Efficacy of Topical Andrographis Paniculata Extract for Pruritus in Chronic Liver Disease: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Chotipong  Siripipattanamongkol; Vich  Thampanya; Piyaporn  Sirijanchune; Nonlawan  Chueamuangphan; Watcharee  Khunkitti

doi:10.33192/smj.v77i7.273826

Authors

Chotipong Siripipattanamongkol Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Vich Thampanya Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chaing Rai 57000, Thailand
Piyaporn Sirijanchune Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chaing Rai 57000, Thailand
Nonlawan Chueamuangphan Department of Internal Medicine, Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chaing Rai 57000, Thailand
Watcharee Khunkitti Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33192/smj.v77i7.273826

Keywords:

Andrographis paniculata, pruritus, quality of life, chronic liver disease, topical treatment

Abstract

Objective: Assessing the effectiveness of topical extract from Andrographis paniculata, which has anti-inflammatory properties, in reducing pruritus in individuals with chronic liver disease.

Materials and Methods: At Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial was carried out from 2021 to 2024. Forty-five individuals with chronic liver disease and persistent pruritus who were at least eighteen years old were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 4% extract cream from Andrographis paniculata or a placebo, which was applied twice a day for four weeks. The dynamic pruritus score (DPS), which was used to measure pruritus severity at baseline, week 1, and week 4, was the main outcome. The dermatology life quality index (DLQI) was used to measure the quality of life as the secondary outcome.

Results: The Andrographis paniculata extract significantly improved the pruritus severity compared to placebo, with DPS scores of 6.31±0.41 at week 1 and 6.82±0.40 at week 4 versus 5.01±0.24 and 5.59±0.35, respectively (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in DLQI scores between treatments. There were no adverse effects reported, and one participant in the treatment arm withdrew due to logistical issues.

Conclusion: Andrographis paniculata topical extract is a reliable and efficient remedy for alleviating pruritus in individuals with chronic liver disease. However, larger sample numbers and longer follow-up times are required for future research to validate these findings and evaluate the impact on quality of life.

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