Morse & Clough 2006 – Meta-analysis of 26 Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials – Efamol EPO for Atopic Eczema.
This study showed that Efamol EPO is a safe and effective remedy for symptomatic relief of atopic eczema with simultaneous benefits on itch, crusting, oedema and redness that become apparent between 4 and 8 weeks after treatment is initiated.
Population studied: 1207 patients – 616 on Efamol EPO & 591 on placebo. 72% women.
Dosage & Duration: 2 – 16 x 500 mg capsules per day v placebo. Treatment periods ranged from 3 to 16 weeks.
Measures used:
Method: Both the doctors and the patients assessed the symptom severity by scoring measures of inflammation, dryness, scaliness, itchiness and overall skin involvement. These individual symptom scores were also combined to give a single global score. In all the trials, the patients were concurrently receiving the best available topical treatment for their eczema including moisturisers and topical steroids. Therefore, the improvements reported in these trials were over and above those achieved with conventional long-term maintenance therapy.
Morse NL, Clough PM. A meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials of Efamol evening primrose oil in atopic eczema. Where do we go from here in light of more recent discoveries? Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2006 Dec;7(6):503-24.doi: 10.2174/138920106779116946. PMID: 17168667.
