Formulation and clinical evaluation of topical dosage forms of Indian Penny Wort, walnut and turmeric in eczema

Eczema is characterized by itching, lichenification, scaling, oedema and erythema. Current management strategies include corticosteroids, which are limited due to side effects. Many herbal remedies are used traditionally but unfortunately have not been validated in controlled clinical trials. Three popular traditional treatments of eczema include Indian pennywort, Walnut and Turmeric. In this study three topical formulations [micro emulsion, gel and ointment] were prepared from extracts of Indian pennywort, Walnut and Turmeric. These formulations were monitored for stability for a period of three months. Controlled clinical trials were conducted on 360 eczema patients. Clinical parameters observed were degree of erythema, oedema, scaling, itching and lichenification. Effects of each formulation on these clinical parameters were compared with placebo formulations. Micro emulsion formulations in all cases proved to be more effective in reducing semi quantitative scores of erythema and oedema. Itching was relieved more by gel formulation. The ointment showed more efficacy towards scaling and lichenification. Comparison of the effects of placebo and the specific formulations was performed by chi-square statistics and found to be highly significant. In summary it is concluded that all the formulations could be used as promising source for treatment of eczema

Use of traditional herbal medicines in the treatment of eczema

Use of traditional herbal medicines is very common in Pakistani society. It is more prevalent in villages and Cholistan desert areas where medical facilities are less available, so generally people rely on herbal treatments for their diseases. Mostly herbal remedies are very effective and have fewer side effects. In this review some commonly used herbal remedies for treatment of eczema are discussed. Unfortunately, research on herbal drugs in terms of controlled clinical trials in humans is scanty. Hopefully, clinical research in the herbals opens new avenues in therapeutics

Adsorption of paracetamol on activated charcoal

In Vitro studies were carried out to investigate the adsorption activity of activated charcoal for paracetamol powder and tablets at pH 7.5. The effect of alcohol 6% [v/v] and methionine 0.1 [M] on the adsorption activity of activated charcoal for paracetamol was also investigated at pH 7.5 using charcoal to drug ratios as 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 8:1, 10:1. The adsorption of paracetamol is fast and is 95.6% in 30 minutes. There was no effect on adsorption due to presence of alcohol 6% while methionine 0.1M has little effect on the adsorption of paracetamol as methionine competes for binding sites. It is concluded that activated charcoal is effective in adsorbing paracetamol. Methionine [sulphydryl] compound can be used as an antidote along with activated charcoal because of its negligible effect on adsorption of paracetamol