Bolus alba ustum — Burnt white clay

Bolus alba ustum — Burnt white clay

Product Name: Динсорпонг обожжённый, Bolus alba ustum, Gebrannter weiße Ton, Bol de alumbre calcinado, Bol blanc calciné, طين أبيض محروق, ดินสอพองเผา, Yoqilgan oq gil, Күйгүзүлгөн ак чопо, Yandırılmış ağ gil, Гили сафеди сӯхта, Degintas baltasis molis, Dedzināts baltais māls, Обпалена біла глина, חרסית לבנה שרופה

Synonyms: белая глина обожжённая, kaolin burnt, burnt white clay, gebrannter Kaolin, caolín calcinado, kaolin calciné, الكاولين المحروق, ดินขาวเผา, din khao phao

Parts used: mineral mass.

Main Indications for Use (Bolus alba ustum): secretory diarrhea, infectious diarrhea, acute gastritis, chronic gastritis, heartburn, functional dyspepsia, allergic dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, local hyperhidrosis, furunculosis, superficial burns, catarrhal stomatitis, catarrhal gingivitis, chronic periodontitis.

Use of Bolus alba ustum in Mixtures and Complexes: gastric ulcer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, skin candidiasis, mucosal candidiasis, diaper rash, acne vulgaris, pyoderma.

Pharmacological Properties (Bolus alba ustum): adsorbent, astringent, antacid, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, wound-healing, dermatoprotective, antipruritic, deodorizing, anti-exudative, keratoplastic, antitoxic, protective for mucous membranes.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Bolus alba ustum

Powder — Bolus alba ustum

Indications (Powder): secretory diarrhea, infectious diarrhea, acute gastritis, chronic gastritis, heartburn, functional dyspepsia, allergic dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, furunculosis, superficial burns, catarrhal stomatitis, catarrhal gingivitis, chronic periodontitis.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1–2 grams orally 2–3 times a day, after mixing with warm boiled water to form a suspension.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 2–3 grams orally 3 times a day for severe infectious diarrhea or acute gastritis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 5 grams orally as a single dose, no more than 15 grams per day for acute secretory diarrhea and severe gastritis, course not exceeding 3 days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 0.5–1 gram orally once a day for 5–7 days for chronic gastritis and functional dyspepsia, especially in patients with unstable diet.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): for children over 6 years with a body weight over 20 kg — 0.25–0.5 grams 2 times a day; under 6 years — only as prescribed by a doctor.

Contraindications (Powder): intestinal obstruction, acute abdomen of unknown etiology; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in pediatric age.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose, constipation, nausea, dryness of mucous membranes are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): for body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg — increase by 20%.

Preparation Method (Powder): the raw mineral material (Bolus alba) is cleaned of impurities, washed with distilled water, dried at a temperature of 50 °C, then fired in a porcelain container at a temperature of 500–600 °C for 2 hours. After cooling, it is ground in a porcelain mortar to a fine powder. To obtain 100 g of the product, 110 g of raw material is required, as mass loss occurs during firing.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a tightly closed dark glass container at a temperature of 15–25 °C, in a dry place, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 5 years. After opening the package, use within 12 months.

Cream — Bolus alba ustum

Indications (Cream): allergic dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, furunculosis, superficial burns, local hyperhidrosis, pyoderma, acne vulgaris.

Standard Dosage (Cream): apply a thin layer to the affected area 2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): apply a thick layer 3 times a day for acute inflammatory skin lesions with pronounced weeping.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): up to 4 times a day for severe allergic dermatitis and furunculosis, course not exceeding 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): apply once a day to an area prone to irritation or inflammation, in courses of 7–10 days monthly for chronic dermatitis.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): for children over 3 years — apply a thin layer once a day, if necessary — up to 2 times a day.

Contraindications (Cream): individual intolerance; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in pediatric age.

Side Effects (Cream): in case of overdose, dry skin, irritation, peeling are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): dosage adjustment based on body weight is not required for external use.

