Preliminary clinical tests on topical preparations of Ocimum gratissimum linn leaf essential oil for the treatment of acne vulgaris

Objective: This study was designed to determine the clinically effective concentration and most appropriate base for a topical Ocimum oil formulation in the management of acne vulgaris. Design and patients: 126 subjects, mainly university undergraduates, presenting with acne vulgaris were randomly assigned to treatment with Ocimum oil preparations, a reference product (benzoyl peroxide 10% lotion) or placebo. The test samples were applied in a dose of 0.25cm(3) to the face after washing morning and evening. The number of lesions (papules and pustules) was counted prior to application and daily for 4 weeks. The efficacy of the preparations was rated in terms of product activity (DA), which is the reciprocal value of the number of days taken to achieve a 50% reduction in lesion count (D). Results: Ocimum oil preparations containing 2% oil in alcohol (ethanol) and in a cetomacrogol blend base were more effective and reduced lesions faster than the reference product. Adverse effects reported for the Ocimum oil preparations were minimal and tolerable. The base in which the oil was incorporated exerted considerable influence on the activity of the oil. The DA values were lowest with petrolatum base (oleaginous) and highest with alcohol and cetomacrogol blend bases (hydrophilic). Conclusion: A topical preparation containing 2% Ocimum oil in cetomacrogol blend base is well tolerated and more effective in the management of acne vulgaris than benzoyl peroxide 10% lotion.