Research Library
107 sources on peat in medicine and cosmetics — peer-reviewed papers, clinical studies, reviews, conference material, and expert opinion. Not every source here is peer-reviewed; each entry's study type and evidence grade are shown below.
Evidence grades: A = systematic review/meta-analysis, B = controlled study, C = observational/review/expert opinion, D = uncontrolled or unpublished/non-peer-reviewed data
2026
Turba väärindamine meditsiini, taastusravi ja kosmeetikatööstuse toormena (Valorization of peat as raw material for medicine, rehabilitation, and cosmetics industry)
Hinn, Helena
cohort
Grade C Rae Gümnaasium (supervised by Anneli Kontson and Mall Orru, Tallinn University of Technology)
2026
Лечебные грязи: особенности морфогенеза и современные технологии применения в клинической практике (Peloids: morphogenetic characteristics and modern application technologies in clinical practice)
Kulikov, A.G.
review
Grade B Russian Journal of Physiotherapy, Balneology and Rehabilitation
2026
Integrated safety and microbiota profiling of fulvic acid formulations across in vitro and in vivo models
Szwed-Georgiou, A., Płociński, P., Włodarczyk, M. et al.
in-vitro
Grade B Scientific Reports
2025
Relevance of balneotherapy for back pain — a systematic literature review covering the past 5 years
Crevenna, Richard, Scheifinger, M.
review
Grade B Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift
2025
Biomedical Applications of Humic Substances: From Natural Biopolymers to Therapeutic Agents
Gvozdeva, Y., Peneva, P., Katsarov, P.
review
Grade B Antioxidants
2025
Relevance of balneotherapy for osteoarthritis — a systematic literature review covering the past 5 years
Keilani, Mohammad, Scheifinger, Julian, Crevenna, Richard
review
Grade A Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift
2025
Balneotherapy in dermatology and rheumatology: a systematic review
Kiereta, K., Cichowska, Z., Chmielowiec, L. et al.
review
Grade D Quality in Sport
2025
Development of a microalgal peloid for thermotherapeutic uses
Mourelle, M. Lourdes, Gómez, Carmen P., Martín de la Cruz, M.C. et al.
cohort
Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2025
Neuroimmunomodulation induced by mud-bath therapy: clinical benefits and bioregulation of the innate immune response
Ortega-Collazos, Eduardo, Otero, Eduardo, Torres-Piles, Silvia et al.
cohort
Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2025
Microvascular Responses in the Dermis and Muscles After Balneotherapy: Results from a Prospective Pilot Histological Study
Surdu, Traian Virgiliu
cohort
Grade B Water
2024
Potential Possibilities of Using Peat, Humic Substances, and Sulfurous Waters in Cosmetology
Błońska-Sikora, Ewelina, Klimek-Szczykutowicz, M.
review
Grade B Applied Sciences
2024
Advances in modern Balneology: new evidence-based indications from recent studies
Fioravanti, Antonella, Antonelli, M.
review
Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2024
Balneotherapy and thermal resort in dermatology
Gębka-Adamczyk, N., Głogowska-Szeląg, J., Adamczyk, J. et al.
review
Grade D Acta Balneologica
2024
Sphagnum cuspidatulum extract prevents acute kidney injury induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin via alleviation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in pre-diabetic rats
Laorodphun, Pongrapee, Chaisen, Sutheera, Amattat, Sarocha et al.
in-vivo
Grade B Frontiers in Pharmacology
2024
Peloids in Skin Care and Cosmeceuticals
Mourelle, M., Gómez, C.P.
review
Grade B Cosmetics
2024
Microbiological and Physicochemical Analysis of Therapeutic Peat from Baikalsko Deposit, Radomir Municipality
Chipilska, L., Burnaska, Ir.
in-vitro
Grade B
2024
Balneotherapy (Mud-Bath Therapy) with a Peloid Enriched with Rosmarinic Acid Enhances Clinical Outcomes and Innate Immune Benefits in Elderly Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Pilot Study
Ortega-Collazos, Eduardo, Hinchado, María Dolores, Otero, Eduardo et al.
cohort
Grade B Applied Sciences
2024
Balneotherapy using thermal mineral water baths and dermatological diseases: a systematic review
Protano, C., Vitali, M.
