Comparative study of the anti-eczema and antifungal activities of Mitracarpus scaber with Sulphur ointments, Hydraulic fluid and Skineal on eczematous skin

Abstract

Eczema, an atopic dermatitis is one of the most economically important skin disorder, therefore remedial attention needs to be given to it. Unlike the orthodox belief, eczema is a genetic disorder of the epidermis (filaggrin, CARD 11 or KIF3A gene mutation) not an infection, therefore, treatment must be targeted towards correcting this rather than targeting Candida albicans, the yeast that infects the eczematous skin as a result of environmental exposure. Currently, all types of chemically synthesized products used either topically or as tablet prove to be either expensive or have one or more side effects. This research paper recommends a natural topical treatment with the fresh leaf extract used traditionally in decades past, Mitracapus scaber, after careful comparative analysis with three other ointments sold (sulphur ointment, skineal and hydraulic fluid). Thirty two consenting individuals with eczema were sampled using accidental and purposive sampling methods, eight from four areas selected randomly in Bali metropolis (Friday Market, Daniya Village, Sabo Layi and Angua Tiv). Each treatment for two individuals was repeated for four times at four days intervals. Re-observation one month after showed complete normal skin for all M. scaber treatments while partial and complete relapses were observed in other three treatment ointments.  Similarly, M. scaber demonstrated antimicrobial activities on Candida albicans. Therefore, M. scaber can both correct filaggrin, CARD 11 and KIF3A gene mutations of the skin and eliminate the secondary yeast infection. Also, it is easily accessible and it has no side effect.

Keywords: Filaggrin, CARD 11, KIF3A, Mitracarpus, Anti-eczema. 

(PUBLISHED ON THE AFRICAN JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH, VOL. 26, NO 9 SEPT 2022).