Pharmacological Benefits of Herbal Formulations in the Management of <i>Psoriasis vulgaris<i>

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, with an important impact on the patient's quality of life. Its incidence and prevalence are continuously increasing. The complex ethiopathology of this disorder is only partially known; there is a clear genetic predisposition, which associates a number of environmental triggering factors such as an unbalanced diet and lifestyle. The conventional therapeutic options are not always satisfactory in terms of efficiency and safety, therefore, complementary and alternative medicine approaches are frequently chosen by patients, mostly as self-medication. This review, based on recent literature flow data, outlines the pharmacological benefits of herbal formulations with antipsoriatic activity. It also reveals the molecules responsible for their effects, as well as their interference with the metabolic and immunopathogenic mechanisms of this disease. An important number of plants have been proved to act as antipsoriatic agents, many botanical-based preparations containing keyphytochemical molecules (belonging mainly to phenolics, triterpenoids and phytosterols or unsaturated fatty acids, as mentioned in specific phyto-pharmaceutical databases). Specific mechanisms of action, which can explain their activity (such as lipoxygenase inhibition, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti prostaglandin), were recently described. Only some of these formulations have been actively tested in vitro or in vivo. Most publications in the field agree on the need for more in vitro and in vivo studies, especially clinical assessment on patients with Psoriasis vulgaris. These would provide more accurate data on the efficacy and safety of such herbal formulations for this disease.

From phytochemistry to metabolomics: eight decades of research in plant and food science

“…Part 1. Current technologies applied for pigments' extraction [46 ] Lipoxygenase-Quercetin Interaction: A Kinetic Study Through Biochemical and Spectroscopy Approaches [47 ] Phytochemical Antioxidants [ 48] Topics /Titles [reference] Antioxidant phytochemicals: Chemical characterization, functions and actions [ 49] Antioxidant Activity of European Mistletoe [50] Anthocyanins-Smart Molecules for Cancer Prevention [51] Plant and food metabolomics in the post genomic era: concepts, methodologies and applications [52] Plants and natural compounds with antidiabetic action [ 53] Pharmacological Benefits of Herbal Formulations in the Management of Psoriasis vulgaris [ 54] Plant metabolomics versus phytochemistry. What makes the difference?…”

Sea buckthorn extract in the treatment of psoriasis

“…Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a popular option in self-medicating patients suffering from psoriasis, with 30-40% of patients using or having used these remedies in combination with conventional psoriasis therapy (9). However, the lack of standardization and research on the safety profiles and effects of these products leaves CAM classed as 'anecdotal evidence' among dermatologists (5). With these products increasing in popularity, further research is needed to clarify their effects and, hopefully, provide new options to patients suffering from psoriasis.…”