Efficacy of Topical Lawsonia Inermis L. (Henna) Hydrogel in Fluorouracil-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome: A Pilot Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Publisher Pubmed



Mohajerani R¹ ; Shahi F² ; Jafariazar Z¹ ; Afshar M¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology Published:2021

Abstract

Purpose: Hand–foot syndrome (HFS) is a frequent dose-limiting adverse reaction of fluoropyrimidine drugs like capecitabine and 5-flourouracil (5-FU) in breast and gastrointestinal cancers. It has been shown that conventional application of Lawsonia inermis L. (Henna) is effective in ameliorating of the skin lesions. To increase the patient compliance, in this study we formulated a standardized topical hydrogel (H.gel) containing the hydroalcoholic extract (10%) of Henna and evaluated its clinical efficacy for the management of fluorouracil associated HFS. Material and methods: The topical dosage form was standardized based on its Lawsone content. Eighteen patients suffering from HFS were randomized to receive H.gel and the placebo four times a day for 2 weeks. At the baseline and at the end of the trial, HFS grades were determined. Results and conclusions: Allergic reactions following administration of H.gel were observed in one patient, while no serious adverse events occurred in the others. No statistically significant differences between two arms were observed at the baseline (p-value = 0.133), after treatment (p-value = 0.590) and grade differences (p-value = 0.193). The applied hydrogel showed less efficacy compared to the traditional method of using Henna, meaning that Lawsone may not be a good indicator for standardizing the topical dosage form. © 2021 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.