Qingpeng Ointment Research Articles

Advances in Gouty Arthritis Management: Integration of Established Therapies, Emerging Treatments, and Lifestyle Interventions.

Gouty arthritis, a prevalent inflammatory condition characterized by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals within joints, often results in debilitating pain and inflammation. Conventional therapeutic approaches, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and urate-lowering agents such as allopurinol and febuxostat, often have limitations such as adverse effects, drug interactions, and suboptimal patient compliance. This review presents a comprehensive overview of both established and emerging therapeutic strategies, developed between 2019 and 2024, for gouty arthritis; the review focuses on their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles. Novel therapeutic approaches include pharmaceutical plant additives (e.g., Citrullus colocynthis, Atractylodes lancea), anti-inflammatory agents such as canakinumab and ozone therapy, and complementary therapies such as warm ginger compresses, Qingpeng ointment, and various lifestyle modifications. These strategies offer promising alternatives to conventional treatments by targeting uric acid metabolism, inflammatory pathways, and crystal formation, potentially reducing reliance on standard medications and minimizing adverse effects. Although therapies such as canakinumab have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing gout flares, others such as polyphenol-rich foods offer favorable safety profiles. Further research, including large-scale clinical trials, is warranted to validate these findings and integrate these strategies into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Efficacy of Qingpeng ointment (a Tibetan medicine) for acute gouty arthritis: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment (QPO), a Tibetan medicine for alleviating symptoms in individuals with acute gouty arthritis (AGA).MethodsThis study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that involved individuals with AGA whose joint pain, as measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 10, was equal to or greater than 3. The participants were randomly assigned to either the QPO or the placebo group and received their respective treatments twice daily for seven consecutive days. In case of intolerable pain, the participants were allowed to use diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets as a rescue medicine. The primary outcomes measured were joint pain and swelling, while the secondary outcomes included joint mobility, redness, serum uric acid levels, C-reactive protein levels, and the amount of remaining rescue medicine. Any adverse events that occurred during the trial were also recorded.ResultsA total of 203 cases were divided into two groups, with balanced baselines: 102 in the QPO group and 101 in the placebo group. For joint pain, differences between the groups were notable in the VAS scores [1.75 (0, 3.00) versus 2.00 (1.00, 3.50); P = 0.038], changes in VAS [5.00 (3.00, 6.00) versus 4.00 (2.00, 6.00); P = 0.036], and disappearance rate [26.47% compared to 15.84%; P = 0.046] after treatment. Concerning joint swelling, significant between-group differences were observed in the VAS scores [1.00 (0, 2.30) versus 2.00 (0.70, 3.00); P = 0.032] and disappearance rate [33.33% compared to 21.78%; P = 0.046] at treatment completion. The QPO group exhibited a statistically significant mobility improvement compared to the placebo group (P = 0.004). No significant differences were found in other secondary outcomes. Five patients, four from the QPO group and one from the other, encountered mild adverse events, primarily skin irritation. All of these cases were resolved after dosage reduction or discontinuation of the medication.ConclusionsCompared to the placebo, QPO exhibits positive effects on AGA by alleviating pain, reducing swelling, and enhancing joint mobility, without causing significant adverse effects.Trial RegistrationISRCTN34355813. Registered on 25/01/2021.

Efficacy and safety of Tibetan medicine Qingpeng ointment for acute gouty arthritis: protocol for a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundAcute gouty arthritis (AGA) is an inflammatory arthritis clinically characterized by severe pain, swelling, and restricted movement of joints, which may cause physical disability and decrease quality of life. The use of recommended first-line treatment agents for AGA may be limited by adverse events. There has been a traditional use of alternative therapies for AGA. Tibetan medicine Qingpeng ointment is one of the on-market herbal products used for symptom relief of AGA. Previous clinical studies indicated that Qingpeng ointment can relieve pain, swelling, redness, and dysfunction of joints in patients with AGA. However, there is no rigorous randomized trial to demonstrate its benefit for AGA. In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment for AGA, we designed a randomized controlled trial.MethodsThis study is designed as a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Two hundred and six adults with acute flare of gout, and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of joint pain ≥ 3 points will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to herbal treatment or placebo group at a ratio of 1:1. Qingpeng ointment, or equal placebo ointment, will be applied topically at involved joints twice a day for consecutive 7 days. Patients in both groups would be allowed giving diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets as rescue therapy when VAS score of joint pain ≥ 7 points during the treatment. The primary outcomes will be joint pain measured by VAS score, and joint swelling measured using width and thickness of affected joints and VAS score. Other outcome measures will be joint mobility, joint redness, C-reactive protein, serum uric acid, and the use of rescue medicine as well as adverse effect.DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this study is the first multi-center, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the efficacy of Tibetan medicine Qingpeng ointment for AGA. The findings of this study would provide evidence for its use to relieve symptoms of AGA.Trial registrationISRCTN ISRCTN34355813. Registered on 25 January 2021

