Impact of Althaea Officinalis extract in patients with atopic eczema: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background Althaea Officinalis introduced as an emerging anti-inflammatory agent with immunomodulatory effects that may suppress the symptoms of atopic eczema. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of liposomal formulation of Althaea Officinalis flower extract compared with steroids for atopic eczema treatment. Methods In this randomized, double-blind controlled trial phase II, forty patients with moderate to severe allergic atopic eczema confirmed by skin prick test were enrolled in the study from October 2018 to January 2019. Steroids on the lesions of the left side of the body and topical Althaea Officinalis extract (intervention) or eucerin as a topical placebo on the lesions of the right side of the body were tested. SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) was assessed at the baseline, and two, and four weeks after completing the trial. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 22. Results In the active treatment group, after two weeks, the SCORAD was significantly lower in the left side (recovery with steroid treatment) (p < 0.001), and after 4 weeks the SCORAD was lower on both sides, and there were no significant differences between two sides (similarity between Althaea Officinalis and steroid effects). In the control group, the SCORAD score was significantly lower on the left side (steroid) after two and four weeks (p < 0.001). There was no side effect and reaction to drugs. Conclusions Considering the potential side effects of steroids, and the similar efficacy of Althaea Officinalis flower extract, using this component may be accompanied by higher benefits in patients with atopic eczema. Trial registration IRCT2016102323235N5.

Althaea officinalis extracts heal skin wounds in second- and third-degree burns in mice

Background and Purpose: Burns are one of the most common injuries. There are few medications to repair skin in burns. Although antibacterial drugs such as topical silver sulfadiazine may prevent wound infections, they usually can’t attenuate skin healing. Marshmallow is used in Iranian traditional medicine to improve skin burns. We aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroalcoholic and aqueous extract of Althaea officinalis on the histopathologic parameters of second- and third-degree burns in mice. Experimental approach: The mice were randomly divided into 9 groups (n=6) including control and treatment groups. Experimental second- and third-degree burns were induced on dorsal skin of the mice by a metal plate (2 cm in diameter) under general anesthesia. Control and treatment groups were treated twice daily for 21 days topically. Normal saline was used for control group and hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of Althaea officinalis in three concentrations (1%, 2% and 4%) were used for the treatment groups. All of the preparations were made in hydrogel base. Finally, the histopathological parameters of the burned skin including polymorphonuclear (PMN) migration, epithelialization, angiogenesis and collagenization were scored and total score of wound healing was calculated. Key Results: The findings showed that topical application of both hydroalcoholic and aqueous extracts of Althaea officinalis attenuates the wound healing process. they reduce PMN migration, collagenization, epithelialization and angiogenesis scores compared to control group. Conclusions & Implications: Althaea officinalis can be used as an adjunct medication to attenuate wound healing in skin burns.