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Herbal medicine for treating psoriasis: A systematic review
Melanie Anheyer1, Holger Cramer2, Thomas Ostermann3
1Department for pediatric and adolescent medicine, Elisabeth Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Professorship of integrative pediatrics, Faculty of Health, University Witten/Herdecke, Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine
|April 10, 2025
Summary
This review of 20 randomized controlled trials found that some herbal remedies, like Mahonia aquifolium and Indigo naturalis, show potential for managing psoriasis symptoms. Further research is needed to confirm their safety and effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Integrative Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psoriasis affects 2% of the global population, necessitating diverse treatment strategies.
- Complementary and integrative medicine, particularly herbal remedies, are increasingly sought by patients.
- Herbal medicine is a prevalent choice for psoriasis management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on herbal therapies for psoriasis.
- To assess the efficacy and identify promising herbal interventions for psoriasis.
- To evaluate the current evidence base for herbal treatments in psoriasis management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines and Cochrane recommendations.
- Searches conducted in Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to June 2024.
- Included 20 RCTs with 1115 patients evaluating various herbal therapies.
Main Results:
- Included herbal interventions: Aloe vera, Mahonia aquifolium, Indigo naturalis, turmeric, etc.
- Mahonia aquifolium and Indigo naturalis demonstrated potential in reducing psoriasis severity.
- Results for other herbal therapies were mixed, with variable risk of bias across studies.
Conclusions:
- Herbal therapies offer varied options for psoriasis management, but safety and efficacy require more research.
- Shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers is crucial.
- Evidence-based guidance remains essential for optimal psoriasis care.