Quantitative analysis, in vitro and in vivo permeability assays of toxic alkaloids in Qingpeng ointment using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry

To evaluate the permeability of toxic alkaloids in Qingpeng ointment, quantitative analysis, in vitro and in vivo permeability assays of toxic alkaloids were performed. A method of UPLC-MS/MS was developed for simultaneous determinations of aconitine, 3-acetylaconitine, and deoxyaconitine in Qingpeng ointment. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a BEH C18 column, and quantification was performed by multiple reaction monitoring in positive ionization mode. The method was validated through linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision, stability, repeatability, and accuracy, and applied to ascertain levels of three toxic alkaloids in Qingpeng ointment from different production batches. Aconitine, the most abundant alkaloid constituent in Qingpeng ointment, was selected as the model analyte to investigate in vitro percutaneous permeability on the artificial membrane and in vivo percutaneous absorption on rabbit’s abdominal skin. The results showed that the total contents of the three alkaloids in ten batches products were rather low, and less than 0.8% of aconitine could permeate through the artificial membrane to receptor medium within 24 h, but no aconitine was detected in rabbit’s plasma within 24 h. The low levels of toxic alkaloids, the low flux of aconitine across the artificial membrane and its disability to penetrate through abdominal skin into blood demonstrated the safety of Qingpeng ointment.

Clinical Study of Qingpeng Ointment Treating Shoulder-hand Syndrome After Cerebral Hemorrhage During the Rehabilitation Period.

Shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) refers to a syndrome causing sudden edema, shoulder pain and limited hand function. Qingpeng ointment, a kind of Tibetan medicine, can reduce swelling, relieve pain, tonify stagnation and clear the meridians, which is consistent with the pathological mechanism of SHS after stroke. Therefore, if clinical trials can be used to explore the effectiveness of Qingpeng ointment for the treatment of poststroke SHS and promote its application in clinical medicine, it may prove the specific significance for the treatment of poststroke SHS poststroke SHS. The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment in the treatment of poststroke SHS and to provide an objective basis for a better therapeutic treatment for poststroke SHS. A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted. This study recruited 120 patients with poststroke SHS who met the inclusion criteria. They were randomized into the treatment group and the control group, with 60 patients allocated to each group. The treatment group received routine medical treatment and rehabilitative care after using the Qingpeng ointment, while the patients in the control group received only routine treatment without the ointment. All patients received clinical assessment with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), measurement of the range of motion (ROM) of the upper-limb joints, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA-U) and the Modified Barthel Index Score (MBI) before and after the whole treatment. After 4 weeks of treatment, the VAS scores of both the groups decreased significantly (P ＜0.05), and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). No statistical significance was observed for the difference between the treatment group and control group in terms of the FMA-U and MBI scores and the forward bend, backward, outstretch, external rotation and pronation angles after treatment. The increases in the values of VAS, FMA-M and MBI in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The increases in the values of the forward bend, outreach and external rotation angles in the treatment group were greater than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The treatment group showed better results than the control group in terms of the relief of pain symptoms, the improvement of motor function and the improvement of the activities of daily living for patients with shoulder-hand syndrome after cerebral hemorrhage. Qingpeng ointment was found to be effective and safe for treating poststroke SHS.

