Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for eczema

Zhang W, Leonard T, Bath-Hextall FJ, Chambers C, Lee C, Humphreys R, Williams HC

Published Online:

August 8, 2010

Atopic eczema or dermatitis is one of the most common skin diseases. Chinese herbal mixtures, taken by mouth, have been used for this condition for many years. Recently, four randomised controlled trials have been undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of this therapy. The review of these trials found that a Chinese herbal mixture, Zemaphyte, can improve erythema (redness), surface damage to the skin, sleep disturbance and itching. However, the trials are small and of poor quality and the side effects of Zemaphyte remain unclear. Well designed studies are needed but Zemaphyte is no longer being manufactured. Some evidence shows that one type of traditional Chinese herbal medicine may be effective for atopic eczema.

Abstract (click to read)

Background:

Traditional Chinese herbal mixtures have been used to treat atopic eczema for many years. Their efficacy has attracted public attention and recently some clinical trials have been undertaken.

Objectives:

To assess the effects of Chinese herbal mixtures in the treatment of atopic eczema.

Search strategy:

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) ( January 2004), the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register (January 2004), MEDLINE (1966 to January 2004), EMBASE (1980 to January 2004), CINHL (1980 to January 2004) and a number of complementary medicine databases. In addition, the cited references of all trials identified and key review articles were searched. Pharmaceutical companies involved in oral traditional Chinese herbs and experts in the field were contacted.

Selection criteria:

Randomised controlled trials of Chinese herbal mixtures used in the treatment of atopic eczema.

Data collection and analysis:

Two authors independently applied eligibility criteria, assessed the quality of the trials and extracted data. Any discrepancies were discussed to achieve consensus.

Main results:

Four randomised controlled trials, with eight weeks for each phase, met the inclusion criteria. The trials randomised 159 participants aged from 1 to 60 years. The withdrawal rates ranged from 7.5 to 22.5% and no trial used intention to treat analysis. Three trials were randomised placebo controlled, two-phase cross-over designs assessing the same Chinese herbal mixture, Zemaphyte. In two of these three trials the reduction in erythema and surface damage was greater on Zemaphyte than on placebo, and participants slept better and expressed a preference for Zemaphyte. One trial also reported that participants itched less. The fourth trial was an open-label design comparing Zemaphyte in herbal form with Zemaphyte as a freeze dried preparation. There was a reduction in erythema and surface damage with both formulations, but no comparison between the two formulations was reported. Some adverse effects were reported in all four trials, but none were regarded as serious.

Authors' conclusions:

Chinese herbal mixtures may be effective in the treatment of atopic eczema. However, only four small poorly reported RCTs of the same product, Zemaphyte, were found and the results were heterogeneous. Further well-designed, larger scale trials are required, but Zemaphyte is no longer being manufactured.

This record should be cited as:

Zhang W, Leonard T, Bath-Hextall FJ, Chambers C, Lee C, Humphreys R, Williams HC. Chinese herbal medicine for atopic eczema. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2004, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD002291. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002291.pub3

Assessed as up to date:

August 25, 2004

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Primary Review Group:

Skin Group

Health topics:

Skin > Eczema & dermatitis > Atopic dermatitis/eczema

Complementary & alternative medicine > Skin > Eczema & dermatitis

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Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for eczema

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