Natural coniferous resin lacquer in treatment of toenail onychomycosis: an observational study

Abstract

In in vitro tests, natural coniferous resin from the Norway spruce (Picea abies) is strongly antifungal. In this observational study, we tested the clinical effectiveness of a lacquer composed of spruce resin for topical treatment of onychomycosis. Thirty-seven patients with clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis were enrolled into the study. All patients used topical resin lacquer treatment daily for 9 months. A mycological culture and potassium hydroxide (KOH) stain were done from nail samples in the beginning and in the end of the study. Treatment was considered effective, if a mycological culture was negative and there was an apparent clinical cure. At study entry, 20 patients (20/37; 54%; 95% CI: 38–70) had a positive mycological culture and/or positive KOH stain for dermatophytes. At study end, the result of 13 patients was negative (13/19; 68%; 95% CI: 48–89). In one case (1/14; 7%; 95% CI: 0–21) the mycological culture was initially negative, but it turned positive during the study period. By 14 compliant patients (14/32; 44%; 95% CI: 27–61), resin lacquer treatment was considered clinically effective: complete healing took place in three cases (9%) and partial healing in 11 cases (85%). The results indicate some evidence of clinical efficacy of the natural coniferous resin used for topical treatment of onychomycosis.

Efficacy of topical resin lacquer, amorolfine and oral terbinafine for treating toenail onychomycosis: a prospective, randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded, parallel-group clinical trial

“…We conducted the current study to corroborate the previous observational clinical trial with more valid methods and a more clinically relevant experimental design. Our aim was to compare the efficacy, safety and cost between topically administered 30% resin lacquer for the treatment of dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis and the current ‘best practices’: topical 5% amorolfine and systemic terbinafine.…”

“…Resin‐based preparations have been used for centuries as traditional remedies for various fungal skin and nail disease in Northern Europe, and industrially manufactured resin lacquer has been available in the European Union for 5 years. Nevertheless, only one clinical proof‐of‐concept study is currently available on the feasibility and clinical efficacy of 30% resin lacquer to treat toenail onychomycosis …”

Refined Spruce Resin to Treat Chronic Wounds: Rebirth of an Old Folkloristic Therapy

“…[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] Resin is a strong inhibitor of interleukin 1-beta, matrix metalloproteinase-3, and tumor necrosis factor alpha in the inflammation process, and the anti-inflammatory potential of components of resin is even superior to that of 0.5 lM dexamethasone (MD Biosciences, Inc., Glasgow, UK). Resin salve is a promising treatment option in infected or noninfected, acute or chronic, surgical or nonsurgical wounds and pressure ulcers.…”

“…2,[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] As a result of this comprehensive translational research program, we have succeeded in showing through basic, clinical, and applied research that resin treatment in wound care is feasible and clinically effective. As far as we know, our research work regarding the medical use of spruce resin and its clinical applications in modern medicine are pioneering and globally unique.…”

“…Antibacterial activity covers common nosocomial infections, such as surgical wound infections caused by methicillinresistant S. aureus (MRSA) and vancomycinresistant Enterococcus (VRE) species. [12][13][14][15] In vivo. Resin's capacity to eradicate bacteria from chronic wounds has been demonstrated in vivo in the randomized, controlled clinical setting in patients whose severe pressure ulcers were treated with the resin salve.…”