Efficacy and Safety of Qingpeng Ointment for Subacute and Chronic Eczema: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment for the treatment of subacute and chronic eczema. Method Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on Qingpeng ointment for subacute and chronic eczema were searched on PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Journal from their inception to 30 November 2020. Quality assessment and data analysis were performed by Review Manager 5.3. Results A total of 26 RCTs were included. Qingpeng ointment could significantly improve the total efficacy rate (TER) (RR = 2.60, 95% CI: 2.11 to 3.21, P < 0.00001), reduce the total symptom score (TSS) (SMD = −2.35, 95% CI: -3.74 to -0.97, P = 0.0009), and decrease visual analogue scale (VAS) for pruritus (MD = −3.86, 95% CI: -4.41 to -3.31, P < 0.00001) compared with the placebo. The TER of Qingpeng ointment was similar to that of topical corticosteroid (TCS) (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.03, P = 0.25), and the TSSs between Qingpeng ointment and medium or low potency TCS were not significantly different (SMD = −0.05, 95% CI: -0.22 to 0.12, P = 0.54). However, Qingpeng ointment was not superior to TCS in reducing VAS score (SMD = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.00 to 0.96, P = 0.05). In addition, Qingpeng ointment combined with TCS performed better than TCS alone in all three outcomes. For safety, nothing but skin irritative reactions occurred in the Qingpeng ointment group, and its incidence of skin irritative reactions was similar to those of the placebo (RR = 1.47, 95% CI: 0.61 to 3.55, P = 0.40) and TCS (RR = 1.82, 95% CI: 0.79 to 4.22, P = 0.16). The combined therapy did not increase the risk of skin irritative reactions (RR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.27 to 1.78, P = 0.44). Conclusion Qingpeng ointment is an effective and safe treatment for subacute and chronic eczema. It is also an add-on treatment to TCS for eczema. However, due to the suboptimal quality of the included studies, more large-sample and high-quality RCTs are needed to improve the evidence quality.

Clinical Study of Qingpeng Ointment in Treating Shoulder Syndrome During Rehabilitation Period of Cerebral Hemorrhage

Clinical Study of Qingpeng Ointment in Treating Shoulder Syndrome During Rehabilitation Period of Cerebral Hemorrhage

Antipruritic Effect of Qingpeng Ointment on the Localized Nonexudative Eczema.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Qingpeng ointment on eczema-associated pruritus. Trial Design and Method This single center randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled trial enrolled 60 patients with nonexudative eczema, who were randomized at 1:1 ratio to the Qingpeng ointment and placebo control groups (n=30 in each group). The investigational and control ointment were applied on lesions twice daily for two weeks. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and pruritus symptom scores were used to assess pruritus severity, frequency, and duration. Eczema lesions were evaluated by eczema area and severity index (EASI) and lesion morphology scores. Subjects were evaluated after the first treatment and at the end of the first and second week. Results The average age and disease duration were 50.1±13.5 years and 30.9±16.0 weeks, respectively. Baseline EASI and VAS scores were similar between the two groups. VAS scores of the Qingpeng ointment group were significantly lower than those of the placebo control group at 10 minutes and 30 minutes after the first treatment and the first and second week follow-up (all P < 0.05). The scores of pruritus severity, frequency, and duration were significantly lower in the Qingpeng ointment group than in the control group at the end of week 1 and week 2 of the study (all P < 0.05). The scores of lesion morphology at the end of week 1 of the study were not significantly different between the two groups, but the Qingpeng ointment group showed significantly lower score than the placebo control group at the end of week 2 of the study. No adverse event was observed in the study. Conclusion Qingpeng ointment can effectively alleviate pruritus and reduce skin lesions in patients with nonexudative eczema. The antipruritic effects occurred early and at a greater magnitude than the effects on lesion attenuation.

Qingpeng Ointment Ameliorates Inflammatory Responses and Dysregulation of Itch-Related Molecules for Its Antipruritic Effects in Experimental Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

The pathogenesis of itchy skin diseases including allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is complicated and the treatment of chronic itch is a worldwide problem. One traditional Tibetan medicine, Qingpeng ointment (QP), has been used in treatment of ACD in China for years. In this study we used HPLC and LC/MS analysis, combined with a BATMAN-TCM platform, for detailed HPLC fingerprint analysis and network pharmacology of QP, and investigated the anti-inflammatory and antipruritic activities of QP on ACD induced by squaric acid dibutylester (SADBE) in mice. The BATMAN-TCM analysis provided information of effector molecules of the main ingredients of QP, and possible chronic dermatitis-associated molecules and cell signaling pathways by QP. In ACD mice, QP treatment suppressed the scratching behavior induced by SADBE in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited the production of Th1/2 cytokines in serum and spleen. Also, QP treatment reversed the upregulation of mRNAs levels of itch-related genes in the skin (TRPV4, TSLP, GRP, and MrgprA3) and DRGs (TRPV1, TRPA1, GRP, and MrgprA3). Furthermore, QP suppressed the phosphorylation of Erk and p38 in the skin. In all, our work indicated that QP can significantly attenuate the pathological alterations of Th1/2 cytokines and itch-related mediators, and inhibit the phosphorylation of MAPKs to treat the chronic itch.

