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Clinical Trials Conducted on Herbal Remedies for the Treatment of Melasma: A Scoping Review.

  • 2024-12-22
  • Journal of cosmetic dermatology 24(2)
    • Mohammad Mahdi Parvizi
    • Maryam Hekmat
    • Nahid Yousefi
    • Rojan Javaheri
    • Arman Mehrzadeh
    • Nasrin Saki

Study Design

Type
Systematic Review
Sample size
n = 21
Population
patients with melasma
Methods
scoping review, searched databases until August 2024, designed search strategy using MeSH keywords, reviewed and summarized relevant articles

Introduction

Melasma, also known as chloasma, is a common skin disorder characterized by acquired hyperpigmentation. Many patients with this condition prefer using herbal remedies instead of chemical agents. This study aims to review clinical trials conducted on the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating melasma.

Methods

In this scoping review, we searched the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, SID, and Magiran databases until August 2024. We designed the search strategy using MeSH database keywords "melanosis," "herbal medicine," "plant extracts," "complementary therapies," "traditional medicine," "Persian medicine," "clinical trials," and their Entry Terms. We then reviewed and summarized the relevant articles.

Results

We found a total of 21 clinical trials examining the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating melasma. The literature review revealed that licorice, rhubarb, a mixture of melon seed and chickpea, sorrel, Aloe vera leaf gel, parsley, tomato, fern, olive, pine bark, and Indian gooseberry had positive effects in treating melasma. Licorice is the most extensively studied herbal remedy for melasma treatment. Some patients who used licorice, rhubarb, and parsley experienced redness and skin allergies.

Conclusion

Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of herbal remedies in treating melasma. Further research, including clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, is necessary to assess the efficacy of herbal remedies and natural products, as well as their potential adverse effects.

Research Insights

Adverse Events Reported

  • Licorice→redness and skin allergies

    Some patients who used licorice, rhubarb, and parsley experienced redness and skin allergies.

    Finding
    Reported
  • Rhubarb→redness and skin allergies

    Some patients who used licorice, rhubarb, and parsley experienced redness and skin allergies.

    Finding
    Reported
  • Parsley→redness and skin allergies

    Some patients who used licorice, rhubarb, and parsley experienced redness and skin allergies.

    Finding
    Reported
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