S.K. Sharma, D.V.D., Medical Officer;
H.O, Agarwal, M.B.B.S., Research Scholar;
Dharam Pal, M.D., D.V.,
Senior Dermatologist and Head of the Dept. of Skin and STD
and
Dr. Bikhchandani, D.V., Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi.

Septilin is an Ayurvedic preparation which contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory principles¹. Septilin has been reported to stimulate phagocytosis². Cahu and Hirsh³ (1960) demonstrated the presence of an antibacterial protein (phagocytin) in the cytoplasmic granules of polymorphs. This protein of polymorphs has an antibacterial effect on both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. given orally Septilin has been shown to inhibit the growth of Staphylococci, Streptococci, Pneumococci, Micrococcus-catarrhalis, Neisseria catarrhalis, H. influenzae, Diphtheroids and Klebsiella^4,5.

Septilin was tried in acute and chronic infective dermatoses because it is economical and can be given for a long time without any untoward side-effects, in comparison to antibiotics which are expensive and may have side-effects.

Balsamodendron mukul (Guggul) has been regarded as a sovereign remedy in ancient medicine. As described in standard Ayurvedic texts, Guggul is reputed to be an ancient "broad spectrum" drug with a wide therapeutic range. Its therapeutic action is similar to that of ACTH as it raises the general defence mechanism of the body and thus helps overcome infective and inflammatory processes.

Maharasnadi quath : a compound containing over 20 ingredients, is useful in rheumatism, lumbago and sciatica.

Phyllanthus emblica : is the richest natural source of ascorbic acid. The effects of vitamin C on the adrenal cortex and in building resistance to infections are well known.

Tinospora cordifolia : is a diuretic and tonic.

Rubia cordifolia : is well known for its antipyogenic properties and is widely used externally for healing ulcers and burn wounds.

Moringa pterygosperma : the root bark of young trees contains a physiologically active, basic principle "spirochin" and an antibiotic substance "pterygospermin’. Spirochin is effective in combating gram-positive infections, specially staphylococcal and streptococcal. Pterygospermin exhibits pronounced antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive organisms.

Pristimera indica : contains the antibacterial principle "pristimerin" which is active against a large number of gram-positive cocci, particularly Streptococcus viridans and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Fifty cases of various dermatological conditions like acne vulgaris, acne pustulosa, impetigo, infective eczema, folliculitis and carbuncles were selected. All the cases were selected at random, irrespective of age, sex and duration of disease.

Septilin in a doses of 2 tablets twice a day to 2 tablets thrice a day, depending on the age and severity of infection. No other local medication or oral antibiotic was given. The patients were followed up every week upto 4 weeks. In a few cases clinical photographs were also taken.

The patients who failed to come for a follow-up were excluded from the study and they were substituted with an equal number of new patients. The number of lesions, site and type of lesions were recorded in detail.

The results were recorded as good when there was 50% improvement in inflammation and itching.

The following table shows the response observed.

The above table shows the good results obtained in 46% of cases, status quo in 44% and deterioration in 10%.

Good results were seen in chronic infective dermatoses like acne vulgaris and chronic folliculitis. But no encouraging results were seen in acute infective dermatoses like impetigo, infective eczema, carbuncles and furunculosis. In all the above conditions no dramatic results were seen.

In the case of acne vulgaris, half the number of total cases showed improvement, there was reduction in existing pustules and cysts, as well as reduction in the number of new papules, pustules and cystic lesion. The other half maintained status quo. These patients were followed up for 4-6 weeks.

In cases of infective eczema, only three cases showed improvement in erythema and oozing. In 7 cases there was no improvement at all. In 4 cases there was a increase in erythema, oozing and crusting. In these cases, patients had to be put on other medicines after 7-10 days of follow-up.

In case of carbuncles and furunculosis, there were not very encouraging results except in one case of sycosis barbae.

Case of chronic folliculitis showed good results, with the reduction of existing lesions and also reduction in the appearance of new lesions.

Fifty cases of infective dermatoses were treated with Septilin for 1-4 weeks, irrespective of age, sex and duration of the inflammatory process. Septilin was given in doses of 2 tablets twice a day to 2 tablets thrice a day. No other medication was given. There was definite improvement in cases of chronic infective dermatoses. but no encouraging results were seen in acute infective dermatoses.

The author is thankful to the Superintendent, Dr. R.M.L. Hospital, New Delhi for permitting to conduct the trial. Thanks are also due to The Himalaya Drug Co. for supplying Septilin tablets.

References