Authors : Ahmad Sukari Halim, Arman Zaharil Mat Saad, Ahmad Ibrahim Ahmad Zaidi, Wan Azman Wan Sulaiman, Zanariah Ujang, Nurul Izza Nordin, Ahmad Hazri Abd Rashid and Nur Adnin Ahmad Zaidi
Abstract: Curcuma xanthorrhiza (Temulawak) has been tested to have a certain properties that can be used in treatment of hyperpigmentation which is tyrosinase inhibitor, anti-oxidant, broad spectrum anti-bacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. In this study, we want to explore the potential of Temulawak as an alternative solution for skin hyperpigmentation treatment. A randomized double blind placebo control trial involving 58 patients with hyperpigmented scar were randomly divided into two groups. Patients were required to apply the topical cream evenly to their scar twice a day; One in the morning and the other during bed time. The patients were screened after at least 6 weeks after wound has healed. The evaluations of scar were done by medical practitioner, patient himself and also by independent photographic assessor. Patients, investigator and independent photographic assessor were blinded to the topical application. The mean age of patients was 39 years old (between 24-53 years old), 32 were female and 6 participants lost to follow up and excluded from study. Analyzed hyperpigmented scars were distributed at head and neck area (53.8%), limbs (40.4%) and trunk (5.8%). Hyperpigmentation, pain, itchiness and overall scar rating showed higher score decrement (better scar outcome) in the intervention group compared to control group. There was no adverse skin reaction recorded in both intervention and control groups. The result of our study were not statistically significant. This is due to the limitation of the Vancouver Scar Scale and small sample size. However, we still believe that Temulawak has the potential role as an alternative treatment for scar hyperpigmentation.
Ahmad Sukari Halim, Arman Zaharil Mat Saad, Ahmad Ibrahim Ahmad Zaidi, Wan Azman Wan Sulaiman, Zanariah Ujang, Nurul Izza Nordin, Ahmad Hazri Abd Rashid and Nur Adnin Ahmad Zaidi, 2018. Randomized Double-Blind Control Trial to Study the Efficacy of Topical Herbal Product-Curcuma xanthorrhiza (Temulawak) in the Treatment of Hyperpigmented Scar. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 13: 7432-7439.