Evaluation of clinical trial of atopic dermatitis by a topical cream containing the extracts from photosynthetic bacteria, Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The photosynthetic bacteria Rhodobacter sphaeroides has been studied as a functional food source; however, in this clinical study, we report for the first time its use as a treatment for atopic dermatitis. Topical cream containing 10% (v/v) extract was demonstrated to have the ability to reduce skin moisture content loss and pruritus by 27.82% in clinical trials for atopic dermatitis compared with controls. In particular, there were statistically significant differences in the pH and temperature changes of the skin, skin firmness and general skin appearance. Changes in the skin pH were measured as 4.83, and there was a 3.37% change in temperature after 4 weeks of treatment. It was also found that there were great differences in wrinkle states according to the grading scale of patients before and after treatment with topical cream. Therefore, these results strongly suggest that extracts from photosynthetic bacteria can be employed to soothe atopic irritation as a new cosmetic bioresource.