The effect of linoderm ointment, containing evening primrose oil, phonophoresis on symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
摘要
Diabetic neuropathy represents one of the most prevalent complications associated with diabetes mellitus. The pathophysiology of this condition is closely linked to oxidative stress and abnormalities in fatty acid metabolism, leading to compromised nerve perfusion. These factors are significant contributors to the pathogenesis of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients. Evening primrose oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids, notably gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid. These fatty acids are critical components of myelin sheaths and neuronal cell membranes, playing a vital role in maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the nervous system. Limited research exists regarding the impact of evening primrose oil on peripheral nerve function in human subjects. The present study aims to examine the Effect of Linoderm ointment, containing Evening Primrose Oil, Phonophoresis on patients with type 2 diabetes with neuropathy.
MethodIn a single blind experimental study, 20 patients with diabetic neuropathy, including 39 feet, were examined. Patients were assigned to three groups and were treated during 6 sessions for 2 weeks. In the first group (Group A), ultrasound therapy was administered with a neutral and ineffective ointment (ultrasound gel). The second group (Group B) received ultrasound treatment plus Linoderm ointment (3 g of Linoderm lotion from Barij Essans Company, containing 89% gamma-linolenic acid). The third group (Group C) was treated with Linoderm ointment, and the ultrasound device was turned off. All patients were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, the Monofilament Test, and Nerve Conduction Studies at three points: before treatment, immediately following the last treatment session, and one-month post-treatment completion.
ResultsGroup C demonstrated the most consistent and statistically significant improvements within subjects over time, in all comparisons, indicating both immediate and sustained benefits from before treatment to one month after (p < 0.05). Group B showed moderate improvements, particularly in NCVp, NCVt, Monofilament, Michigan and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (all p < 0.05 for Before–After and Before–One Month After comparisons), but many After–One Month After differences were nonsignificant (p > 0.05), suggesting that early gains were only partially maintained. Group A exhibited the weakest response, with limited short-term improvements in NCVp, NCVt, and VAS scores (Before–After p < 0.05) but little sustained change thereafter. A significant improvement in the Michigan score was observed in group A between the pre-treatment period and one month post-treatment. In Group A, monofilament test scores showed no statistically significant differences between any time points There were no significant differences between groups in terms of NCVp, NCVt, Michigan scores,, and VAS scores immediately after intervention and during follow- up except for monofilament score.
ConclusionThe results of the present study indicate that using the topical Linoderm significantly enhances the characteristics of Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) and alleviates pain associated with diabetic neuropathy in these patients.