Mahonia aquifolium in Dermatological Treatment

Author(s): Lampert, M.

Abstract: Background: Mahonia aquifolium (Hollyleaved Barberry) has been used in the traditional medicine of North American Indians. Pharmacological investigations in vitro and in animal models with the main constituents berberine, palmatine, oxyacanthine and berbamine as well as with the total extract have shown antiphlogistic and antimicrobial effects. The total extract inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase and phospholipid peroxidation. Further it works as a free radical scavenger. Extracts from Mahonia thus seem to have an effect on inflammation at different levels.From the pharmacological profile the clinical use in the treatment of psoriasis and acne can be considered reasonable. Toxicological data and the previous experience have not shown any serious problems. An ointment with 10% Mahonia mother tincture (HABI) has been used for several years in the local treatment of psoriasis. This indication is supported by a prospective case report study (n = 433).The requirements for a modern phytotherapeutic - rational reasons for the use, proven therapeutic efficacy and safety, pharmaceutical quality - are at least in part fulfilled for preparations with Mahonia. Further investigations that should complete today's knowledge are planned or are already running.The Appendix presents the results of a documented therapy study.Main Outcome Measures: The main variable was the patient's assessment of efficacy, Additionally skin moisture, greasiness and the type and amount of acne lesions were scored.Results: 19 of the 25 patients considered the treatment as either satisfactory (3), good(12) or exzellent (4), the other 6 patients as poor (1), or they could not see any effect(5). Subjectively, the skin greasiness improved during the treatment (p=0.0072);@matched sample sign test, two-tailed). 'Me inflamed lesions diminished significantly (p < 0.001), whereas the non-inflamed lesions were not influenced (p = 0.701).Conclusion: The results of this open study give a first impression of the risk-benefit relation of Mahonia cream in the treatment of acne. The good local tolerante and the mainly positive patients opinion justify the initiation of a placebo-controlled double-blind trial from the scientific as well as from the ethical point of view.

Keyword(s): Mahonia-Extrakt

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