Effect of Sambucus Ebulus Gel 5% on Severity and Surface Area of Uremic Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and purpose: Sambucus Ebulus plant is known for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of Sambucus Ebulus Gel 5% on the severity and surface area of pruritus in hemodialysis patients. Materials and methods: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed in 150 hemodialysis patients in three groups. We used Detailed Pruritus Score Introduced by Duo (1978) three times. The scale covers areas such as pruritus severity, distribution, frequency (morning and evening), and sleep disturbance. ANOVA test was used to compare the severity of pruritus between the three groups and Repeated Measure was used in each group. Results: The mean itching score at the beginning of the study was not statistically significant in all groups (P= 0.49), but at weeks four and eight after treatment significant differences were seen between the three groups in mean score for pruritus severity (P=0.03 and P= 0.01, respectively). Acacia gel and placebo reduced the severity of itching (P= 0.00) but in control group no significant changes occurred (P= 0.158). Findings showed significant improvements in dry skin condition among the intervention and placebo groups (P= 0.00). Conclusion: According to current study, Sambucus Ebulus Gel 5% can be considered as one of the topical treatments to relieve and improve uremic pruritus and dry skin in hemodialysis patients. (Clinical Trials Registry Number: IRCT20191231045958N1