Exploring the efficacy and safety of topical Jaungo application in patients with atopic dermatitis: A pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing eczematous skin disease with an increasing prevalence. In Korea, Jaungo is a traditional medicinal ointment, which is commonly used for treating skin wounds. Objective: Thus, we aim to explore the basic clinical efficacy and safety data for Jaungo in patients with AD. Methods: This study was a pilot randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center trial with three groups. The participants in treatment group 1 applied Jaungo to the lesion twice a day for 3 weeks. Those in treatment group 2 applied Jaungo and placebo ointments to the lesion once a day for 3 weeks. Those in the placebo group applied placebo ointments to the lesion twice a day for 3 weeks. The Eczema Area and Severity Index and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis scores, transepidermal water loss value, and Dermatology Life Quality Index score were assessed. The outcomes used to evaluate safety were the Draize score, blood test results, and expert opinion. Results: In total, 28 patients (82.4%) completed the study. During the study, significant decline of EASI scores in treatment group 2 and placebo group was observed (p < 0.05). And there was significant decline of SCORAD scores in treatment group1 and placebo group (p < 0.05). Patients in all groups showed decreased TEWL and DLQI scores with no significant difference. There was significant decline of IL-17 in all groups (p < 0.05). No serious adverse event was observed. Conclusion: This is the first study that has explored the potential therapeutic effect of Jaungo as a complementary therapy for AD. However, further large study with adjusting placebo ingredients is needed to confirm the effectiveness of Jaungo in patients with chronic-phase AD.