Recruiting

Testing a herbal ointment for atopic dermatitis and eczema

Plain-English translation of NCT06850311 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Read our Atopic Dermatitis research guide →

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This study is testing a topical ointment made from Sophora flavescens Aiton, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, to see if it can help treat atopic dermatitis (also called atopic eczema). You would apply the medication twice daily to affected skin areas. The trial will compare the to a placebo ointment (one with no active ingredient) to determine whether the treatment actually works and is safe.

Many people with atopic dermatitis experience frustrating side effects from current standard treatments, such as skin thinning and visible blood vessels. Researchers want to develop and test a new treatment option based on herbs that have been used in traditional medicine for skin conditions, hoping to offer patients an effective alternative with fewer unwanted effects.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 65 years old
you have been diagnosed with atopic dermatitis that affects less than 10% of your body
your dermatitis is mild, moderate, or severe according to your doctor's assessment
you have a negative pregnancy test at screening (if female of childbearing age)
you are willing to use only basic moisturizer and birth control (if applicable) during the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you are allergic or sensitive to herbs or the ointment ingredients
you have received light therapy or strong immune-suppressing medicines in the past 30 days
you have used topical steroids, antibiotics, or herbal treatments for your skin in the past week
you have serious health problems such as uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, or liver or kidney disease
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study

What participation looks like

You would apply the ointment (or placebo) twice daily to your affected skin areas for the duration of the study, applying about 0.5 grams per 10×10 centimeter patch of dermatitis. The trial will run over approximately two years, during which researchers will check how well the treatment is working, monitor your symptoms, and watch for any side effects. You will need to avoid other skin treatments during the study and attend follow-up appointments so doctors can assess your progress.

Testing a herbal ointment for atopic dermatitis and eczema

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)