Mederma

Mederma

Mederma is a topical product used to improve scar appearance. It is a gel based on an onion extract and produced by Merz Pharmaceuticals[1] of Frankfurt, Germany. Mederma's marketing claims it can make scars "softer, smoother, and less noticeable".[2] Generic versions are sold under the name Cepalin.

Contents

Effectiveness

One 2006 clinical trial found no statistically significant change in hypertrophic scar appearance from products of this type compared to the standard petrolatum emollient,[3] while a 1999 pilot trial found an onion extract gel less effective than the petrolatum.[4] In 2010 a 54-person trial funded by Merz found that an onion extract cream improved the appearance of stretch marks.[5]

Basic research and animal testing suggest the gel could be effective. A 1996 study into the therapeutic values of onion and garlic found that they may act as an anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic[6] and in 2002, researchers found that Mederma improved collagen organization after injury in rabbits.[7]

Active ingredient

Allium cepa, the common onion, is the active content of Mederma [7]. Onions contain a readily available[8] and highly researched bioflavonoid with antihistamine and antiproliferative effects on both normal and malignant cells.

Full ingredients

Water (purified), PEG-4, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Allium cepa (onion) bulb extract, xanthan gum, allantoin, methylparaben, sorbic acid, fragrance.[9]

Similar product

Merz Pharmaceuticals also produces Contractubex for scars, which also contains onion extract in addition to other ingredients. Contractubex has reportedly been found effective in clinical trials.[10]


References

  1. ^ MEDERMA Skin Care for SCARS
  2. ^ MEDERMA Skin Care for SCARS Learning Center
  3. ^ Chung VQ, Kelley L, Marra D, Jiang SB (February 2006). "Onion extract gel versus petrolatum emollient on new surgical scars: prospective double-blinded study". Dermatol Surg 32 (2): 193–7. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32045.x. PMID 16442038. 
  4. ^ Jackson BA, Shelton AJ (April 1999). "Pilot study evaluating topical onion extract as treatment for postsurgical scars". Dermatol Surg 25 (4): 267–9. doi:10.1046/j.1524-4725.1999.08240.x. PMID 10417579. 
  5. ^ WebMD. Onion Cream Treats New Stretch Marks.
  6. ^ K. Augusti, Therapeutic values of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.), Indian J Exp Biol 34 (1996), pp. 634–640.
  7. ^ a b Saulis, Alexandrina S. M.D.; Mogford, Jon H. Ph.D.; Mustoe, Thomas A. M.D. (2002). "Effect of Mederma on Hypertrophic Scarring in the Rabbit Ear Model". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 110 (1): 177–183. doi:10.1097/00006534-200207000-00029. PMID 12087249. 
  8. ^ quercetin - Google Product Search
  9. ^ Mederma Gel patient advice, including possible side effects
  10. ^ Ho WS, Ying SY, Chan PC, Chan HH (July 2006). "Use of onion extract, heparin, allantoin gel in prevention of scarring in chinese patients having laser removal of tattoos: a prospective randomized controlled trial eczema". Dermatol Surg 32 (7): 891–6. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2006.32192.x. PMID 16875470. 

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужно сделать НИР?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Onion — Onions redirects here. For the name and those bearing it, see Onions (surname). This article is about the plants. For other uses, see Onion (disambiguation). Onion Onions Scientific classification …   Wikipedia

  • Scar — Scars redirects here. For the 1998 video game, see S.C.A.R.S. (video game). Scarring redirects here. For the act of inflicting scars, see Scarification. This article is about scar tissue. For other uses, see Scar (disambiguation). Scar… …   Wikipedia

  • Merz Pharma — GmbH Co. KGaA is an international healthcare company specializing in the research, development and marketing of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, Merz is a leader in… …   Wikipedia

  • Merz-Gruppe — Die Neutralität dieses Artikels oder Abschnitts ist umstritten. Eine Begründung steht auf der Diskussionsseite. Dieser Artikel oder Abschn …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Merz GmbH & Co. KGaA — Die Neutralität dieses Artikels oder Abschnitts ist umstritten. Eine Begründung steht auf der Diskussionsseite. Dieser Artikel oder Abschn …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Merz Pharma — GmbH Co. KGaA Rechtsform GmbH Co. KGaA Gründung 1908 Sitz Frankfurt am Main Leitung Martin Zügel, CEO Merz Pharmaceuticals Mitarbeiter …   Deutsch Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”