review
Grade A International Journal of Biometeorology
2023
In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation of a Dual-Targeted Nanoemulsion Gel for the Amelioration of Psoriasis
Khan, R., Mirza, M.A., Aqil, M. et al.
in-vivo
Grade C Gels
2023
Ресурсосберегающие методики пелоидотерапии в реабилитации пациентов после микродискэктомии (Resource-saving peloidotherapy techniques in rehabilitation of patients after microdiscectomy)
Kulikov, A.G., Gaidukova, T.Yu., Lvova, N.V.
rct
Grade B Russian Journal of Physiotherapy, Balneology and Rehabilitation
2023
Thermal Therapy Modulation of the Psoriasis-Associated Skin and Gut Microbiome
Manara, Serena, Beghini, Francesco, Masetti, Giulia et al.
cohort
Grade B Dermatology and Therapy
2023
Fulvic Acid Attenuates Atopic Dermatitis by Downregulating CCL17/22
Wu, C., Lyu, A., Shan, S.
in-vivo
Grade C Molecules
2022
Biological Activity of Fulvic Acid: Prospects of Application in Medicine
Benderskiy, N.S., Safronenko, A.V., Kudelina, O.M. et al.
review
Grade C Journal Biomed (Биомедицина)
2022
Efficacy of hydrotherapy, spa therapy, and balneotherapy for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: a systematic review
Jazani, Arezoo Moini, Ayati, Mohammad Hossein
review
Grade A International Journal of Dermatology
2022
Comparison of the efficacy of mud-pack and hot-pack treatments in chronic non-specific neck pain
Karaarslan, F., Yılmaz, H., Akkurt, H.E. et al.
rct
Grade B Turkish Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
2022
Evaluation of Healing Effects of Poultice Containing 0.5% Fulvic Acid on Male White-Male Rats with Skin Ulcer
Samiee-Rad, F., Hosseini Sedighi, S.F., Taherkhani, A. et al.
in-vivo
Grade C Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
2022
Bioprospecting for Microorganisms in Peloids — Extreme Environment Known for Its Healing Properties
Vadlja, Denis, Bujak, Maro, Čož-Rakovac, Rozelindra et al.
review
Grade C Frontiers in Marine Science
2022
Anti-inflammatory activity and potential dermatological applications of characterized humic acids from a lignite and a green compost
Verrillo, M., Parisi, M., Savy, D. et al.
in-vitro
Grade C Scientific Reports
2021
Clinical efficacy of medical hydrology: an umbrella review
Antonelli, M., Donelli, D.
meta-analysis
Grade A International Journal of Biometeorology
2021
Effectiveness of peloid therapy in patients with chronic low back pain: a single-blind controlled study
Karaarslan, F., Yılmaz, H., Akkurt, H.E. et al.
rct
Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2021
From in vitro research to real life studies: an extensive narrative review of the effects of balneotherapy on human immune response
Maccarone, M., Magro, G.
review
Grade B Sport Sciences for Health
2021
Peloids as Thermotherapeutic Agents
Maraver, F., Armijo, F.
review
Grade B International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
2021
Mud therapy and rehabilitation - scientific relevance in the last six years (2015-2020): Systematic literature review and meta-analysis based on the PRISMA paradigm
Munteanu, Constantin, Rotariu, Mariana, Dogaru, Gabriela et al.
meta-analysis
Grade A Balneo and PRM Research Journal
2021
Efficacy of Balneotherapy and Mud Therapy in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Literature Review
Raza, H.M.A., Krutulyte, G., Rimdeikiene, I. et al.
review
Grade B Aktuelle Rheumatologie
2020
A comprehensive analysis to understand the mechanism of action of balneotherapy: why, how, and where they can be used? Evidence from in vitro studies performed on human and animal samples
Cheleschi, S., Gallo, I.
review
Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2020
Mosses in biotechnology
Decker, E.L., Reski, R.
review
Grade C Current Opinion in Biotechnology
2020
Central European ethnomedical and officinal uses of peat
Drobnik, J., Stebel, A.
review
Grade C
2020
Peloid therapy for dermatological conditions
Gams, A.
review
Grade B
2020
Peat Therapeutics and Balneotherapy
Groven, Mark
review
Grade B
2020
Nordic Beauty® Peat — Technical Dossier (Identity Sheet, Technical Data Sheet, Safety Data Sheet, Applications Sheet)
The Innovation Company
case-study
Grade D
2020
Overview of Systematic Reviews with Meta-Analysis Based on Randomized Controlled Trials of Balneotherapy and Spa Therapy from 2000 to 2019
Kamioka, H., Nobuoka, S.
meta-analysis
Grade A International Journal of General Medicine
2020
Effect of Peat Intervention on Pain and Gait in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Study
Kim, M., Lee, K.H., Han, S.H. et al.
rct
Grade A Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
2020
Application of topical peloid-derived humic acid suppresses allergic contact dermatitis
Zhernov, Y.V.
in-vivo
Grade C World Allergy Organization Journal
2019
The effect of balneotherapy and peloid therapy on changes in the functional state of patients with knee joint osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled, single-blind pilot study
Varzaityte, L., Kubilius, R.
rct
Grade A International Journal of Biometeorology
2018
Efficacy of Spa Therapy, Mud-Pack Therapy, Balneotherapy, and Mud-Bath Therapy in the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis. A Systematic Review
Fraioli, Antonio, Mennuni, Gioacchino, Fontana, Mario et al.
review
Grade B BioMed Research International
2018
Balneotherapy, Immune System, and Stress Response: A Hormetic Strategy?
Gálvez, I., Torres-Piles, S.
review
Grade B International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2018
Evaluation of the Role of Balneotherapy in Rehabilitation Medicine
Matsumoto, S.
review
Grade D Journal of Nippon Medical School
2018
Therapeutic potential of fulvic acid in chronic inflammatory diseases and diabetes
Winkler, J., Ghosh, S.
review
Grade B Journal of Diabetes Research
2017
The role of mineral elements and other chemical compounds used in balneology: data from double-blind randomized clinical trials
Morer, C., Roques, C.-F., Françon, A. et al.
meta-analysis
Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2017
Balneological Outpatient Treatment for Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis; an Effective Non-Drug Therapy Option in Daily Routine?
Özkuk, K., Gürdal, H., Karagülle, M. et al.
rct
Grade B International Journal of Biometeorology
2015
Topical antifungals for seborrhoeic dermatitis
Okokon, Enembe O., Verbeek, Jos H., Ruotsalainen, Jani H. et al.
meta-analysis
Grade A Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
2015
Method for extraction of peat active substances and use of their combination in skin regenerating cosmetic formulations
Silamikele, B., Ramata-Stunda, A., Muiznieks, I.
other
Grade C European Patent Application EP 2 878 342 A1
2015
Microbiological characterization and sterilization-induced changes in the profile of the hydrophobic organic substances in Latvian balneological peat
Ramata-Stunda, A., Petriņa, Z.
cohort
Grade B International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
2015
The anti-inflammatory properties of humic substances: A mini review
van Rensburg, Constance E.J.
review
Grade A University of Pretoria repository (review article)
2014
Fulvic acid as mineral transporter in biological systems
Pant, K.
review
Grade C
2013
Peloidtherapie: Ein Überblick zur Empirie und Evidenz am Beispiel der Heiltorftherapie
Beer, A.-M., Fetaj, S., Lange, U.
review
Grade B Zeitschrift für Rheumatologie
2013
Evidence-based hydro- and balneotherapy in Hungary — a systematic review and meta-analysis
Bender, T., Bálint, G.
meta-analysis
Grade A International Journal of Biometeorology
2013
Peloids and pelotherapy: Historical evolution, classification and glossary
Gomes, C., Carretero, M.I.
review
Grade B Applied Clay Science
2013
The effect of Neydharting mud-pack therapy on knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled, double-blind follow-up pilot study
Tefner, Ildikó Katalin, Gaál, Ramóna, Koroknai, András et al.
rct
Grade A Rheumatology International
2013
Ülevaade raviturbast ja turbaravist (Review of therapeutic peat and peat therapy)
Übner, Monika
review
Grade C University of Tartu, Pärnu College — Health Resort Laboratory
2013
Expert Opinion on Estonian Balneological Peat
Übner, Monika
other
Grade C University of Tartu Pärnu College, Health Resort Laboratory
2012
Use of Peat as an Organic Raw Material
Bambalov, N.N.
review
Grade C Solid Fuel Chemistry
2012
Peat for Hair Treatment
Bovcon, Maria Laura, Cisterna, Miguel
case-study
Grade D
2012
Kylpyturpeen ominaisuudet ja laatusuositukset Suomessa (Characteristics and the quality guidelines of balneological peat in Finland)
Korhonen, R.
cohort
Grade C Suo — Mires and Peat (Finnish Peatland Society)
2012
Comparing the Efficacy of Mature Mud-Pack and Hot-Pack Treatments for Knee Osteoarthritis
Sarsan, A., Akkaya, N., Özgen, M. et al.
rct
Grade B Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
2012
The UV-B protective effect of humic substances provide the basis for the development of a peat lipstick
Seel, Y., Guhr, M., Klöcking, R. et al.
in-vitro
Grade D 14th International Peat Congress — Extended Abstract No. 344
2011
Chemical properties of peat in three peatlands with balneological potential in Estonia
Orru, Mall, Übner, Monika, Orru, Hans
in-vitro
Grade C Estonian Journal of Earth Sciences
2010
Physical and chemical properties of Estonian balneological peat
Orru, Mall
cohort
Grade B 8th International Symposium 'Topical Problems in the Field of Electrical and Power Engineering', Pärnu, Estonia
2009
Efficacy of a Peat and Salsobromoiodic Water Mask in the Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis of the Face
Pedrinazzi, C., Andreoli, S., Battistini, E. et al.
rct
Grade B Journal of Plastic Dermatology
2009
Chemical properties of peat used in balneology
Szajdak, L., Hado, E.
review
Grade B
2009
Peat: A Natural Source for Dermatocosmetics and Dermatotherapeutics
Uwe Wollina
review
Grade B Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery
2008
Chemical character of humic acids isolated from raised bog
Gierlach-Hładoń, T., Szajdak, L.
in-vitro
Grade D Proceedings of the 13th International Peat Congress (Peat Balneology section)
2008
In vitro investigations on the effect of peat humic substances on inflammation
Klöcking, R., Junek, R., Kleiner, C. et al.
in-vitro
Grade C Proceedings of the 13th International Peat Congress (Peat Balneology section)
2008
Research Quality Guidelines and Use of Balneological Peat
Korhonen, R.
cohort
Grade C Proceedings of the 13th International Peat Congress
2007
The efficacy of balneotherapy and mud-pack therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Evcik, D., Kavuncu, V., Yeter, A. et al.
rct
Grade B Joint Bone Spine
2007
Effectiveness of Peloid Therapy in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Karagülle, M., Karagülle, M.Z.
rct
Grade A Rheumatology International
2007
Eesti turba balneoloogiliste kasutamisvõimaluste uuring (III etapp) — Study of Balneological Uses of Estonian Peat (Stage III)
Orru, M., Orru, H., Tuulik, V.-R. et al.
cohort
Grade C Estonian Geological Survey (Eesti Geoloogiakeskus)
2007
Water-extractable humic substances alter root development and epidermal cell pattern in Arabidopsis
Schmidt, W., Santi, S., Pinton, R. et al.
in-vitro
Grade C Plant and Soil
2007
Inhibitory Effect of Fulvic Acid Extracted from Canadian Sphagnum Peat on Chemical Mediator Release by RBL-2H3 and KU812 Cells
Parida Yamada, Hiroko Isoda, Jun Kyu Han et al.
in-vitro
Grade B Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry
2006
HPLC determination of phenolic acids and antioxidant activity in concentrated peat extract — a natural immunomodulator
Tarnawski, M., Depta, K., Grejciun, D. et al.
in-vitro
Grade B Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis
2005
Medical aspects and applications of humic substances
Klöcking, R., Helbig, B.
review
Grade B Biopolymers for Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications (Wiley-VCH)
2005
Balneological Researches of Lehtosuo Mire in Ähtäri
Korhonen, R.
case-study
Grade D Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) — client research report
2005
Clinical observations of peat bath therapy effects on psoriatic patients
Leibaschoff, G.