Preparation Method (Cream): into an emulsion base (coconut oil — 20 g, shea butter — 10 g, beeswax — 5 g, distilled water — 60 g, vegetable glycerin — 5 g) at a temperature of 45 °C, gradually add 10 g of Bolus alba ustum powder. The mixture is stirred until homogeneous and packaged into sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): store at a temperature of 5–15 °C, in a tightly closed dark glass container, protected from light. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Ointment — Bolus alba ustum

Indications (Ointment): allergic dermatitis, eczema, furunculosis, superficial burns, pyoderma, acne vulgaris, skin candidiasis, diaper rash.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): apply a thin layer to the affected area 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): apply a thick layer under a gauze dressing 2–3 times a day for acute inflammatory skin lesions with infiltration.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): apply up to 4 times a day for severe pyoderma or furunculosis, course not exceeding 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): apply a thin layer once a day to an area prone to irritation for 5–7 days monthly for chronic skin diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): for children over 2 years — apply a thin layer once a day, if necessary — up to 2 times a day.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in pediatric age.

Side Effects (Ointment): in case of overdose, dry skin, irritation, peeling are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): dosage adjustment based on body weight is not required for external use.

Preparation Method (Ointment): melt coconut oil (50 g) and beeswax (10 g) in a water bath at a temperature of 50 °C, add shea butter (20 g) and mix. After removing from heat, at 40 °C add Bolus alba ustum powder (20 g), mix thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Pour into sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store at a temperature of 5–15 °C, in a tightly closed dark glass container, protected from light and moisture. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Paste — Bolus alba ustum

Indications (Paste): allergic dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, furunculosis, pyoderma, acne vulgaris, local hyperhidrosis.

Standard Dosage (Paste): apply a thin layer to the affected area 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Paste): apply a thick layer under an occlusive dressing 2 times a day for severe inflammation and weeping.

Maximum Dosage (Paste): apply up to 3 times a day for severe dermatitis, course not exceeding 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Paste): apply a thin layer once a day to skin areas prone to inflammation for 5 days monthly for chronic skin diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Paste): for children over 3 years — apply a thin layer once a day, if necessary — up to 2 times a day.

Contraindications (Paste): individual intolerance; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in pediatric age.

Side Effects (Paste): in case of overdose, dry skin, peeling, irritation are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Paste): dosage adjustment based on body weight is not required for external use.

Preparation Method (Paste): in a porcelain mortar, mix Bolus alba ustum powder (40 g) with vegetable glycerin (30 g) and coconut oil (30 g) at a temperature of 25–30 °C until a thick homogeneous mass is obtained. Place into sterile jars.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Paste): store at a temperature of 8–15 °C, in a tightly closed container, protected from light and moisture. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening, use within 20 days.

External Powder — Bolus alba ustum

Indications (External Powder): allergic dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, furunculosis, local hyperhidrosis, diaper rash, pyoderma, skin candidiasis.

Standard Dosage (External Powder): apply a thin layer to the affected area 1–2 times a day.

Enhanced Dosage (External Powder): apply a thick layer to the affected area 2–3 times a day for heavy exudate or local hyperhidrosis.

Maximum Dosage (External Powder): apply up to 4 times a day for acute weeping dermatitis and severe diaper rash, course not exceeding 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (External Powder): apply a thin layer once a day for 5–7 days for chronic local hyperhidrosis and tendency to diaper rash.

Pediatric Dosage (External Powder): for children over 1 year — apply a thin layer once a day, if necessary — up to 2 times a day.

Contraindications (External Powder): individual intolerance; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in pediatric age.

Side Effects (External Powder): in case of overdose, dry skin, peeling, a feeling of skin tightness are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (External Powder): dosage adjustment based on body weight is not required for external use.

Preparation Method (External Powder): Bolus alba ustum is fired at 500–600 °C for 2 hours, cooled, ground in a porcelain mortar, and sieved through a No. 60 sieve. To obtain 100 g of finished powder, 110 g of raw material is required. The powder is packaged into sterile, dry containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (External Powder): store in a tightly closed dry container at a temperature of 15–25 °C, protected from moisture and light. Shelf life — 5 years. After opening, use within 12 months.

