Mederma

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Mederma® is an onion-extract-based topical gel produced by Merz Pharmaceuticals[1] of Greensboro, NC. Mederma's marketing claims it can make scars "softer, smoother, and lessticeable"[2]. A 2006 published peer reviewed research article indicated no statistically significant change in scar appearance from products of this type.[3] However, a 1996 study into the therapeutic values of onion and garlic found that they may act as an anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic[4] and in 2002, researchers found that Mederma improved collagen organization after injury in rabbits.[5]

[edit] Active Ingredient

Allium cepa, trademarked by Mederma® as Cepalin® (not to be confused with cephalin) is the active content of mederma derived from an onion called Allium cepa Linn[5], a readily available[6] and highly researched bioflavonoid with antihistamine and antiproliferative effects on both normal and malignant cells.

[edit] Full Ingredients

Water (purified), PEG-4, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract, Xanthan Gum, Allantoin, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, Fragrance.[7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ MEDERMA ® Skin Care for SCARS ™
  2. ^ MEDERMA ® Skin Care for SCARS ™ Learning Center
  3. ^ Zurada JM, Kriegel D, Davis IC (2006). "Topical treatments for hypertrophic scars.". Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 55 (6): 1024-1031. PMID 17097399. 
  4. ^ K. Augusti, Therapeutic values of onion (Allium cepa L.) and garlic (Allium sativum L.), Indian J Exp Biol 34 (1996), pp. 634–640.
  5. ^ a b Saulis, Alexandrina S. M.D.; Mogford, Jon H. Ph.D.; Mustoe, Thomas A. M.D. (2002). "Effect of Mederma on Hypertrophic Scarring in the Rabbit Ear Model". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 110 (1): 177-183. PMID 12087249. 
  6. ^ quercetin - Google Product Search
  7. ^ Mederma Gel patient advice including side effects
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