Phytotherapy in dermatology9th Swiss Congress for Phytotherapy

Author(s): Meier, B.

Abstract: Topical herbal drugs can be an alternative for treating skin ailments if we take into consideration their benefit/risk ratio compared to synthetic drugs. They are wellknown plants such as Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis), Marygold (Calendula officinalis), Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) as well as new studied plants (Cardiospermun halicacabum, Mahonia aquifolium) which are currently widely accepted by patients. Nevertheless herbal drugs can have a sensitization potential.Phytotherapy in dermatology has been poorly discussed, because there is barely no proof of efficacy. A variety of herbal drugs deserves further investigation, even the well-known plants such as Chamomile and Marygold. The efficacy of herbal drugs, their extracts and isolated substances can be deduced from pharmacological and biochemical in vitro experiments. In most of the cases the final proof of efficacy still lacking, but the first clinical trials are very promising.

Keyword(s): Phytotherapy in dermatology

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