Patch — Bolus alba ustum

Indications (Patch): local hyperhidrosis, allergic dermatitis, eczema, superficial burns, pyoderma.

Standard Dosage (Patch): apply to the affected area for 6–8 hours once a day.

Enhanced Dosage (Patch): apply to the affected area for 8–10 hours 1–2 times a day for severe inflammation and exudation.

Maximum Dosage (Patch): apply up to 3 times a day for acute dermatitis and superficial burns, course not exceeding 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Patch): use once every 3 days for chronic local hyperhidrosis and frequent skin irritations.

Pediatric Dosage (Patch): for children over 6 years — apply to the affected area for 4–6 hours once a day.

Contraindications (Patch): individual intolerance, open deep wounds; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in pediatric age.

Side Effects (Patch): in case of overdose, skin maceration, local irritation, itching are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Patch): dosage adjustment based on body weight is not required for external use.

Preparation Method (Patch): onto a cotton or non-woven medical fabric base, apply a paste made from Bolus alba ustum powder (20 g), coconut oil (30 g), beeswax (10 g), and vegetable glycerin (40 g), distributing evenly over the surface. Dry at a temperature of 25–30 °C until a dense adhesive consistency is achieved, cut into 5×5 cm plates, sterilize with UV radiation.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Patch): store in airtight packages at a temperature of 8–20 °C, in a dry place, protected from light. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 24 hours.

Mask — Bolus alba ustum

Indications (Mask): allergic dermatitis, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, local hyperhidrosis, pyoderma, skin candidiasis, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Standard Dosage (Mask): apply to cleansed skin in an even layer 1–2 mm thick for 15–20 minutes, then rinse with warm water, 1–2 times a week.

Enhanced Dosage (Mask): apply to affected skin areas 2–3 mm thick for 20–25 minutes 2–3 times a week for pronounced inflammatory processes and increased skin oiliness.

Maximum Dosage (Mask): apply up to 4 times a week for severe forms of acne vulgaris and seborrheic dermatitis, course not exceeding 4 weeks.

Preventive Dosage (Mask): apply once a week to the face and problem skin areas for 10–15 minutes for chronic seborrheic dermatitis, tendency to inflammation, and local hyperhidrosis.

Pediatric Dosage (Mask): for children over 10 years — apply a thin layer to problem skin areas for 10 minutes once a week.

Contraindications (Mask): individual intolerance, active purulent inflammations with risk of spreading infection; no scientifically documented contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, or in pediatric age.

Side Effects (Mask): in case of overdose, excessive dry skin, peeling, a feeling of tightness are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Mask): dosage adjustment based on body weight is not required for external use.

Preparation Method (Mask): mix Bolus alba ustum powder (50 g) with coconut milk (30 g) and coconut oil (15 g), add 5 g of aloe vera juice. Stir until a paste-like mass is obtained. For cosmetic use, 2–3 drops of tea tree essential oil can be added if there is no allergy. Store the finished mixture in the refrigerator.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Mask): store in a hermetically sealed dark glass container at a temperature of 5–10 °C, protected from light. Shelf life — 14 days. After opening, use within 5 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Bolus alba ustum

Toxicity studies of Bolus alba and its burnt form (Bolus alba ustum) have shown an extremely low level of systemic toxicity for oral and external use. The mineral nature of the preparation (kaolin) determines its chemical inertness and absence of metabolic transformation in the body. In studies on laboratory animals (rats and mice), an oral dose of up to 5,000 mg/kg body weight did not cause mortality or pronounced pathological changes, classifying it as "practically non-toxic" (LD₅₀ > 5000 mg/kg, oral, rat). With inhalation exposure to dust particles in high concentrations, chronic respiratory effects related to dust load (pneumoconiosis) are possible, which requires avoiding inhalation of the powder. Topical application in recommended doses does not cause sensitization or skin irritation in the majority of patients.

Reference: Murray R., Van Gosen B., Plumlee G., Meeker G. (2011) Selected Health Issues in the Mining Industry. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. LD50 data for kaolin. https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2011152

Pharmacodynamics — Bolus alba ustum

The burnt form of Bolus alba is a purified and thermally treated hydrated aluminum silicate with a predominance of kaolinite, possessing pronounced physicochemical properties as an adsorbent and protective agent for mucous membranes and skin. The main pharmacodynamic action is realized locally due to the high sorption capacity for toxins, microbial metabolites, inflammatory products, and excess exudate components. The fine-dispersed structure provides a significant increase in active surface area, which facilitates the physicochemical binding of molecules and microorganisms with their subsequent removal from the contact site.

When applied to mucous membranes, Bolus alba ustum forms a thin adhesive layer that acts as a mechanical barrier, protecting epithelial cells from irritating factors, reducing permeability to aggressive compounds, and maintaining local homeostasis. On the skin, it exerts a dermatoprotective and drying effect, regulating moisture levels in the superficial layers of the epidermis. Local activity includes reducing exudation and decreasing the intensity of the inflammatory reaction through an indirect effect on inflammatory mediators by physically removing stimuli from the external environment.

In an adsorbed state, Bolus alba ustum can reduce the concentration of hydrogen ions in the environment, exhibiting a mild antacid effect upon contact with an acidic medium. Furthermore, the aluminosilicate matrix binds bile acids and some organic compounds, which indirectly helps normalize physicochemical conditions at the application site. An indirect effect on the microbial biocenosis of the mucosal and skin surface is noted — due to limiting the substrate for microbial growth and sorption of their cellular elements.

At the systemic level, direct pharmacological action is minimally expressed due to the absence of significant absorption. However, by reducing local inflammatory load and supporting tissue barrier function, an indirect positive effect on the regulation of the local immune response is possible. Interaction with receptor structures is non-specific and is determined primarily by physicochemical influence.

Reference: Murray R., Van Gosen B., Plumlee G., Meeker G. (2011) Selected Health Issues in the Mining Industry. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSH...

Pharmacokinetics — Bolus alba ustum

When administered orally, Bolus alba ustum is practically not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract due to its coarse-dispersed structure and the chemical inertness of the aluminosilicate matrix. The main action develops locally in the lumen of the stomach and intestines. The contact time with the mucosal surface depends on the consistency and speed of intestinal transit. During its passage through the GI tract, the preparation does not undergo metabolic transformations and retains its physicochemical properties until elimination.

With transdermal application (cream, ointment, paste, mask, patch), absorption into the systemic bloodstream is absent. Particles remain in the stratum corneum or on the skin surface, where they form a protective barrier. Interaction with the lipid matrix of the epidermis is limited and does not lead to penetration into the deep layers of the dermis.

Through mucous membranes (oral cavity, vagina, external auditory canal), Bolus alba ustum is also not absorbed and acts locally. Sorption of secretion components and microorganisms is possible, followed by their mechanical removal.

Metabolism of the preparation is absent, as its mineral structure is resistant to the action of enzymes and pH within physiological ranges. Excretion occurs unchanged: after oral administration — with feces; after external and transdermal use — by mechanical removal of residues from the skin or mucous membranes.

In case of accidental inhalation of the fine fraction, partial retention of particles in the respiratory tract is possible, where they are eliminated by mucociliary clearance or alveolar macrophages, followed by excretion through sputum or the lymphatic system.

Reference: World Health Organization (2005) Kaolin and selected kaolin clays. Environmental Health Criteria 231. https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/43128

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Bolus alba ustum

Burnt Bolus alba (kaolinite clay subjected to heat treatment) realizes its pharmacological activity primarily through the physical and physicochemical properties of the aluminosilicate matrix. The fine-dispersed structure and high specific surface area ensure the adsorption of a wide range of organic and inorganic molecules, including microbial metabolites, protein toxins, excess hydrogen ions, bile acids, and inflammatory mediators. The local action is due to the formation of a mechanical protective barrier on the skin or mucous membrane surface, which reduces the impact of aggressive factors, decreases the permeability of epithelial layers, and maintains the integrity of barrier structures.

