Annals of dermatology

Korean Dermatological Association (대한피부과학회)
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The Beneficial Effect of Korean Red Ginseng Extract on Atopic Dermatitis Patients: An 8 Weeks Open, Noncomparative Clinical Study

  • Kim, Hyeree (Department of Dermatology, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital) ;
  • Park, Chun Wook (Department of Dermatology, Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital) ;
  • Cho, Sang Hyun (Department of Dermatology, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital)
  • Received : 2017.07.03
  • Accepted : 2017.12.14
  • Published : 2018.06.01
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Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic or chronically relapsing, eczematous, severely pruritic inflammatory skin disorder. Korean red ginseng (KRG) has been shown previously to exhibit diverse biological effects including anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects in a murine model. Objective: We aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of KRG on AD patients, to determine whether there was improvement in disease severity, skin barrier function, pruritus and sleep disturbance relief. Methods: An open, noncomparative clinical study that utilized KRG tablets (500 mg/tablet) was conducted. This study included 41 patients with mild to moderate AD diagnosed by the Korean atopic dermatitis guidelines. Three visits to the hospital at days 1, $28{\pm}7$, and $56{\pm}7$ for evaluation were made. The effects of KRG were assessed by measuring eczema area and severity index (EASI) score, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the visual analogue scale (VAS), total amount of topical agents used in recent 8 weeks and investigator global assessment (IGA). Results: Patients taking KRG tablets showed significant decreases in EASI score and TEWL, and the VAS of pruritus and sleep disturbance were significantly reduced. The amount of topical agents used was reduced but not by a statistically significant amount. IGA at the third visit showed improvement of AD compared to the second visit, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: KRG can be safely used as a health food to achieve clinical improvement of AD as well as improving overall quality of life, and has potential for further development.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Supported by : Korean Society of Ginseng

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