaluate the efficacy of D. kotschyi cream. This study was conducted on 100 volunteers suffering from hand eczema. The study was open-label, with half of the patients treated locally with D. kotschyi cream (treatment group), while the other half received standard triamcinolone cream for two consecutive weeks (standard group). Patients were examined for symptoms of eczema before treatment and after one and two weeks to assess efficacy. Additionally, a questionnaire was prepared for each patient to collect supplementary information and patient feedback on the treatments. Results: Both triamcinolone (0.1) and D. kotschyi (10) creams significantly reduced the symptoms of hand eczema, including inflammation, itching, and scabbing, by 91 and 70 respectively (total score), over the course of treatment. Although triamcinolone was more effective than D. kotschyi creams, eczema recurrence was more frequent with triamcinolone than with D. kotschyi cream. Conclusion: It was concluded that D. kotschyi cream is an effective local herbal remedy for the management of cutaneous eczema. However, a double-blind clinical trial is required to confirm the validity of these results. © Iranian Journal of Dermatology.