Open AccessSafety and efficacy of an herbal formula, Gwakhyangjeonggi-san on atopic dermatitis with gastrointestinal symptoms
Author(s) -
Mi Ju Son,
Min Hee Kim,
Min-Seo Kang,
Young Eun Kim,
Jeeyoun Jung,
In-Hwa Choi
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000020675
Subject(s) - medicine , atopic dermatitis , placebo , scorad , dermatology life quality index , randomized controlled trial , quality of life (healthcare) , eczema area and severity index , clinical trial , adverse effect , physical therapy , dermatology , alternative medicine , disease , pathology , nursing
Gwakhyangjeonggi-san (GJS) is an herbal formula with anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties that is broadly used to treat a wide range of diseases including gastrointestinal disorders and allergic diseases. There have been several clinical studies conducted on its effects on atopic dermatitis (AD). So far, no randomized controlled trials have been conducted. Here, we describe the protocol for a randomized controlled study designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of GJS for treating patients with AD that have gastrointestinal symptoms. Methods and analysis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, clinical trial has been designed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of GJS on patients with AD that have gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 58 participants with AD will be recruited and randomly allocated to the GJS or placebo group in a 1:1 ratio. The participants will be administered GJS or placebo granules 3 times a day for 8 weeks. Data will be collected from the participants at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure will be the mean change in the SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index from baseline to 8 weeks. The secondary outcomes will include the eczema area and severity index (EASI), dermatology life quality index (DLQI), EuroQoL 5 dimensions 5 levels (EQ-5D-5L), and immunological factors. The Korean Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (KGSRS), Nepean Dyspepsia Index will also be obtained for assessing the gastrointestinal status. Discussion: The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence on the safety and effectiveness of GJS and for treating patients with AD that have gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, the study will explore the mechanism of GJS action via gut microbiome. This study will provide new perspectives on approaching treatment for AD. Ethics and dissemination: The study protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital at Gangdong (KHNMCOH2019-06-002-001). Trial registration number: This study has been registered at the Korean National Clinical Trial Registry, Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0004299).