Efficacy of a Herbal Cream Formulation Incorporating <i>Calendula officinalis</i>, <i>Glycyrrhiza glabra</i>, <i>Curcuma longa</i>, and <i>Fumaria parviflora</i> Versus Topical Mometasone in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is one of the most common recurring chronic inflammatory skin diseases. The primary approach to initial treatment for this condition involves corticosteroids and anti-allergic drugs, albeit with potential side effects, particularly with prolonged usage. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a combination herbal cream formulation incorporating Calendula officinalis, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, and Fumaria parviflora and compare it with topical mometasone 0.01% in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Methods: This clinical trial study was conducted from 2020 to 2021 at skin clinics in Isfahan, Iran. Patients were divided into two groups: One treated with mometasone (25 participants) and the other with a herbal combination (31 participants) for one month. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated based on the SCORAD Index and patient satisfaction measured through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Index at the 8th and 16th weeks after initiating the treatment. Results: The study outcomes indicate that, at the end of the 8th and 16th weeks of treatment, the average scores in the SCORAD Questionnaire were significantly higher in the herbal group compared to the mometasone group (P = 0.003 and P = 0.005, respectively). Additionally, both mometasone and herbal combination treatments demonstrated effectiveness in managing patients, with a significant overall P < 0.001. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study affirms the acceptable effectiveness of both mometasone and the herbal combination in treating atopic dermatitis. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the herbal combination demonstrated a significantly lower efficacy compared to mometasone. However, due to the lesser rate of complications, this herbal combination could be promising.