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.

MATERIAL AND 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.

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