admin Unguentum Lymphaticum (UL) is a topical cream used to treat lymphedema by increasing macrophage activity to break down excess protein in the tissue. It contains a combination of antiphlogistic compounds, like digitalis, calendulin, hyoscyamine, colchicine, and podophyllin, and works by stimulating skin cells and the immune system to reduce swelling. Studies show it can be effective in reducing edema.
UL positively impacts the skin in patients with obstructive lymphedema by stimulating epidermal cells, increasing the number of macrophages and Langerhans cells, and promoting the removal of excess protein from tissues. It also activates infiltrating cells and endothelia and does not cause skin degeneration in patients after 12 weeks of treatment. These effects collectively contribute to beneficial clinical outcomes by improving the health of the skin associated with lymphedema.
Benefits
Stimulates cell activity. UL treatment leads to the stimulation of epidermal cells and the proliferation of keratinocytes.
Increases immune cells. It causes an increase in the number of macrophages in the dermis and an increase in Langerhans cells, which are important for immune function.
Promotes protein removal. UL helps remove excess protein from the tissues, which is a key factor in lymphedema, likely by increasing macrophage proteolysis (the breakdown of proteins by macrophages).
Activates cells and tissue. It activates infiltrating cells and endothelia, which are part of the body’s healing and immune response.
Improves skin health. Studies have shown no degenerative changes in the skin after 12 weeks of treatment, and the cream does not alter the spectrum of calf skin bacteria.
Reduces inflammation. The overall effect is a stimulation of skin-associated lymphoid tissue and the elimination of factors that cause inflammation in lymphedematous skin, leading to beneficial clinical effects.
Function
Increases macrophage activity. The cream stimulates macrophages, which are immune cells, to break down and remove excess protein that accumulates in lymphedematous tissues.
Stimulates skin cells. It promotes the stimulation of epidermal cells, increases Langerhans cells, and causes macrophages to accumulate in the dermis.
Activates immune cells. It also activates other immune cells and endothelial cells, which contributes to its overall effect on reducing lymphedema.
Composition
Unguentum Lymphaticum contains several antiphlogistic compounds, which are substances that reduce inflammation. These include:
Digitalis
Calendulin
Hyoscyamine
Colchicine
Podophyllin
Effectiveness
Reduces lymphedema. It has been shown to be effective in reducing swelling caused by lymphedema.
Reduces protein in tissues. The cream significantly reduces the amount of protein in the tissues, which is a key factor in lymphedema.
Potential side effects. In some experimental settings, the cream has been noted to slightly increase edema in certain tissues, possibly due to a vasodilatory effect.
Important
Unguentum Lymphaticum is a specific pharmaceutical preparation. A similar product, Unguentum M, is an ambiphilic dermatological cream used for dry and eczema-prone skin, and its function and composition are different.
This information is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A healthcare provider can give guidance on what is best for your specific situation.
Research
Augustin, M., Denig, N., & Vanscheidt, W. (1999). Unguentum lymphaticum in lymphatic diseases — Current knowledge and prospects. Forschende Komplementarmedizin.
Casley-Smith, J. (1983). Electron microscopy of the effects of unguentum lymphaticum on acute experimental lymphedema and various high-protein edemas. Lymphology.
Olszewski, W., & Kubicka, U. (2002). The effects of Unguentum Lymphaticum on skin in patients with obstructive lymphedema of the lower extremities. Lymphology.
Sheikhi-Mobarakeh, Z., Yarmohammadi, H., Mokhatri-Hesari, P., et al. (2020). Herbs as old potential treatments for lymphedema management: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
