Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of vitilgo vulgaris: an open label pilot clinical trial

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Vitiligo is a common hypopigmentation disorder with significant psychological impact if occurring before adulthood. A pilot clinical trial to determine the feasibility of an RCT was conducted and is reported here.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>12 participants 12 to 35 years old were recruited to a prospective open-label pilot trial and treated with 60 mg of standardized <it>G. biloba </it>two times per day for 12 weeks. The criteria for feasibility included successful recruitment, 75% or greater retention, effectiveness and lack of serious adverse reactions. Effectiveness was assessed using the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) and the Vitiligo European Task Force (VETF), which are validated outcome measures evaluating the area and intensity of depigmentation of vitiligo lesions. Other outcomes included photographs and adverse reactions. Safety was assessed by serum coagulation factors (platelets, PTT, INR) at baseline and week 12.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After 2 months of recruitment, the eligible upper age limit was raised from 18 to 35 years of age in order to facilitate recruitment of the required sample size. Eleven participants completed the trial with 85% or greater adherence to the protocol. The total VASI score improved by 0.5 (P = 0.021) from 5.0 to 4.5, range of scale 0 (no depigmentation) to 100 (completely depigmented). The progression of vitiligo stopped in all participants; the total VASI indicated an average repigmentation of vitiligo lesions of 15%. VETF total vitiligo lesion area decreased 0.4% (P = 0.102) from 5.9 to 5.6 from baseline to week 12. VETF staging score improved by 0.7 (P = 0.101) from 6.6 to 5.8, and the VETF spreading score improved by 3.9 (P < 0.001)) from 2.7 to -1.2. There were no statistically significant changes in platelet count, PTT, or INR.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The criteria for feasibility were met after increasing the maximum age limit of the successful recruitment criterion; participant retention, safety and effectiveness criteria were also met. Ingestion of 60 mg of <it>Ginkgo biloba </it>BID was associated with a significant improvement in total VASI vitiligo measures and VETF spread, and a trend towards improvement on VETF measures of vitiligo lesion area and staging. Larger, randomized double-blind clinical studies are warranted and appear feasible.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>Clinical trials.gov registration number <a href="http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00907062">NCT00907062</a></p

Effet antimicrobien et sur le mal de gorge d’un spray à base d’extraits de sauge et de sureau, d’huile essentielle de menthe poivrée, de miel et de zinc

International audienceSore throat is one of the most common reasons for consultation in general medicine. Besides the usual allopathic drugs, phytotherapy can be envisaged for its management. To assess the relevance of a product combining extracts of sage and elder, peppermint essential oil, honey and zinc for the management of sore throat, its effect was evaluated in vitro against the main pathogens involved in sore throat (broth microdilution method) and in a prospective observational study carried out in pharmacies. Bactericidal activity was observed against all Gram-negative (Branhamella catarrhalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Haemophilus influenzae) and Gram-positive (Streptococcus pyogenes) bacteria strains; antiviral activity was also tested against type 3 para-influenzae virus. Product activity was maintained at 1:64 dilution ratio. Data collected during the observational study suggest that the product can relieve pain and other symptoms such as dry throat sensation and erythema within 17 minutes on average after spraying. While eliminating possible pathogens involved, the product could relieve pain and symptoms associated with sore throat. These results will have to be confirmed in a clinical trial.Le mal de gorge est un des motifs de consultation en médecine générale les plus fréquents. Pour le soulager, outre les traitements allopathiques usuels, la prise de produits de phytothérapie peut être envisagée. L’intérêt d’un produit de phytothérapie associant des extraits de sauge et de sureau, de l’huile essentielle de menthe poivrée, du miel et du zinc dans la prise en charge du mal de gorge a été évalué in vitro en mesurant son activité sur les principaux pathogènes impliqués dans les angines (microméthode en milieu liquide) et au cours d’une enquête observationnelle prospective conduite en pharmacie d’officine. Une activité bactéricide a été observée à la fois sur les bactéries à Gram négatif (Branhamella catarrhalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum et Haemophilus influenzae) et à Gram positif (Streptococcus pyogenes) étudiées ainsi qu’une activité antivirale vis à-vis du virus para-influenzae de type 3. Cette activité a été maintenue après dilution du produit au 1/64. Les données recueillies au cours de l’étude observationnelle suggèrent que le produit de phytothérapie peut soulager le mal de gorge et les symptômes associés en particulier la sensation de gorge sèche et l’érythème dans un délai de 17 minutes en moyenne après pulvérisation du produit. Tout en éliminant les éventuels pathogènes impliqués, le produit de phytothérapie pourrait donc soulager la douleur et les symptômes associés au mal de gorge. Ces résultats devront être confirmés au cours d’une étude clinique