Efficacy of ligas (Semecarpus cuneiformis Blanco) ground leaves and virgin coconut oil (Cocos nucifera L.) as a topical remedy for eczema

This study investigated the efficacy of a topical remedy formulated with ligas ground leaves and virgin coconut oil (VCO) in managing eczema symptoms compared to a commercially available remedy containing topical steroids. A repeated measures design was employed, with five participants applying the ligas ground leaves and VCO topical remedy to the affected area of their skin and the commercial treatment to a different affected area for five days. Participants completed a survey questionnaire for sensory evaluation of treatment in terms of safety and usability and provided photographs of their eczema symptoms for a visual assessment of improvement. They also recorded the number of days it took for their eczema to heal. Data were analyzed using t-tests, mean percentage, and standard deviation to determine the difference between the two treatments. The t-test results indicated that the calculated t-computed value accepted the null hypothesis (Ho) at the 0.05 significance level, suggesting no statistically significant difference between the ligas ground leaves and VCO as a topical remedy and the commercial treatment in terms of healing progress in the surface area, the number of days it takes for the target condition to heal, safety, and usability of the product. Hence, the topical remedy made from ligas leaves and VCO has the same efficacy as the commercial remedy in treating eczema. Further studies of ligas leaves in the medical field are highly encouraged to add to the limited literature exploring the benefits of ligas.