Dermal application of a Cimicifuga racemosa (CR)-containing cream has beneficial effects on acne

Abstract

We have recently shown that the BNO 1055 extract of Cimicifuga racemosa rhizome contained 5- a -reductase inhibitory effects by which it inhibited growth prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo [Seidlova-Wuttke et al., Planta Medica 2550;72:521–6]. Hence, conversion of testosterone to the more active androgen 5- a -dihydro-testosterone (5- a -DHT) can be inhibited by this extract. Production of sebum and growth of facial and body hair is also stimulated by 5- a -DHT and its formation occurs locally through 5- a -reductase located in sebum-producing apocrine cells and in hair follicles. The development of acne is a result of overproduction of sebum which is often due to excessive 5- a -DHT action in the skin. This can possibly be inhibited by the 5- a -reductase inhibitor(s) present in CR. Therefore, we tested the efficacy of a dermal application of a CR extract. In this open study, the beneficial effects on androgenic acne in female and male patients were tested. The severity of facial or body rump acne ranged from moderate to severe and was documented photographically. Each patient was seen 4–8 weeks after initiation of local application of the CR-containing cream and the severity of acne was documented photographically again. In all cases, in both females and males, the severity of acne was significantly reduced. In 8 of the 12 patients, the acne pustules had totally disappeared. It is concluded that the Cimicifuga racemosa extracts present in the dermally used preparation have significant beneficial effects on acne which are most likely attributable to the 5- a -reductase inhibitory ingredients in Cimicifuga racemosa .