Homeopathy 2014; 103(03): 203-207
DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2013.12.002
Clinical
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 2013

Observational study of Arctium lappa in the treatment of acne vulgaris

Anjali Miglani
1   Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine & Homeopathy, Government of Delhi, New Delhi, India
,
Raj K Manchanda
2   Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Government of India, New Delhi, India
› Author Affiliations

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

Received27 June 2013
revised31 October 2013

accepted08 December 2013

Publication Date:
22 December 2017 (online)

Introduction: 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).

Conclusion: 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

 
  • References

  • 1 Leyden J.J. A review of the use of combination therapies for the treatment of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 2003; 49-3: S200-S210.
  • 2 Webster G.F. Acne vulgaris and rosacea: evaluation and management. Clin Cornerstone 2001; 4-1: 15-22.
  • 3 Kent J.T. Repertory of the homeopathic materia medica, enriched Indian edition. 2005. B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.; New Delhi: 117 366–371.
  • 4 Boger C.M. Boenninghausen's characteristics materia medica & repertory. 2006. Indian Books & Periodicals Publishers; New Delhi: 391 963–964.
  • 5 Knerr C.B. Repertory of Hering's guiding symptoms of our materia medica. 2006. B. Jain Publishers (P) Ltd.; New Delhi: 126.
  • 6 Boericke W, Pocket manual of homeopathic materia medica, Encyclopaedia Homeopathica, version 2.1.0069.
  • 7 Murphy R, Homeopathic remedy guide, Encyclopaedia Homeopathica, version 2.1.0069.
  • 8 Vermeulen F, Concordant materia medica, Encyclopaedia Homeopathica, version 2.1.0069.
  • 9 Phatak SR, Materia medica of homeopathic medicines, Encyclopaedia Homeopathica, version 2.1.0069.
  • 10 Clarke JH, Dictionary of practical materia medica, Encyclopaedia Homeopathica, version 2.1.0069.
  • 11 Murphy R, Homeopathic medical repertory, Encyclopaedia Homeopathica, version 2.1.0069.
  • 12 Schroyens F, Synthesis, 9th edn, Encyclopaedia Homeopathica, version 2.1.0069.
  • 13 Factsheet – burdock. Available from: http://www.planetbotanic.ca/fact_sheets/burdock.htm [assessed on 16.02.13].
  • 14 Kemper KJ, Indepth monograph – burdock. http://www.longwoodherbal.org/burdock/burdock.PDF [assessed on 26.12.12].
  • 15 Vermeulen F, Johnston L, Plants: homeopathic and medicinal uses from a botanical family perspective, Saltire Books, Vol 1, p. 736–739.
  • 16 Chan Y.S., Cheng L.N., Wu J.H. et al A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock). Inflammopharmacology 2011; (05) 19: 245-254.
  • 17 Knipping K., Van Esch E.C., Wijering S.C. et al In vitro and in vivo anti-allergic effects of Arctium lappa . Exp Biol Med 2008; 233 (11) 1469-1477.
  • 18 Knott A., Reuschlein K., Mielke H. et al Natural Arctium lappa fruit extract improves the clinical signs of aging skin. J Cosmet Dermatol 2008; 7 (04) 281-289.
  • 19 Pereira J.V., Bergamo D.C., Pereira J.O. et al Antimicrobial activity of Arctium lappa constituents against microorganisms commonly found in endodontic infections. Braz Dent J 2005; 16 (03) 192-196.
  • 20 Gentil M., Pereira J.V., Silva-Sousa Y.T. et al In Vitro Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Arctium lappa as a phytotherapeutic agent used in intracanal dressings. Phytother Res. 2006; 20 (03) 184-186.
  • 21 Provings of Lappa officinalis. Homoeopath Rec . VIII 1893; 49-54.
  • 22 An empirical history of Lappa officinalis . Homoeopath Rec VIII 1893; 1-11.
  • 23 Varma PN, Indu V. Encyclopaedia of homoeopathic pharmacopoeia, Encyclopaedia Homeopathica, version 2.1.0069.
  • 24 Doshi A., Zaheer A., Stiller M.J. A comparison of current acne grading systems and proposal of a novel system. Int J Dermatol 1997; 37 (06) 416-418.
  • 25 Lucky A.W., Barber B.L., Girman C.J. et al A multirater validation study to assess the reliability of acne lesion counting. J Am Acad Dermatol 1996; 35 (04) 559-565.
  • 26 Girman C.J., Hartmaier S., Thiboudot D. et al Evaluating health related quality of life in acne patients: development of a self administered questionnaire for clinical trials. Qual Life Res 1996; 5 (05) 481-490.
  • 27 Martin A.R., Lookingbill D.P., Botek A. et al Health related quality of life among patients with facial acne – assessment of new acne specific questionnaire. Clin Exp Dermatol 2001; 26 (05) 380-385.
  • 28 Fehnel S.E., McLeod L.D., Brandman J. et al Responsiveness of Acne Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (Acne-QoL) to treatment for acne vulgaris in placebo-controlled clinical trials. Qual Life Res 2002; 11 (08) 809-816.
  • 29 Leyden J.J. New understanding of the pathogenesis of acne. J Am Acad Dermatol 32 5 pt 3 1995; S15-S25.
  • 30 Gollnick H. Current concept of the pathogenesis of acne – implications of drug treatment. Drugs 2003; 63 (15) 1579-1596.