Efficacy of 3% Moringa Oleifera Lam Leaf Extract Cream in Improving Xerosis Cutis In Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Background: Moringa oleifera Lam (M. oleifera Lam) leaves are plants that grow abundantly in Indonesia and are used as phytopharmaceutical. Moringa oleifera Lam leaves contain antioxidant, fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients are involved in skin barrier, hydration, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory, but the studies on the benefits of phytopharmaceutical plants on improving xerosis cutis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) are still limited. Objectives: To assess the efficacy of 3% M. oleifera Lam leaf extract cream in reducing xerosis cutis in patients with type 2 DM. Methods: Pilot study with pretest-posttest experimental design during April-August 2024. Parameters of Overall Dry Skin score (ODSS), tewameter, corneometer, sebumeter, and visual analogue score (VAS) were observed at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks. Dermatology Quality of Life Index (DLQI) was observed at pre- and post-treament. Results: The total subjects were 66.7% females and 33.3% males, with a mean age of 64.53 ± 8.74 years. The grade 2 ODSS group of 43.4% at baseline had significant improvement at 4 weeks (p<0.001). The comparison of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) between baseline and 4 weeks showed a mean decrease of 16.94 ± 5.43 g/m2/h (p<0.001) and hydration levels increase with a mean of -23.50 ± 10.09 AU (p<0.001). The improvement that resulted in normal sebum was 6.7% (p=0.500). The VAS of subject decreased and a significant difference in DLQI. Adverse effects of extract cream were not found in this study. Conclusion: Treatment of xerosis cutis in patients with type 2 DM using 3% M. oleifera Lam leaf extract cream gives good results, but further study is required.