cohort
Grade C
2005
Balneotherapy in medicine: A review
Nasermoaddeli, Ali, Kagamimori, Sadanobu
review
Grade B Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine
2005
Eesti turba balneoloogiliste kasutamisvõimaluste uuring (II etapp) — Study of Balneological Uses of Estonian Peat (Stage II)
Orru, M.
cohort
Grade C Estonian Geological Survey (Eesti Geoloogiakeskus)
2005
Zinc and skin health: overview of physiology and pharmacology
Schwartz, J.R.
review
Grade B Dermatologic Surgery
2004
Sulfur in dermatological therapy
Gupta, A.K.
review
Grade B
2004
Transdermal magnesium absorption from bath preparations
Waring, R.H.
cohort
Grade C
2003
Comparative Study of the Thermal Properties of Mud and Peat Solutions Applied in Clinical Practice
Beer, A., Grozeva, A.
cohort
Grade B
2003
Evaluation of the permeation of peat substances through human skin in vitro
Beer, André-M., Junginger, H.E., Lukanov, J. et al.
in-vitro
Grade A International Journal of Pharmaceutics
2003
Balneotherapy in dermatology
Matz, H., Orion, E.
review
Grade B Dermatologic Therapy
2002
Therapy with Mud Compresses for Knee Osteoarthritis: Comparison of Natural Mud Preparations with Mineral-Depleted Mud
Flusser, D., Abu-Shakra, M., Friger, M. et al.
rct
Grade A Journal of Clinical Rheumatology
2002
Investigation of the Anti-HIV Properties of Oxihumate
van Rensburg, C.E.J., Dekker, J., Weis, R. et al.
in-vitro
Grade C Chemotherapy
2001
The cosmetic use of an ancient peat of thermal origin
Morganti, P., Agostini, G., Fabrizi, G.
rct
Grade B Journal of Applied Cosmetology
2000
The influence of fulvic and ulmic acids from peat on the spontaneous contractile activity of smooth muscles
Beer, A.-M., Lukanov, J., Sagorchev, P.
in-vitro
Grade B Phytomedicine
2000
The Research on Antioxidative Properties of TOŁPA Peat Preparation and Its Fractions
Piotrowska, D., Długosz, A., Witkiewicz, K. et al.
in-vitro
Grade C Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica
2000
An in vitro investigation of the antimicrobial activity of oxifulvic acid
van Rensburg, C.E.J., van Straten, A., Dekker, J.
in-vitro
Grade C Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
1996
Structure-antioxidant activity relationships of flavonoids and phenolic acids
Rice-Evans, C.A., Miller, N.J., Paganga, G.
review
Grade A Free Radical Biology and Medicine
1994
Balneology and spa treatments in dermatology: The european point of view
Lotti, T., Freedman, D.
review
Grade D Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (JEADV)
1994
Humus Chemistry: Genesis, Composition, Reactions
Stevenson, F.J.
review
Grade A Wiley (book, 2nd edition)
1993
Effect of Tołpa Peat Preparation on Some Immune Parameters in Healthy Volunteers. Preliminary Data
Baj, Z., Zeman, K., Sułowska, Z. et al.
cohort
Grade C Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica
1993
Systemic Toxicity and Dermal Irritation of Tołpa Peat Preparation
Czyzewska-Szafran, H., Jastrzebski, Z., Sołtysiak-Pawluczuk, D. et al.
in-vitro
Grade C Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica
1993
Tołpa Torf Preparation (TTP) Induces Interferon and Tumor Necrosis Factor Production in Human Peripheral Blood Leukocytes
Inglot, A.D., Zielińska-Jenczylik, J., Piasecki, E.
in-vitro
Grade C Archivum Immunologiae et Therapiae Experimentalis
1992
Humic substances and associated small molecules from peats in balneology
Flaig, W.
review
Grade B Science of The Total Environment
1991
Lindow man, Tollund man and other peat-bog bodies: the preservative and antimicrobial action of sphagnan, a reactive glycuronoglycan with tanning and sequestering properties
Painter, T.J.
review
Grade B Carbohydrate Polymers
1991
Antimicrobial properties of tannins
Scalbert, A.
review
Grade B Phytochemistry
1978
Studies on the antimicrobial effect of natural and synthetic humic acids
Ansorg, R., Rochus, W.
in-vitro
Grade B Arzneimittel-Forschung