A RANDOMIZED controlled trial has found that Bojungikgi-tang (BJT), a traditional East Asian herbal medicine, significantly improved symptoms of anorexia and atopic dermatitis (AD) while altering the gut microbiome in affected patients. These findings suggest a possible therapeutic role for BJT in targeting both gastrointestinal and dermatological symptoms through modulation of the gut–skin axis.
In this 12-week trial, 26 adults with both AD and anorexia were randomized 1:1 into a BJT treatment group or a waiting list control. Participants in the treatment arm received BJT for 8 weeks, followed by a 4-week observation period. Key outcomes included changes in anorexia severity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), AD severity using SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), and quality of life via the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Serum cytokines were analyzed before and after treatment, and fecal samples underwent 16S rRNA sequencing to assess shifts in the gut microbiome.
By Week 8, the BJT group showed a statistically significant reduction in anorexia VAS scores compared with controls. Improvements in SCORAD and DLQI scores were observed only in the BJT group and sustained through follow-up. No serious adverse events related to the herbal treatment were reported.
Cytokine analysis revealed a significant decrease in IL-1β levels exclusive to the BJT group, while IL-4 and IL-17 levels decreased in both groups but more markedly in the treatment group. Gut microbiota analysis showed meaningful changes following BJT treatment, including in Gemella, Gemmiger formicilis, and Blautia_uc, suggesting that the therapeutic effects may be partially mediated by microbiome modulation.
These results highlight BJT’s potential as a safe adjunct therapy for patients with comorbid AD and anorexia, warranting further large-scale clinical validation.
Reference:
Lee B et al. Effect of herbal medicine Bojungikgi-tang on gut microbiome and symptoms in anorexic patients with atopic dermatitis: a randomized controlled trial. Front Pharmacol. 2025;16.
