Tannins from Potentilla officinalis display antiinflammatory effects in the UV erythema test and on atopic skin.
BACKGROUND
Rich in tannins, the rhizome of Potentilla officinalis (PO) has traditionally been used in the topical treatment of inflammatory disorders of the skin and mucous membranes. The objective of the present study was to examine the antiinflammatory effects of PO in the UV erythema test as well as in patients with atopic skin.


METHODS
Using the UV erythema test, the antiinflammatory effects of a PO extract (2 %) - compared to 1 % hydrocortisone acetate - were assessed in a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled double-blind study of 40 healthy volunteers. In the context of a prospective non-controlled trial, the efficacy and tolerability of 2 % PO cream (applied to defined test areas twice daily for two weeks) was evaluated in twelve adults and twelve children with atopic skin using a partial SCORAD. In addition, the effects on the degree of erythema in the test areas was measured photometrically.


RESULTS
In the UV erythema test, PO cream significantly reduced the erythema index compared to the vehicle. The antiinflammatory effects of PO cream were comparable to those of 1 % hydrocortisone acetate cream. The clinical study with atopic patients revealed a significant reduction in the partial SCORAD as well as erythema in the test areas. No adverse events were recorded.


CONCLUSIONS
PO cream displays antiinflammatory effects in vivo. It is effective in and well tolerated by patients with atopic skin.
Research Center skinitial, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany.
Julia
J
Hoffmann
Research Center skinitial, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany.
Ute
U
Wölfle
Research Center skinitial, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany. christoph.schempp@uniklinik-freiburg.de.
Christoph M
CM
Schempp
Research Center skinitial, Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany.
Federica
F
Casetti
D000287:Administration, Topical; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004890:Erythema / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D031987:Potentilla / Q000737:chemistry*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013634:Tannins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D013634:Tannins