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[Treatment of actinic keratoses with birch bark extract: a pilot study]
Constance Huyke1, Melanie Laszczyk, Armin Scheffler
1Universitäts-Hautklinik, Hauptstr. 7, D-79104 Freiburg.
Background:
Birch bark contains a variety of apoptosis-inducing and anti-inflammatory substances such as betulinic acid, betulin, oleanolic acid and lupeol. Therefore, birch bark extract may be effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses. To address this issue, a pilot study using a standardized birch bark ointment was performed.
Methods:
Twenty-eight patients with actinic keratoses were enrolled in this prospective, non-randomized pilot study. Fourteen patients were treated with birch bark ointment only; fourteen patients received a combination therapy with cryotherapy and birch bark ointment. Treatment response was assessed clinically after two months.
Results:
Clearing of more than 75 % of the lesions was seen in 79 % of the patients treated with birch bark ointment monotherapy. The response rate of the combined treatment modality was 93 %. Therapy with birch bark ointment was well tolerated.
Conclusion:
In this pilot study, a standardized birch bark extract was effective in the treatment of actinic keratoses. This therapy is easy to perform and it has no side effects. Birch bark ointment may be a new therapeutic option for actinic keratoses.