In recent years, many consumers have paid close attention to the presence of steroids when purchasing topical creams. Common steroids, such as hydrocortisone and dexamethasone, are effective in treating inflammation and itchiness in the short term. However, prolonged use can lead to side effects, including thinning of the skin, pigmentation, and capillary dilation. As a result, finding steroid-free topical creams has become a priority for many consumers.
Baoshutang Bao Fu Ling, a widely popular topical medication, is explicitly formulated with a range of herbal ingredients to provide anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and antibacterial effects without relying on steroids. Its formula ensures safety and efficacy, making it a reliable choice for consumers.
Below, we will provide a scientific analysis of the key ingredients, their mechanisms of action, and supporting research behind Bao Fu Ling.
Ingredient Analysis of Baoshutang Bao Fu Ling
Baoshutang Bao Fu Ling is available in two versions: Mainland China and Hong Kong. Both variants share the same core ingredients and are steroid-free. The key ingredients are as follows:
Mainland Version of Bao Fu Ling (content per gram and functions):
- Camphor (40mg, 4%): Provides pain relief, reduces itchiness, and acts as a local stimulant.
- Menthol (30mg, 3%): Offers a cooling sensation, alleviates itching, and promotes local blood circulation.
- Methyl Salicylate (20mg, 2%): Anti-inflammatory and analgesic, used to relieve muscle or joint pain.
- Diphenhydramine (10mg, 1%): An antihistamine that effectively relieves allergic dermatitis and itching.
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate (2mg, 0.2%): Broad-spectrum antibacterial properties to inhibit the growth of skin pathogens.
- Glycyrrhetinic Acid (3mg, 0.3%): A natural anti-inflammatory compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
Both the Mainland and Hong Kong versions of Bao Fu Ling are based on herbal ingredients, scientifically combined to provide anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and antibacterial effects.
Why Is Bao Fu Ling Steroid-Free?
1. Glycyrrhetinic Acid/Glycyrrhizic Acid: A Steroid Alternative
Glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhizic acid, derived from licorice, are active compounds with significant anti-inflammatory properties. They work by inhibiting inflammatory mediators (e.g., prostaglandins, interleukins), reducing inflammation, and modulating the immune system to alleviate allergic symptoms.
Research indicates that the anti-inflammatory effects of glycyrrhetinic acid and glycyrrhizic acid are comparable to steroids but with fewer side effects [1][2][3]. In Bao Fu Ling, the glycyrrhetinic acid concentration is 0.3%, which is lower than that in some oral medications, ensuring it remains within a safe dosage range.
References：Hao Fei. "Research Progress on Glycyrrhizic Acid Abroad."
2. Diphenhydramine: Antihistamine Action
Diphenhydramine is a classic antihistamine that effectively blocks histamine from binding to H1 receptors, alleviating itching and swelling caused by allergic dermatitis or urticaria. Unlike steroids, diphenhydramine does not affect skin structure or pose risks with long-term use.
3. Camphor and Menthol: Non-Steroidal Physical Pain Relievers
Camphor and menthol provide quick relief from itching and pain through localized stimulation and cooling effects. These are common non-steroidal ingredients in herbal topical medications.
Scientific Support for Bao Fu Ling's Ingredients
1. Applications of Glycyrrhetinic Acid in Skin Care
Glycyrrhetinic acid is widely used in treating dermatitis and eczema due to its notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies show that glycyrrhetinic acid protects the skin barrier better than steroids and does not exhibit significant side effects with long-term topical application [1][4].
References：Li Liwen. "Advances in the Study of Glycyrrhizic Acid and Glycyrrhetinic Acid on Pseudoaldosteronism and Drug Interactions."
2. Long-Term Toxicity Studies of Glycyrrhetinic Acid Compound Cream
In studies conducted on SD rats, continuous application of glycyrrhetinic acid compound cream (at doses up to 500 times the clinical dosage) over four weeks showed no adverse effects on body weight, blood parameters, liver and kidney function, or organ pathology. Even after four weeks of withdrawal, no delayed toxicity reactions were observed, further demonstrating the safety of glycyrrhetinic acid [5].
References
[1]What Are Plant Sterols?
https://kmweb.moa.gov.tw/knowledge_view.php?id=5904
[2]A Novel 18α-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivative and Its Medical Use
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2016184400A1/zh
[3]Hao Fei. "Research Progress on Glycyrrhizic Acid Abroad." Chinese Pharmacy 12.8 (2001): 2.
[4]Li Liwen. "Advances in the Study of Glycyrrhizic Acid and Glycyrrhetinic Acid on Pseudoaldosteronism and Drug Interactions." Journal of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, October 2018, Vol. 20, Issue 10.
[5]Gao Chenguang. "Long-Term Toxicity Studies of Glycyrrhetinic Acid Compound Cream." Journal of Tianjin Medical University, July 2017, Vol. 23, Issue 4.