Effectiveness of garlic oil in the treatment of arsenical palmer keratosis

Abstract

Thousands of Bangladeshi are suffering from arsenic-induced keratosis affecting palms and soles. Palmer keratosis, particularly in young female, affects the socioeconomic condition. Till today there is no effective treatment. Twenty patients of mild to moderate degree of arsenical palmer keratosis were treated with garlic oil in soft capsule (10 mg) daily orally for 12 weeks. Similar treatment was given to 17 arsenic exposed controls and 15 healthy volunteers for comparison. Effectiveness of treatment was evaluated by change in the clinical score of palmer keratosis and amount of total arsenic in nail after 12 weeks. The mean(± SD) clinical scoring of patients before treatment was 102.8 ± 19.0. It was reduced to 36.0 ± 8.7 after completion of treatment (65% reduction). The mean amounts of total arsenic in nail of patients and arsenic exposed controls were 13 to 14-fold higher in comparison to healthy volunteers. Treatment with garlic oil reduced about 50% of the total arsenic accumulated in nails. Common adverse effects were garlic smell and gastric irritation. However, there was no drop out case due to these adverse effects. Oral administration of garlic oil improves symptom of arsenical palmer keratosis with reduction in body arsenic load.