Treatment of venous ulcers with the herbal-based ointment Herbadermal®: a prospective non-randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND

Venous ulcers (ulcus cruris venosum) are a common chronic disease that requires continuing treatment and significantly influences a patient's way of life. The therapeutic effects of the ointment Herbadermal on epithelialization and microbial flora of venous ulcers in 25 patients (10 men and 15 women) were tested over a 7-week period. The major components of the ointment are extracts of garlic, St. John's wort, and calendula.

METHODS

The patients were over 18 years of age, with ulceration of the lower leg no longer than 2 months or recurrent ulceration during the last 6 months. The involved patients did not use any other phytomedicines or supportive therapies. Parameters were evaluated before the treatment and every 2 weeks during the period of 7 weeks. The total treatment response was evaluated on the basis of epithelialization, granulation, fibrin deposits, exudation, and edema.

RESULTS

The percentage of epithelialization was 99.1% after 7 weeks, without significant effects on the microbial flora.

CONCLUSIONS

This combination of extracts can be recommended as topical treatment for wound healing because of its epithelizing, anti-erythematous, and anti-edematous properties.