[Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimycotic effects of dark sulfonated shale oil (ichthammol)].

Dark sulfonated shale oil (Ichthammol, ammoniumbituminosulfonate) is an active ingredient of natural origin that was included in Annex II of European Council Regulation (EEC) 2377/90. Therefore, this well-tolerated substance is available further on as a dermatological agent for the application to animals from which food is produced for human consumption. The manifold pharmacological actions could be substantiated in numerous in-vitro studies using the Ichthammol from Seefeld, Austria. The antiinflammatory action which is well-known from clinical experience could be traced back to an influence of the substance on the formation, secretion and effect of inflammation mediators. Antibacterial and antimycotic actions which are well-known from clinical use could be confirmed in in-vitro studies as well.