Pilot Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Nail Gel Containing Artemisia abrotanum Extract and Glycerin in the Treatment of Nail Plate Surface Abnormality

Abstract

Background: Nail gels are utilized for the treatment of nails for nail plate surface abnormalities. However, the objective measurement of nail gel treatment is limited.
 Objective: This study investigated the efficacy and safety of a nail gel containing glycerin and Artemisia abrotanum extract in treating nail plate surface abnormalities.
 Material and Methods: All nails were evaluated with a Visiometer® system and by transonychial water loss (TOWL) at baseline, and at the 2nd and 8th weeks of treatment.
 Results: In total, 19 patients with a mean age of 50.6 years old were enrolled and 50 nails were studied. Sixty percent of the patients showed significant clinical improvement, as determined by the total agreement between two treatment-blinded dermatologists. Regarding the Visiometer®, a significant reduction in the SER value (roughness) of the nail plates was found at the 2nd week, while at the 8th week, the surface and volume values had significantly decreased from baseline and also from the values at the 2nd week. There was a significant improvement in the Rku (smoothness) value at the 8th week compared to baseline. The mean TOWL at the 2nd and 8th weeks were statistically decreased from baseline. No side effects were detected.
 Conclusions: This nail gel containing Artemisia abrotanum extract provided benefits in restoring hydration and improving the nail barrier in patients with nail surface abnormalities.

Artemisia Species with High Biological Values as a Potential Source of Medicinal and Cosmetic Raw Materials

“…The findings of these studies have confirmed a significant reduction in roughness and an increase in smoothness. These values were observed after 2 and 8 weeks of using the preparation [ 247 ].…”

Artemisia abrotanum L. (Southern Wormwood)—History, Current Knowledge on the Chemistry, Biological Activity, Traditional Use and Possible New Pharmaceutical and Cosmetological Applications

“…Products containing A. abrotanum are offered by Polish companies such as Organic life , Perfecta , German: Dr Hauschka , English: Bulldog Natural , Lush , American: Jack Black , Physicians Formula , Aveeno , and French: Decléor [ 14 ]. Interestingly, according to a pilot study from 2021 A. abrotanum leaf extract offers promising results as an ingredient of nail gel used in patients with nail plate surface abnormalities [ 69 ]. Moreover, because of antibacterial activity against macrolides resistant Propionibacterium acnes strain, A. abrotanum extract has a potential as an active compound in cosmetics for acne-prone skin [ 12 ].…”