Efficacy of topical administration of Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae on multiple plantar warts: A parallel randomized trial

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae in treating multiple plantar warts. Methods Twenty-eight patients with multiple plantar warts on both left and right feet were recruited. Warts on the left feet (treatment group) of all patients were externally treated with moderate ethanol extract of Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae which was made of 30 g Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae putting into 100 mL of medical ethanol (75%). For the control group, moderate dose of 0.1% vitamin A acid ointment was externally applied onto the right-foot warts. The topical application of each treatment was conducted 3 times a day for both groups. After 4 and 8 weeks, the efficacy and side effects including skin erythema and blister were evaluated and observed. Results Compared with the pre-treatment, warts size of the control group was reduced after 8-week treatment ( P <0.05). After 4 and 8 weeks, the average wart size in the treatment group was both significantly reduced respectively ( P <0.01). There were significant differences in warts size and total effective rate between the two groups after 4-week treatment respectively ( P <0.05 or P <0.01). More significant differences in wart size and total effective rate were observed after 8-week treatment ( P <0.05 or P <0.01). The percentage reduction in wart size was significantly different between the two groups after 4 and 8-week treatment ( P <0.01). Conclusion Radix Euphorbiae Ebracteolatae was significantly superior to vitamin A acid ointment in treating multiple plantar warts.