Effect of Sambucus ebulus topical preparation on uremic pruritus

Uremic pruritus is a common and distressing symptom that affects more than 40% of patients undergoing hemodialysis. Several medications as well as topical preparation have been used for relief this condition. Sambucus ebulus has been shown anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects. In this research, the antipruritic effect of S. ebulus fruit extract was evaluated on patients with uremic pruritus. S. ebulus fruits were collected from Sari suburb, Iran. Fruits were dried at room temperature and several fractions of extract were prepared. After formulating suitable gel (2%) a randomized, single blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed in 78 patients (40 patients received S. ebulus topical gel 2% and 38 patients received placebo gel) for 8 weeks and the changes in hyperuremic induced pruritus severity were evaluated. Sixty one patients completed the study. The Pruritus severity index was reduced in both groups after 8 weeks’ treatment. S. ebulus topical gel showed more effect than placebo, but this difference was not statistically significant. The results showed that S. ebulus topical gel can reduce uremic pruritus severity, and more study with higher extract concentration or more cases is proposed.