title: [Antiinflammatory potential of seven plant extracts in the ultraviolet erythema test. A randomized, placebo-controlled study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Phytotherapeutics are widely used in medicine. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the antiinflammatory potential of seven medical plant extracts using the ultraviolet- (UV)-erythema test.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, placebo-controlled study on 40 healthy subjects. Test areas on the upper back were irradiated with the 1.5 fold UV-B minimal erythema dose (MED). Formulations of Aloe vera,                   Chamomilla recutita, Hamamelis virginiana, Melissa officinalis, Mentha arvensis, Melaleuca alternifolia, Coriandrum sativum as well as 1% hydrocortisone acetate and 0.1% betamethasone valerate as positive controls and unguentum leniens as vehicle control were applied under occlusion on the irradiated areas and on non-irradiated area on the contralateral side. Photometric assessment of the erythema was performed before the application of the substances (t0), at 24 h (t1) and at 48 h (t2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Aloe vera, Chamomilla recutita, Melissa officinalis, Melaleuca alternifolia and Coriandrum sativum showed an antiinflammatory effect compared to UV-control and unguentum leniens. However, the results were only statistically significant for Aloe vera. All tested plant extracts were well tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aloe vera possesses an antiinflammatory effect on UV-induced erythemas.
authors: IVDP - Institut für Versorgungsforschung in der Dermatologie und bei Pflegeberufen, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland. f.beikert@uke.de
authors: F C
authors: FC
authors: Beikert
authors: B S
authors: BS
authors: Schönfeld
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Frank
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Augustin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D015990:Placebo Effect; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts