Herbals to treat psoriasis: A review of the evidence
Dr. Sharon Jacob from the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center in Florida and colleagues reviewed the scientific support for herbals used by patients with psoriasis.
Here are the highlights.
Cayenne (Capsicum annuum, Capsicum frutescens)
- 2 studies showed improvement with topical application.
- Unfortunately, burning and stinging at the application sites in the capsicum group made impossible to blind the study.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
- In one study, the aloe group showed significantly higher rates of clearing of psoriatic plaques (83%) vs placebo (7%).
- Delayed hypersensitivity reactions are a reported complication of topical aloe.
Dong quay (Angelica sinensis)
- It contains a psoralen that acts as a potent photosensitizer in the presence of UVA.
- In 92 patients, two-thirds experienced complete clearing of their disease after oral treatment
- Caution in patients who are pregnant or using oral contraceptives, as bleeding and drug-herb interactions have been noted.
- Another herb (hogweed; Heracleum sphondylium) contains a psoralen, but data are not available for this herb.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
- Not proven to directly benefit psoriasis.
- Might protect the liver in patients on hepatotoxic medications.
- Diarrhea, uterine stimulation, and herb-drug interactions with butyrophenones, phenothiazines, yohimbine, and phentolamine have been reported.
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra)
- Reported improvement could not be attributed to the effects of slippery elm alone.
Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)
- Studies show no effectiveness.
Turmeric/Indian saffron (Curcuma longa, Curcuma domestica)
- Clearing of plaques has not been studied.
No studies available in psoriasis for the following herbals.
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
- Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
- Wintergreen/Boxberry (Gaultheria pro cumbens)
Read the article for more detail and a table of herbal adverse effects and interactions.
12/18/07 23:33 JR