Effect of ethanol extract of leaves of Azadirachta indica on palmar arsenical keratosis: A single-blind trial

Abstract

The effectiveness of topical application of ethanol extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) daily for 12 weeks was examined in patient of palmar arsenical keratosis. The mean (± SD) score of size of nodules of patients (n=14) using salicylic acid alone before and after treatment were 14.6 ± 4.6 and 10.5 ± 4.5 respectively (28.1% improvement). The mean score of size of nodules of patients (n=15) using salicylic acid plus A. indica (ethanol extract) before treatment was 14.7 ± 4.6 which was decreased to 3.1 ± 2.2 after treatment (79% improvement). The perception score of salicylic acid-treated group was 2.1 whereas it was increased to 4.7 in A. indica plus salicylic acid-treated group. Based on palmar nodular size and patients perception it can be concluded that topical use of ethanol extract of A. indica is effectively in palmar arsenical keratosis.

Keywords

• Azadirachta indica
• Arsenic
• Keratosis
• Neem