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Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
Medknow Publications on behalf of The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL)
ISSN: 0378-6323
EISSN: 0378-6323
Vol. 74, No. 5, 2008, pp. 447-452
Bioline Code: dv08197
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, Vol. 74, No. 5, 2008, pp. 447-452

 en Evening primrose oil is effective in atopic dermatitis: A randomized placebo-controlled trial
Senapati, Swapan; Banerjee, Sabyasachi & Gangopadhyay, Dwijendra Nath

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, itchy dermatosis of multifactorial origin, which commonly starts in childhood. Defective metabolism of essential fatty acids leading to relative dominance of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins (PGE 2 and PGF 2 ) has been reported as an important factor in the pathogenesis of AD. Evening primrose oil (EPO) as a source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been of interest in the management of AD.
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of EPO in atopic dermatitis in our patients.
Methods: Consecutive new out-patient department (OPD) patients of a referral hospital in Kolkata clinically diagnosed as having AD were randomly allocated to two groups. To the first group, evening primrose oil was supplied as 500-mg oval clear unmarked capsules, while placebo capsules identical in appearance and containing 300 mg of sunflower oil were given to the other group. Treatment continued for a period of 5 months. With pre-designed scoring system (based on four major parameters: extent, intensity, itching, and dryness), clinical evaluation was done at baseline and subsequent monthly visits. Data of the first 25 patients from each group who completed the 5 months of trial were compiled and analyzed.
Results: At the end of the fifth month, 24 (96%) patients of EPO group and 8 (32%) patients of placebo group showed improvement. There was significant difference in outcome of treatment between two groups (P < 0.00001). No significant adverse effect was reported by any patient/guardian at any point of assessment.
Conclusion: Evening primrose oil is a safe and effective medicine in management of AD. However, since not all researchers across the world have found the same good result, further large trials on Indian patients are needed.

Keywords
Atopic dermatitis, Evening primrose oil, Gamma-linolenic acid

 
© Copyright 2008 Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology.
Alternative site location: http://www.ijdvl.com

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