Comparative evaluation of Gracilaria algae 3% cream vs Clobetasol 0.05% cream in treatment of plaque type psoriasis: A randomized, split-body, triple-blinded clinical trial.

Gracilaria algae is red macro algae which has demonstrated considerable anti-inflammatory effects. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of Gracilaria algae topical cream 3% vs Clobetasol cream 0.05% in treatment of plaque-type psoriasis. Thirty adult patients with baseline modified Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score ≤12 were randomized to receive either Clobetasol or Gracilaria algae cream on right or left-sided symmetric plaques once daily for 8 weeks and follow-up of 4 weeks. Modified PASI score, patient's satisfaction using VAS and global physician assessment score were assessed to evaluate clinical response. Thirty patients with 94 symmetrical psoriasis plaques were enrolled in this trial. The mean baseline modified PASI score of both sides was similar; however, at the end of trial, modified PASI score was reduced more on the sides treated with Gracilaria algae cream (0.80 ± 0.19% vs 0.63 ± 0.25%, P < .05). No significant difference was found regarding mean physician global assessment score between the two groups (P > .05). Patients' satisfaction was significantly higher in favor of algae cream only at week 8 of the intervention (P < .05). Gracilaria algae cream can be an effective and safe alternative of Clobetasol in the treatment of plaque type psoriasis.

Preparation and evaluation of a hair wax containing propolis and Eruca sativa seed oil for hair growth.

BACKGROUND: Hair growth as a key consumer objective has important role in the hair care products researches. This study was aimed to investigate the effect of a hair wax containing propolis, a resinous mixture produced by honeybees in Eruca sativa seed oil base on hair growth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hair wax was designed and formulated compared with marketed brand hair wax and evaluated for pharmaceutical parameters including pH, homogeneity, consistency, spread ability, in vitro drug release, and stability. After selection of the best formulation containing 10% ethanolic extract of propolis and 10% E. sativa seed oil, the hair growth potential was evaluated by application of 1 g hair wax daily on 4 cm2 area of dorsal side of Wistar rats and compared with controls and standard medication (1 ml of 2% minoxidil). After 30 days treatment, the length and weight of hairs and percentage of hair follicles in different phases of growth in skin biopsies were assessed. RESULTS: The selected hair wax formulation was stable and easy to wash. The formulation significantly increased hair length on 10th, 20th, and 30th day compared control group (5.8 ± 0.3 vs. 2.6 ± 0.4, 11.4 ± 0.6 vs. 5.8 ± 0.4, and 17.5 ± 0.5 vs. 12.7 ± 0.4 mm, respectively) and also the weight of newly grown hairs on 30th day (0.056 ± 0.006 vs. 0.043 ± 0.005). It improved hair follicles percentages in anagen phase without any sensitivity reaction. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the formulated hair wax containing of propolis and E. sativa seed oil could have significant effect on promoting hair growth.

Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified Emu oil base.

BACKGROUND: People strive to maintain the best look and have a youthful appearance. The skin around the eye is an area without many oil glands and collagen in comparison to the body rest, so it is more prone to fine lines and dehydration, which makes it look dull. The aim of this research is to develop and evaluate in vivo efficacy of an anti-wrinkle and dark circle eye pad consisting of 3% w/w caffeine and 1% vitamin K in a convenient, healthy, and cosmeceutical base. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre-emulsions containing selected ingredients in a specified effective concentration were prepared. The selected formulation, based upon pharmaceutical parameters, was coated on a nonwoven fabric in an eye counter shape, and stored in a jar. Then in vivo trial was carried out for investigation of its anti-wrinkling efficacy on 11 healthy women. In a single blind trial, the sample pad was applied under the right eye and the placebo pad, consisting of water, was placed under the left eye simultaneously. The efficacy and safety of the formulation was evaluated visually and with a multi skin test MC 900 instrument. RESULT: After four weeks, the skin around the right eye of all the subjects experienced a reduction in the depth of wrinkles and dark circles, and from a subjective point of view, the appearance and elasticity of the skin were improved. CONCLUSIONS: The caffeine pad containing vitamin K in an Emu oil base shows an improvement in eye counter appearance with anti-dark circle capacity and as an emollient.