title: Observational study of Arctium lappa in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Arctium lappa (Lappa) is used in traditional Western and Chinese medicine for acne. It is mentioned in homeopathic literature for acne, but its effect has not previously been evaluated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the effectiveness of homeopathic medicine Lappa in treatment of acne vulgaris.
  
  
  METHODS
  An uncontrolled observational interventional study was conducted on human subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and gave written informed consent. Lappa was prescribed in potencies starting from 6c rising to 1M as required, over a period of 6 months. Objective assessment was change in acne lesion counts supplemented with Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) and subjective assessment by using Acne-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (Acne-QoL).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 34 human subjects, 32 completed the follow-up. Statistical significant results were seen in lesion counts, GAGS and Acne-QoL score (p value <0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lappa has shown positive effects in the treatment of acne especially of inflammatory type. Further controlled, randomized studies with larger sample size are desirable. Trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01040390.
authors.affiliation: Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine & Homeopathy, Government of Delhi, New Delhi, India. Electronic address: dramiglani@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Anjali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Miglani
authors.affiliation: Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Government of India, New Delhi, India.
authors.forename: Raj K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Manchanda
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055815:Young Adult; D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D031170:Arctium; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts
keywords: Acne vulgaris; Acne-QoL; Arctium lappa; GAGS; Lappa