A Ginkgo biloba-derived PAF-antagonist-based product

Polymorphous light eruption (PLE) is the most common photodermatosis, with a prevalence as high as 10-20% in Western Europe and the USA. Although not life-threatening, it can severely impair the quality of life, in particular during leisure activities and in outdoors workers. PLE is a form of idiopathic photodermatoses whose etiopathogenesis, triggered by UV radiation exposure, is presumably immunological. PLE is characterized clinically by the occurrence of non-scarring, pruritic, erythematous papules, vesicles or plaques mainly on sunexposed skin areas. The aim of the study was to verify, against placebo, the anti-PLE action of an orally given innovative, mainly PAF-antagonist, Ginkgo bilobaderived product (GbDP) in substitution of the commonly used oral anti-histamines and topical corticosteroids. Differently from placebo, patients treated with a sunscreen along with GbDP showed a clear reduction of PLE symptoms, despite the fact that neither anti-histamines nor topical or oral corticosteroids were used. Out of 240 total episodes expected, the PLE episodes were found to be 18 in the treated group and 218 in the placebo group. Compliance and tolerability were very good and no relevant side effects occurred in either group. The data suggest a primary role played by GbDP in the etiopathogenesis of PLE and the possible chance offered by the use of the PAF-antagonists in treating PLE.