Safety and efficacy of kunzea oil-containing formulations for the management of psoriasis: a randomized, controlled trial.

Abstract

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE:

Anecdotally, topical kunzea oil has been used to treat various skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema, with good results. This study compared the clinical efficacy of kunzea oil (20%)-containing formulations in mild to moderate psoriasis.

METHODS:

A randomized, comparative, double-blind, 8-week study was undertaken. Thirty patients (age range: 25-74 years and mean ± SD: 52·8 ± 13·6 years) with mild to moderate psoriasis (affecting at least 10% of one or more body regions: arms, head, legs and trunk) randomly received ointment and/or scalp lotion containing 20% kunzea oil (test group) or control medications not containing kunzea oil (control group). Formulations in both treatment arms also contained 5% liquor carbonis detergens (LCD) and 3% salicylic acid. The clinical responses to the test and control formulations were evaluated using the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:

After 8 weeks of treatment, both test and control groups demonstrated a significant (P < 0·05) improvement in PASI scores. Subjects in the test group had a decrease in mean±SD PASI score from 12·7 ± 7·9 to 6·7 ± 7·2, whereas the control group showed a decrease in PASI score from 8·1 ± 4·6 to 3·5 ± 4·7. Comparative efficacy analysis between the test and control groups did not reveal any significant difference (P > 0·05).

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS:

The inclusion of kunzea oil made no difference to the efficacy of topical formulations containing LCD and salicylic acid for the treatment of psoriasis.

• Authors: J Thomas, C K Narkowicz, G A Jacobson, G M Peterson
• Journal: Journal of clinical pharmacy and therapeutics (J Clin Pharm Ther) Vol. 40 Issue 5 Pg. 566-572 (Oct 2015) ISSN: 1365-2710 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 30156327 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.