Qingpeng ointment for treafment of chronic eczema: a Meta analysis

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment treating adult chronic eczema. Methods In May 2018, cases of chronic eczema were searched in databases of Chongqing Weipu (2000-2017), China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (2000-2017) and Wanfang (2000-2017) through Nanjing Medical University Library website in the Department of Dermatology, Suzhou Science and Technology Town Hospital. RevMan5.3 software provided by Cochrane collaboration was used for Meta-analysis. To ensure data reliability, only the documents from Grade three hospitals were included. The experimental group was treated with Qingpeng ointment, while the control group was treated with weakly potent glucocorticosteroid, such as glucocorticoid cream, or moderately potent glucocorticosteroid, such as hydrocortisone butyrate cream, fluticasone propionate, halometasone and triamcinolone urea cream. Results Totally, 7 randomized controlled trials, among which 258 patients in the trial group and 242 patients in the control group were included. The odds ratio (OR) values of Qingpeng ointment relative to glucocorticoid group at 2 and 4 weeks were 0.95 (0.52, 1.72) and 0.80 (0.29, 2.25) respectively, showing no significant difference (P=0.54 and P=0.60, respectively, 95% Confidence Interval). Compared with hydrocortisone butyrate treating group, the OR value was 0.75 (0.31, 1.82). And compared with moderately potent mometasone furoate, there was no significant difference in two-week and four-week treatment groups 0.99 (0.50, 1.95), 1.10 (0.18, 6.53) (P=0.38 and P=0.36). No obvious adverse reactions were found in Qingpeng ointment treated group. Conclusions Qingpeng ointment is safe and effective in treating chronic eczema. There is no significant difference between Qingpeng ointment treating group and glucocorticosteroid treating group. Qingpeng ointment can be used as a safe external medicine for the treatment of chronic eczema. Key words: Eczema; Randomized controlled trial; Meta-analysis; Glucocorticoids; External preparations; Qing Peng ointment

Clinical efficacy of Qingpeng ointment combined with oral Chinese medicine on plaque psoriasis vulgaris

Objective To study the efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment combined with oral Chinese Medicine in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Methods By a randomized controlled method, 60 patients with plaque psoriasis from December 2016 to October 2017 in Zhengzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were evenly divided into experimental group and control group. In the experimental group, patients were treated by Qingpeng ointment and oral Chinese Medicine, while in the control group, vaseline ointment and oral Chinese Medicine were provided. The period of treatment was 4 weeks. The PASI scores, itching index scores before and after treatment, clinical efficacy and security indices were compared between the two groups. Results The total effective rate was 93.33% in the experimental group and 70.00% in the control group, which displayed a statistical difference (P<0.05). The PASI scores and itching index scores were significantly decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.05). The value of itching index in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group after treatment, with a statistical difference (P<0.05). No adverse reactions occurred in the patients in the two groups. Conclusions Qingpeng ointment combined with oral Chinese medicine is effective and safe in the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Key words: Psoriasis; Qingpeng ointment; Chinese medicine

Therapeutic effects of long-pulsed 1 064-nm ND: YAG laser combined with Qingpeng ointment for the treatment of chronic eczema

Therapeutic effects of long-pulsed 1 064-nm ND: YAG laser combined with Qingpeng ointment for the treatment of chronic eczema

Study on effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jianpi Chushi decoction and ointment on chronic eczema.

