Multi-centre trials of asiaticoside in treatment of dermatoses

AIM: To observe the clinical effects of asiaticoside in treatment of some dermatoses. METHODS: Patients (n=378) with various dermatoses were treated with asiaticoside in open clinical trials at 8 centers: 128 patients were administered asiaticoside cream topically 3-4 times daily, and 250 patients were administered cream topically plus 3-4 asiaticoside tablets (6 mg/tab) orally, tid. The results were evaluated at the end of the course of 3 mo. The treatment was stopped if no improvement at the end of the 1st mo. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 91.7% in skin ulcers; 67.9% in keloids; 89% in circumscribed scleroderma, 76% in amyloidosis cutis, and also satisfactory in lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and some other skin diseases. The effective rates of topical plus oral aministration were better than those administered topically, and the drug efficacies were somewhat better in patients with short duratiuon and (or) small lesions. No severe adverse reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: These obstinated skin diseases responded well to treatment with asiaticoside.