Clinical Evaluation of an Indian Polyherbal Topical Formulation in the Management of Eczema

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical application of Herbavate (R) cream (Troikaa Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ahmedabad, India), a polyherbal formulation in the management of outpatients with eczema. Design: This was an open label design. Subjects and setting: One hundred and fifty (150) outpatients with a clinical diagnosis of eczema and meeting the eligibility criteria used topical Herbavate twice daily for 4 weeks. Change in symptom score for eczema (erythema, scaling, thickening, and itching) was assessed weekly using a 4-point score. The trial was carried out at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Seth V. S. Hospital, Ahmedabad, and Stanley Medical College, Chennai. Outcome measures: The primary outcome measure was a change in symptom score at 4 weeks as compared to baseline scores. The secondary outcome measure was a weekly change in symptom score as compared to the previous visit. Local tolerance was judged by development of side effects at site of application. Results: Clinical improvement in symptom score at the end of study as compared to baseline was significant for all symptoms assessed (p < 0.001). Significant reduction in symptoms scores was observed from end of week 1. Local tolerance was good, with only 5 patients reporting side effects that improved with continued use. No patient withdrew due to side effects. Conclusions: Herbavate, a topical polyherbal formulation, appears to an attractive alternate option for the management of outpatients with eczema.