BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) imposes significant negative consequences upon excessive exposure. It is a common misconception in darker skin types that there is no need for photoprotection, hence studies have been done on other adjuncts of photoprotection. Cocoa is naturally-occurring antioxidant rich in flavanols that absorbs UV radiation and scavenge reactive oxygen species.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to determine the UVB photoprotective activity through minimal erythema dose determination of 100% cocoa powder versus chocolate flavored powder drink.

METHODS

This study was a randomized, double-blind controlled trial, wherein sixty (60) Filipino subjects aged 18 years old to 59 years old with Fitzpatrick skin type IV-IV were equally divided into two groups using computer generated randomization. Group I received 100% cocoa powder, one (1) tablespoon dissolved in hot water daily for 12 weeks, while Group II received chocolate flavored drink powder, one (1) tablespoon dissolved in hot water daily for 12 weeks. Minimal erythema dose (MED) were assessed for both groups at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Laboratory testing for fasting blood sugar (FBS), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, SGPT and SGOT was done baseline and at week 12.

RESULTS

In the 100% cocoa powder group, the mean MED increased from baseline to week 6 at an average of 5.5% (p-value 0.64) which were not statistically significant, while from baseline to week 12 an statistically significant increase in mean MED was noted at 21% (p-value < 0.01). These results showed that there is significant photoprotective activity of 100% cocoa powder for intake of 12 weeks as compared to 6 weeks. In the chocolate flavored powder drink, MED remained unchanged. No significant adverse clinical symptoms and laboratory test changes were seen in this study.

CONCLUSION

Intake of 100% cocoa powder for 12 weeks have significant photoprotective activity compared to baseline among Filipinos with Fitzpatrick skin type IV-V. While chocolate flavored drink powder has no such effect.

Human ; Plants ; Cocoa Powder ; Chocolate

BACKGROUND: Superficial bacterial infection is among the most common reasons for dermatologic consult. Numerous published articles suggest that the dried leaf of malunggay exhibits antibacterial property.
OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness and safety of 15% malunggay ointment with 2% mupirocin ointment in treating localized pyoderma.
METHODS: Sixty-three patients with localized pyoderma (?10% of total body surface area) were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind study to apply either 15% malunggay or 2%  mupirocin ointment twice daily for 14 days. Clinical evaluation using the Global Assessment Score (GAS) for pruritus, pain, erythema, vesiculation, moistness and crusting were conducted at baseline and days 3, 7 and 14 of clinic visit.
RESULTS: Both malunggay and mupirocin groups showed significant decreases in GAS from baseline to days 3, 7 and 14 of treatment (p=0.000, Repeated measures, ANOVA). By days 7 and 14, median GAS of malunggay ointment was higher than mupirocin (1 vs. 0, p<0.05, Mann Whitney U Test). Cure rates were higher in the mupirocin arm comapred to the malunggay arm in Day 3 (53.13% vs. 38.71%), Day 7 (93.75% vs. 70.97%) and Day 14 (96.88% vs. 77.42%). No adverse events were noted after application of malunggay-based ointment at the end of the study period. There were no recurrence two weeks post treatment.
CONCLUSION: Patients in the mupirocin treatment arm had significantly lower global assessment scores and higher cure rates compared to those in the malunggay treatment arm.

Human ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Child ; Ambulatory Care ; Anti-bacterial Agents ; Bacterial Infections ; Erythema ; Mupirocin ; Ointments ; Pain ; Pruritus ; Pyoderma