Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Novel Topical Herbal Composition (VEL-091604) Consisting of Gentian Root, Licorice Root and Willow Bark Extract

Abstract

The anti-inflammatory properties of the topical herbal composition VEL-091604 with gentian root, licorice root, and willow bark extract were assessed in a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind ultraviolet (UV)-erythema test study with 42 healthy volunteers in comparison to 1% hydrocortisone acetate. The efficacy and tolerability of VEL-091604 cream 2 times daily over 2 wk was evaluated in an open-label, prospective proof of concept study in 10 subjects with atopic dermatitis using a lesional SCORAD severity score. In the UV-erythema test VEL-091604 cream significantly reduced inflammation compared to placebo and was as effective as 1% hydrocortisone acetate. The clinical study with atopic subjects revealed a significant and rapid reduction of the lesional SCORAD severity score in the test areas after 1 and 2 wk. No adverse events were recorded. It is concluded that the herbal cream VEL-091604 with licorice root, willow bark, and gentian root extract display anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. It is a promising new treatment option for atopic dermatitis that warrants further investigation in controlled studies.

New Herbal Biomedicines for the Topical Treatment of Dermatological Disorders

“…Furthermore it has been shown that a herbal composition with glycyrrhizinic acid (0.6%) and licorice extract (0.1% Glycyrrhiza uralensis root extract) as main active ingredients displays anti-inflammatory effects in a placebo-controlled double-blind UV-erythema test study 48 h after irradiation and cream application. The licorice-based product was as effective as 1% hydrocortisone acetate [17]. Besides, it reduced the severity score in 10 patients with AD treated twice daily over 2 weeks in a non-interventional pilot study [17] (LOE-B).…”

“…The licorice-based product was as effective as 1% hydrocortisone acetate [17]. Besides, it reduced the severity score in 10 patients with AD treated twice daily over 2 weeks in a non-interventional pilot study [17] (LOE-B).…”

Tetracyclic and Pentacyclic Triterpenes with High Therapeutic Efficiency in Wound Healing Approaches

“…Among the oleanane-type triterpenes, glycyrrhizin, under the form of licorice extract, an ancient remedy for gastro-duodenal ulcers, was investigated for its wound healing potential in recurrent aphthous stomatitis; a controlled randomized double blind clinical trial evaluated the effect of licorice mouthwash containing diphenhydramine, results indicating a significant reduction in the severity of pain and healing time [184]. Licorice extract and glycyrrhizin in combination with gentian root and willow bark extract were also studied for their implication in atopic dermatitis in a clinical trial that enrolled 10 patients; the general observation was a strong reduction of the inflammatory process in the affected area, comparable with 1% hydrocortisone acetate treatment [185]. In another study, a combination of standardized extracts from Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum and Urtica dioica under the trade name Ankaferd blood stopper was reported to improve wound healing and promote hemostasis in gastro-intestinal bleedings [186].…”

Yellow gentian root extract provokes concentration- and time-dependent response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells

“…Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated in Ficoll™ medium (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) and resuspended in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 1 % penicillin-streptomycin and 10 % foetal bovine serum (FBS) at a concentration of 1×10 6 viable cells/mL. The obtained cell cultures were then incubated with root extract at 37 °C for 48 and 72 h.…”

“…It has a bitter taste due to the presence of triterpenoids, amarogentin and gentiopicroside in particular. Its extract contains many other bioactive compounds, such as xantones, flavonoids, and iridoids ( 1 , 3 ), some of which exhibit beneficial anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, radioprotective, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects ( 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ). Some reports suggest that the root extract has a potential to prevent and treat obesity, prevent insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to mitigate cardiovascular complications, including atherosclerosis ( 8 , 9 , 10 ).…”