Protective Effect of Ocimum basilicum Essential Oil Against Acetic Acid�Induced Colitis in Rats

Ocimum basilicum L has been traditionally used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in Iran. This study investigates the ameliorative effect of Ocimum basilicum essential oil on an acetic acid�induced colitis model in rats. Ocimum basilicum essential oil with 2 doses (200 and 400 μL/kg) significantly ameliorated wet weight/length ratio of colonic tissue compared to the control group. Higher doses of essential oil (200 and 400 μL/kg) significantly reduced ulcer severity, ulcer area, and ulcer index. On the other hand, histological examination revealed the diminution of total colitis index as a marker for inflammatory cell infiltration in the colonic segments of rats treated with Ocimum basilicum essential oil (200 and 400 μL/kg). The increased level of myeloperoxidase was significantly decreased after the treatment with the essential oil (200 and 400 μL/kg). These results suggest that Ocimum basilicum exhibits protective effect against acetic acid�induced colitis. © 2015, © The Author(s) 2015

Clinical Evaluation of a Topical Doxepin Cream (5%) in Treatment of Eczema

ABSTRACT: Introduction & Objective: Eczema is one of the most common pruritic skin disorders for which various treatments are used to relieve the symptoms. There are several reports about the efficacy and in part safety of topical doxepin in the treatment of pruritic dermal diseases. However, lack of a suitable topical preparation from this drug in our country persuaded us to design the present trial. Materials & Methods: A randomized, double blind, placebo- controlled and multi- centeral clinical trial was carried out in Isfahan during the years of 1383-84 by using 60 volunteers and both the drug and placebo were given QID for 8 days. The efficacy, side effects and their relevance to sex and age of subjects were assessed before, during and after the treatment. The data were analyzed using non-parametric tests including Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, and Kendall Tau where appropriate. Results: Results indicated that doxepin cream effectively reduced disease symptoms including pruritus (75.5%), inflammation (43.8%) skin dryness (37.5%) exudates (59.5%), lichenification (41.5%), and eczema (41.5%) after the course of treatment (the day of 8). Same results were obtained by using placebo. Stinging as an adverse effect was occurred in both the drug (30 %) and placebo (27%) groups. Conclusion: Although there was no significant difference between the two groups, it can be concluded that doxepin cream (5 %) is effective in depressing the signs and symptoms of pruritic skin disorders. A larger clinical trial is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the product more precisely