To study the effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Jianpi Chushi decoction and ointment on chronic eczema. DNCB acetone solution was used to sensitize the skin of back and ears of 36 rats in order to establish chronic eczema model. A total of 36 rats were divided into four groups of 9 randomly including oral medicine group, external inunctum group, combination therapy group, and model control group respectively. Besides, the blank group of 4 healthy rats were set. The oral medicine group was given Traditional Chinese Medicine Jianpi Chushi decoction [(Poria cocos, Chinese yam, Cortex dictamni, Zaocys dhumnade, Rhizoma atractylodis, Pericarpium citri reticulatae, Scutellaria baicalensis, Radix Sophorae Flavescentis, Raw Radix Paeoniae Alba, Licorice roots (Northwest Origin)] by gastric infusion (1.6g/mL·5mL/d); the external inunctum group was given Qingpeng ointment on the skin, the combination therapy group was given Jianpi Chushi decoction by gastric infusion and Qingpeng ointment combination therapy. The model control group was given normal saline (NS) of the same volume by gastric infusion and vaseline on skin. Continuous administration 15d and stopped for 3d. The thickness difference and weight difference of left and right ear of every group were measured and the degree of ear swelling were evaluated. The CD4+ and CD8+ content and the IL-2, IL-4 level of serum were detected, and the inflammatory cells counts of back skin were recorded. After treatment, the degree of ear swelling of oral medicine group, external inunctum group and combination therapy group significant decreased compared with model control group (P<0.05). The CD4+, CD8+ cell content and IL-2 level of oral medicine group, external inunctum group, combination therapy group and model control group significant decreased compared with blank group, and IL-2 level and the inflammatory cells count increased. After 15d of treatment, the CD4+, CD8+ cell content and IL-2 level of serum of oral medicine group, external inunctum group and combination therapy group raised and the IL-4 level and the inflammatory cells count had significant decreased compared with model control group, and the effect of combination therapy group was more obvious (P<0.05). Qral Jianpi Chushi decoction could treat chronic eczema effectively, and oral Chinese medicine combined with ointment could enhance and speed up the efficacy.

Effects of Qingpeng ointment on skin barrier function in volunteers with xerosis and atopic dermatitis-like mouse models

Objective To estimate effects of Qingpeng ointment on skin barrier function, and to explore their potential mechanisms. Methods A total of 12 female volunteers with xerosis on the extensor surfaces of legs were enrolled into this study. All the volunteers were topically treated with Qingpeng ointment on the right leg (Qingpeng side) and its vehicle on the left leg (vehicle side) twice daily for 7 consecutive days. Skin barrier function-associated indexes including transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and the water content of the stratum corneum were measured before the treatment, after 3-and 7-day treatment separately. Thirty-six BALB/c female mice were randomly and equally divided into 6 groups: a blank control group receiving no induction or treatment, a model group induced by 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) on the back for 5 consecutive weeks, 3 Qingpeng groups and a vehicle group induced by DNFB on the back for 5 consecutive weeks followed by topical treatment with different concentrations (50%, 75%, 100%) of Qingpeng ointment or its vehicle twice a day for 2 consecutive weeks. At the end of treatment, skin appearance of mice was observed with naked eyes, skinfold thickness and TEWL were measured. Then, all the mice were sacrificed, and skin tissue specimens were resected from the back of mice followed by histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical staining for the detection of filaggrin (FLG), involucrin (IVL) and kallikrein 7 (KLK7) expressions in the epidermis. Results After start of treatment, both the Qingpeng side and vehicle side showed significantly decreased TEWL on day 3 (t = 2.651, 2.996, respectively, both P 0.05). In addition, there were no marked differences in mouse skin appearance, skinfold thickness or histopathologic manifestations between the vehicle groupand model group, while the manifestations of dermatitis were attenuated to different extents in the three Qingpeng groups compared with the model group. Both TEWL and KLK7 expression levels were significantly decreased in the vehicle group and three Qingpeng groups compared with the model group (all P 0.05). Conclusion The vehicle of Qingpeng ointment can improve skin barrier function. Key words: Dermatitis, atopic; Models, animal; Mice; Skin; Volunteer; Qingpeng ointment; Skin barrier

Evfficacy of Qizheng Qingpeng ointment combined with Hydrocortisome Butyrate cream on treatment of eczema

Objective To investigate the effect and safety of Qizheng Qingpeng ointment in the treatment of eczema. Methods Ninety-eight patients of eczema were randomly divided into two groups,who received either Qizheng Qingpeng ointment plus hydrocortisone butyrate cream or only hydrocortisone butyrate cream at the first 2 weeks,and all patients were treated of Qizheng Qingpeng ointment plus hydrocortisone butyrate cream at the further 2 weeds. Results At 1 week and 2 week post-treatment,the efficacy rates were 68.52%,87.03% for the study groups and 27.91%,58.13% for the control groups,the efficacy rate of the study groups was statistically better than that of the control groups(χ2= 14.21,8.99,all P 0.05). Conclusion The clinical efficacy of Qizheng Qingpeng ointment associated with corticosteriod for treatment of eczema was better than corticosteriod alone. Key words: Eczema; Qizheng Qingpeng ointment; Treatment Out

Effect of maintenance treatment with Qingpeng ointment on the prognosis of localized eczema

