Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic pruritic disease of unknown origin which commonly starts in early childhood. It is also called eczema, dermatitis, or atopy. It is characterized by pruritus, eczematous lesions, swelling, cracking, crusting, and scaling of the skin. Evening primrose oil (EPO) as a source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) has been of interest in the management of Atopic dermatitis.
A research was done in out-patient department (OPD) patients of a referral hospital in Kolkata to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Evening primrose oil (EPO) in atopic dermatitis in our patients.
Consecutive new out-patient department (OPD) patients of a referral hospital in Kolkata clinically diagnosed as having AD were randomly allocated to two groups. To the first group, evening primrose oil was supplied as 500-mg oval clear unmarked capsules, while placebo capsules identical in appearance and containing 300 mg of sunflower oil were given to the other group. Treatment continued for a period of 5 months. With pre-designed scoring system (based on four major parameters: extent, intensity, itching, and dryness), clinical evaluation was done at baseline and subsequent monthly visits. Data of the first 25 patients from each group who completed the 5 months of trial were compiled and analyzed.
At the end of the fifth month, 24 (96%) patients of EPO group and 8 (32%) patients of placebo group showed improvement. There was significant difference in outcome of treatment between two groups (P < 0.00001). No significant adverse effect was reported by any patient/guardian at any point of assessment.
The Study found that Evening primrose oil is a safe and effective medicine in management of AD. However, since not all researchers across the world have found the same good result, further large trials on Indian patients are needed.
Adapted from materials provided by : Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
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