Indigo ointment effective treatment against plaque psoriasis

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A skin ointment based on a traditional Chinese medicine is effective in treating plaque-type psoriasis, according to a study.

The ointment is made from indigo naturalis, a dark blue plant-based powder, which has been reported to be a potential treatment for psoriasis.

No cure exists for psoriasis, which is a chronic skin disorder and therapies can only bring it into remission.

Findings of a trial in Taiwan asked 42 psoriasis patients to apply indigo naturalis ointment to a skin plaque on one side of the body and a non-medicated ointment to a parallel plaque on the other side of their body.

Researchers assessed and photographed skin plaques at the beginning of the study and every fortnight for 12 weeks.

The indigo naturalis ointment treatment showed an 81% improvement in scaling, erythema (redness) and induration, while the non-medicated ointment-treated lesions showed a 26% improvement.

Of the 34 patients who completed the study, none experienced worsening psoriasis in the indigo naturalis areas. There were no serious adverse effects, but four patients reported itching after applying the indigo naturalis ointment.

'Future research for a more potent extraction from this crude herb can provide better absorption and convenience would help improve patient compliance with the treatment regimen.'

Archives of Dermatology (2008) 144:1457-1464