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of maintenance treatment with Qingpeng ointment in the prevention of recurrence of localized eczema.Methods Totally,197 patients with localized eczema were topically treated with halometasone cream for 2-4 weeks.The patients who achieved clinical cure were then randomly classified into two groups to receive maintenance treatment with Qingpeng ointment (Qingpeng group,n =69) or vitamin E-containing cream (emollient group,n =68).Patients were followed up for 8 weeks for the detection of recurrence after the discontinuation of maintenance treatment.Results During the follow up,the recurrence rate in the Qingpeng group was significantly lower than that in the emollient group (19.70％ vs.37.31％,x2 =5.06,P ＜0.05).Significant differences were also observed in the duration of remission between the Qingpeng group and emollient group ((43.92 ± 15.70) vs.(32.60 ± 14.40) days,t =2.23,P＜ 0.05).The incidence rate of adverse reactions was 1.45％ in the Qingpeng group during the maintenance treatment,and no adverse reactions were observed in the emollient group.Conclusion The maintenance treatment with Qingpeng ointment can delay the recurrence of localized eczema to some extent with a favorable safety. Key words: Eczema; Maintenance treatment; Qingpeng ointment

Qingpeng ointment in the treatment of localized dermatitis and eczema in 68 children

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qingpeng ointment for the treatment of localized dermatitis and eczema in children.Methods Sixty-eight outpatient children with localized dermatitis or eczema were included in this study.All the patients were topically treated by Qingpeng ointment twice daily for a week,which was agreed by their patients.The efficacy was evaluated after the end of the treatment by lesion scores,and adverse reactions during the treatment were recorded.Results Of the 68 patients,61 completed the trial,7 withdrew from the trial because of worsened lesions,unfavorable effects and distrust of this drug.The total response rate was 81.4％ (31/51) in patients treated with Qingpeng ointment alone.Irritant reaction occured in only one case,but did not influence the treatment.Conclusion Qingpeng ointment displays a favorable efficacy and safety in the treatment of localized dermatitis and eczema in children. Key words: Eczema; Child; Qingpeng ointment; Treatment outcome

Immunomodulatory activity of complementary and alternative medicines.

Around the world, the majority of people tend to adopt different health care approaches outside of the mainstream Western medicine for diseases or general well-being. These nonmainstream health care approaches are commonly referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Although people use the words “complementary and alternative” interchangeably, they refer to two different concepts. “Complementary” confers the intention to add to conventional medicines by the use of phytomedicines, which are nonmainstream medicines. While “alternative” refers to a purely nonmainstream approach using phytomedicines, instead of a combinational medicinal treatment. The main drawback, raised by the Western medical community, is the lack of scientific evidence for the ascribed healing power of CAM, as well as the failure of large placebo controlled clinical trials to show the therapeutic efficacy of certain CAM. Nevertheless, in certain instances, the research relying on herbal products has led to the discovery of potent anticancer lead molecules such as taxol and camptothecin, and today many other candidate plant molecules are under investigation as anticancer agents. Similarly, plant activity for cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory diseases is relevant. Evidence continues to build up in support of the effects of these therapies on immunomodulation and maintenance of the physiological balance between anti- and proinflammatory mechanisms. In vitro and in vivo animal studies have shown the plausible mechanisms of CAM in preventing or curing disease to be linked to antioxidant effects, alterations in proinflammatory cell signaling, production of cytokines, and other proinflammatory mediators. To better understand and adopt these nonmainstream health approaches to complement the current standard (Western) healthcare, scientific evidence is required which is obtained via properly controlled experimentation. In this special issue we have some research papers which hold evidence of efficacy in various disease conditions. Three papers of this special issue show the effect of either hydrogen dissolved purified water or herbal natural products on atopic dermatitis (AD) like skin inflammation. The authors of one of the articles compared the effect of drinking hydrogen water (HW) or purified water (PW) on AD and showed therapeutic effect by HW over PW by effectively modulating Th1 and Th2 response. In another article, the authors induced AD like inflammation in Balb/c mice by 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene and studied the effect of Qingpeng ointment (QP) on alleviation of lesion severity. The authors correlated the effect of QP on AD with the inhibition of infiltration of CD4+T cells and mast cells, suppression of production of IgE and IL-4, and increase in the levels of IFN-γ. One of the papers also deals with a natural remedy for AD. The authors used a nona natural product mixture (NPM-9), which effectively suppressed Th2-mediated allergic inflammation on skin of the mouse model. Another paper attempted to study the effect Korean red ginseng (KRG) on vif gene in HIV. Patients receiving KRG and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) exhibited high frequency of premature stop codons (PSC) for vif compared to patients on KRG alone or the placebo group. On the other hand, KRG induced more in-frame deletions compared to the placebo group. This study therefore suggests a therapeutic strategy for a better outcome in HIV patients by combining KRG along with HAART. Another paper demonstrates the effect of a Chinese medicine granule, Shu-Feng-Xuan-Fei (SFXF), on the gross change in the gene expression profile in T-cell-mediated immunity, during influenza virus infection. The authors studied different doses of SFXF and compared the efficacy with the control group as well as with mice which received oseltamivir. The authors concluded that SFXF restored the immune function and helped the rapid clearance of viral particles by regulating the T-cell gene expression patterns. We believe the above selected research papers, taken from those appearing in this special issue, will improve our knowledge and understanding of the immunomodulatory functions of complementary and alternative medicines.

