Plant Extract Effective Against Psoriasis

A team of research dermatologists reported success in treating psoriasis with a salve containing an extract of the barberry plant, Mahonia aquifolium.

Psoriasis is a difficult disorder to treat because the severity and distribution of psoriatic plaques vary greatly, and because current medications can have undesirable side effects. Investigators at the Dermatology and Cosmetic Center (Rochester, NY, USA) treated a group of 200 patients suffering from mild to moderate psoriasis with a salve containing M aquifolium extract. A control group of 97 individuals was treated with a placebo. After 12 weeks, these 97 controls and 74 patients who had finished the complete course of twice-a-day treatments were evaluated, using Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and Quality of Life Index (QLI) questionnaires.

Results published in the April 2006 issue of the American Journal of Therapeutics indicated statistically significant improvements in PASI and QLI in the Mahonia-treated group, compared with the control group. Side effects reported were infrequent, and minor; the most frequent side effects were rash, a burning sensation when applying the cream, and clothing stain.

The investigators concluded that, "The cream containing M aquifolium extract was a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis.”



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