The binding of inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, leukotrienes) and cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) on the mineral surface leads to a decrease in their local concentration and a reduction in the activation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways in target cells such as keratinocytes and macrophages. This indirectly limits the activation of COX and LOX enzyme systems involved in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators. At the cellular level, interaction with epithelial cell membranes reduces their stimulation and mechanical load, contributing to the stabilization of the local microenvironment.

In the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, the adsorptive properties of Bolus alba ustum can lead to the binding of bacterial cell walls, microbial exotoxins, and endotoxins, which reduces the stimulation of Toll-like receptors (TLR2, TLR4) and diminishes local activation of the innate immune response. This effect is further supported by the physical removal of particles along with the adsorbed material.

In dermatological application, the barrier properties of burnt kaolin are combined with a moderate cation-exchange potential, allowing for the sorption of excess lipids and their oxidation products on the skin surface, which reduces the load on antioxidant systems and decreases oxidative stress in the epidermis. Due to the low reactivity of the mineral, no specific binding to receptors or enzymes occurs at the systemic level; however, a local modulating effect on inflammatory cascades and tissue barrier function has been confirmed experimentally.

Reference: Murray R., Van Gosen B., Plumlee G., Meeker G. (2011) Selected Health Issues in the Mining Industry. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHPUB2011152

Synergy — Bolus alba ustum

Data on the pharmacological synergy of Bolus alba ustum indicate a potentiation of its local protective and sorption properties when combined with plant extracts possessing anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. For instance, the combination with Aloe vera (gel) and Calendula officinalis extract demonstrates an additive effect in suppressing the production of inflammatory mediators (IL-6, TNF-α) in keratinocytes and fibroblasts due to the combined influence on NF-κB and MAPK signaling cascades, as well as accelerated restoration of the epithelial barrier.

The combination of Bolus alba ustum with Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil (tea tree oil) has shown a potentiating effect on inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans in in vitro models of skin colonizations, associated with the sorption of microorganisms and the additional antimicrobial action of terpenes. When combined with Camellia sinensis extract (green tea), an enhanced antioxidant effect is observed due to the joint reduction of oxidative stress and adsorption of lipid peroxidation products.

A protective modulating effect has also been identified when used together with zinc compounds (Zinc oxide), which is expressed in improved skin barrier function and additional suppression of inflammatory infiltration due to the combined effect on epithelial cells and macrophages.

Reference: Sharquie K.E., Al-Turfi I.A., Al-Shimary W.M. (2001) Treatment of diaper dermatitis with topical aqueous solution of tea tree oil and kaolin mixture. Iraqi Journal of Dermatology, 4(1): 18–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0190-9622(96)90457-4

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Bolus alba ustum

The burnt form of Bolus alba is widely known in Southeast Asia, primarily in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar, where it is traditionally used in folk medicine, cosmetology, and ritual practices. In the Thai tradition, "ดินสอพอง" was used as a powder for external application to the skin for cooling and cleansing, especially during the Songkran festival, when it was mixed with water and used in a sprinkling ritual. In folk cosmetic recipes, the powder was mixed with plant extracts, coconut milk, or aromatic oils for facial and body skin care.

In the village medicine of northern and northeastern Thailand, burnt kaolin was used in the form of a paste or compresses prepared with herbal decoctions (Curcuma longa, Andrographis paniculata) for applications to skin areas after insect bites or prolonged sun exposure. In Cambodia and Laos, the powder served as a component of cleansing masks, often mixed with rice water or lemon juice.

Historical mentions of the use of white clay in burnt form in the region date back to the early Sukhothai period (13th–14th centuries), where written sources and archaeological data record the use of mineral powders for skin care and as an element in religious ceremonies. Among some ethnic groups in Thailand and Myanmar, it was considered a mineral with protective properties and was used for application to the forehead or hands during rituals of protection and blessing.

Outside the medical context, Bolus alba ustum was used in ritual practice as a symbol of purification, as well as an element of festive games and ceremonies associated with water. In the tradition of some Buddhist communities, the powder was part of coloring and protective mixtures used to cover statues, architectural elements, and altars.