Topical application of a Chinese medicine, Qingpeng ointment, ameliorates 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced allergic contact dermatitis in BALB/c mice

Qingpeng ointment (QP) is a traditional Chinese medicine which has been used for treatment of eczema in China. However, the mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory activities are not known. To assess the anti-inflammatory effects of QP using a mouse model of allergic contact dermatitis, compare the effects with mometasone furoate cream (MF), and to relate the effects to modulation of inflammatory cytokines. Persistent dermatitis was induced in BALB/c mice using dinitrofluorobenzene. Topical treatment, including the vehicle of QP, 50%, 75%, 100% QP in vehicle, and MF was applied for 14 days. Dermatitis was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically at day 8 and day 15 after treatment. The levels of IL1B, IL2, TNFA, IFNG in both sera and skin tissue were detected with Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Significant reductions of skin inflammation in mice skin were observed after treatment with QP and MF, but not with the vehicle of QP. Similar to MF, QP also suppressed the expression of IL1B, IL2, TNFA and IFNG. This study demonstrates that QP inhibits allergic contact dermatitis in mice, similar to MF. QP suppresses the expression of Th1 cytokines in both sera and skin tissue, by which it may exert its anti-inflammatory effects.

Effect of Qingpeng ointment on experimental atopic dermatitis in mice and its possible mechanisms

Objective To investigate the effect of a topical Tibetan medicine,Qingpeng ointment,on atopic dermatitis in mice and its possible mechanisms.Methods A model of atopic dermatitis was established in 180 7-week-old BALB/c mice by repeatedly applying 100 μl of 0.15％ 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) to shaved ventral skin and 50 μl of 0.15％ DNFB to shaved dorsal skin.After the establishment of model,the mice were divided into 5 groups,i.e.,model group receiving no treatment,three Qingpeng groups treated with 100％,75％ and 50％ Qingpeng ointment respectively,vehicle control group treated with the vehicle of Qingpeng ointment.Thirty-six mice receiving neither DNFB sensitization nor Qingpeng ointment or vehicle treatment served as the blank control group.The treatment lasted 14 days.On day 8 and 15,serum samples and dorsal skin tissue samples were obtained from these mice.Skin samples underwent the measurement of thickness and weightness,observation of histopathological changes by using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining,enumeration of inflammatory cells infiltrating the dermis.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out to determine the levels of several cytokines,including interleukin (IL)-2,-4 and-5,interferon (IFN)-γ,tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α,in the sera and homogenate of the skin samples.Results All the 3 concentrations of Qingpeng ointment significantly inhibited skin inflammation induced by DNFB on day 8 and 15,with a decrease in the degree of edema and number of lymphocytes infiltrating the dermis.Compared with the model mice and vehicle-treated mice,those treated with 100％ and 75％ Qingpeng ointment showed a significantly lower level of IL-4 and IL-5 in both sera and homogenates of skin lesions on day 8 and 15 after the start of treatment (all P ＜0.05).On day 15,a statistical increase was observed in IL-2,IFN-γand TNF-α in sera as well as in IFN-γ and TNF-α in homogenates of skin lesions from mice treated with 100％ Qingpeng ointment compared with the model mice and vehicle control mice (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Qingpeng ointment can inhibit the inflammation in mouse model of atopic dermatitis,likely by modulating the balance between type 1 and type 2 T helper cells. Key words: Dermatitis, atopic; Dinitrofluorobenzene; Cytokines; Qingpeng ointment