RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Venous leg ulcers (VLUs), the most common leg ulceration worldwide, are caused by venous hypertension due to venous reflux, the failure of the calf muscle to pump, and venous flow obstruction. They are associated with a reduced quality of life, particularly in relation to pain and physical function. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is commonly employed because of its many medicinal properties, and studies have shown Hibiscus contains phytochemicals that have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that promote wound healing. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluate the efficacy and safety of 4% gumamela leaf extract ointment in the closure of VLUs among patients seen in a dermatology outpatient department in the Philippines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included male or female patients with leg ulcers confirmed by duplex scan to be venous in origin and willing to have elastic compression therapy. Patients were instructed to clean the wound with normal saline solution and to apply the extract twice daily. The study was conducted for 12 weeks or until wound closure. Wounds were evaluated and photographed at baseline and every subsequent 2 weeks. Efficacy of therapy was evaluated based on ulcer area size using planimetry method at each visit. Safety was assessed using a 4-point grading system to monitor possible adverse reactions, namely pruritus, rash, burning, and urticaria. RESULTS: Twelve patients were included in the study; 5 patients had an initial ulcer area of ⟩ 10 cm2 and 7 had an initial ulcer area of ≤ 10 cm2. By the end of the study, 10 patients (83.3%) achieved complete ulcer closure in ⟨ 12 weeks, 1 patient (8.3%) had a decrease in ulcer area ⟩ 50% by week 12, and 1 patient (8.3%) had ⟨ 50% decrease in ulcer area at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: Data showed compression stockings with 4% gumamela leaf extract ointment application could close VLUs in ⟨ 12 weeks. Applied with compression stockings, the ointment shows potential use in VLU management.
