Journal article
Efficacy of herbal medical products in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents A systematic review and meta-analysis
Aktuelle Dermatologie, Vol.51(11), pp.399-407
2025
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Abstract
Background/Aim: Herbal medicine is increasingly used for the treatment of dermatological conditions, particularly atopic dermatitis (AD). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of both topical and systemic plant-based interventions in children and adolescents with AD.
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central) up to April 12, 2023, focusing exclusively on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, and the quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0, along with GRADE criteria. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model.
Results: A total of 25 RCTs involving 2,091 participants were included. Various plant-based preparations, such as sunflower oil, fig, marshmallow, and coconut oil, showed promising efficacy in individual studies. However, a meta-analysis of 5 RCTs on systemic evening primrose oil revealed no significant difference compared to placebo.
Conclusions: The findings suggest that certain plant-based preparations may exhibit potential efficacy in the management of AD. Nevertheless, larger, methodologically rigorous studies are necessary to provide clear recommendations for the use of herbal medicine in pediatric and adolescent AD.
Details
- Title
- Efficacy of herbal medical products in the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Creators
- Melanie Anheyer - Elisabeth-Krankenhaus EssenDennis Anheyer - Robert Bosch (Germany)
- Publication Details
- Aktuelle Dermatologie, Vol.51(11), pp.399-407
- Publisher
- Thieme Medical Publishers
- Number of pages
- 9
- Identifiers
- 991013332220702368
- Copyright
- © 2025 Thieme. All rights reserved.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- German
- Resource Type
- Journal article