Anti-inflammatory effect of hamamelis lotion in a UVB erythema test.
BACKGROUND
Although Hamamelis virginiana has long been used in the traditional treatment of skin diseases, there are few controlled clinical studies defining the extent of its anti-inflammatory action.


OBJECTIVE
The anti-inflammatory efficacy of pH5 Eucerin aftersun lotion with 10% hamamelis distillate, the vehicle and a prior aftersun formulation were tested in 30 healthy volunteers using a modified UVB erythema test as model of inflammation.


METHODS
Four UVB doses ranging from 1 to 2 MED were evaluated in each subject. Test fields on the back were treated occlusively for 48 h following irradiation. Chromametry and visual scoring were used to determine the degree of erythema in the treated fields and an untreated, irradiated control field 7, 24 and 48 h after irradiation.


RESULTS
Erythema suppression ranged from approximately 20% of 7 h to 27% at 48 h in the hamamelis fields. A suppression of 11-15% was recorded in the fields treated with the other lotions. Significant differences were noted between hamamelis and these lotions.


CONCLUSIONS
These data provide evidence for an anti-inflammatory action of the aftersun lotion with 10% hamamelis and support the usefulness of the UVB erythema test with multiple UV doses for the testing of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Hughes-Formella
B J
BJ
BioSkin, Institute for Dermatological Research and Development, Hamburg, Germany. BHughes@BioSkin.de
Bohnsack
K
K
Rippke
F
F
Benner
G
G
Rudolph
M
M
Tausch
I
I
Gassmueller
J
J
D000328:Adult; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009823:Ointment Bases / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012016:Reference Values; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D008055:Lipids; D009823:Ointment Bases; D010936:Plant Extracts; C039909:eucerin