Herbal medicine for treating psoriasis: A systematic review

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, affects approximately 2 % of the global population. Treatment approaches range from topical agents for mild to moderate cases to systemic therapies for moderate to severe forms. Complementary and integrative medicine, including herbal remedies, is increasingly utilized by psoriasis patients, with herbal medicine being the most prevalent choice.

This systematic review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane recommendations, with prior registration. Searches were conducted in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through June 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating herbal therapies in psoriasis patients of any age. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two authors, with discrepancies resolved through discussion.

A total of 20 RCTs involving 1115 patients were included. Overall risk of bias varied across studies. Herbal interventions evaluated included Aloe vera, avocado oil, chamomile-pumpkin seed oleogel, indigo naturalis, kukui oil, mahonia aquifolium, turmeric, St. John's wort, and various complex herbal preparations. Some herbal therapies, such as Mahonia aquifolium and Indigo naturalis, showed promise in reducing psoriasis severity, while others demonstrated mixed results.

Herbal therapies present a diverse array of options for psoriasis management, but further research is essential to elucidate their safety profile and true effectiveness. Healthcare providers should engage in shared decision-making with patients, considering individual preferences and treatment goals while remaining vigilant in guiding towards evidence-based treatments.