Recently doctors performed tests on indigo naturalis, a plant based powder used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, to prove this natural supplement is effective and safe in treating common psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease which impacts around 2 to 3% of Western civilization. Currently no cure exits. The name comes from the Greek work psora which means to itch. In most cases, skin condition first appears on individuals between 15 to 25 years. Of the population impacted by psoriasis 67% of the cases are considered mild, 25% moderate, and 8% severe. In severe psoriasis cases over 10% of the body is impacted by the skin condition. The most common form of psoriasis is Plaque psoriasis and impacts 80% to 90% of all sufferers. Plaque psoriasis appears as inflamed raised areas of inflamed skin which is covered with silvery white scaly skin.
Psoriasis affects most people by discomfort or embarrassment and in some cases various disabilities. This ailment is itchy and painful and can show up anywhere on the body. This includes hands or feet which can interrupt basis functions impacting the ability to work ceritan types of jobs, sports, or caring for ones self or others. Psoriasis can also show up on the face or scalp, which can impact social interaction due to embarrassment. This social aspect of psoriasis can lead to depression, poor self image, fear of public rejection, or psychosexual concerns.
Hopefully with the new studies of indigo naturalis some of the psoriasis can be relieved. The study conducted in Chang Gung University in Taiwan by Dr. Yin-Ku Lin of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital consisted of 42 psoriasis patients for 12 weeks. This random trial had participants apply the indigo naturalis ointment to a psoriatic plaque on one side of the body and a placebo ointment on a psoriatic plaque on the opposite side of the body.
As a result, the doctors observed an 81% psoriasis improvement in areas where the indigo naturalis ointment was administered, compared to a 26% improvement on areas treated with the placebo ointment. More importantly, 34 of the 42 patients were completely or almost completely cleared of psoriasis. None of the 42 patients suffered serious adverse side effects.
As a final conclusion the researchers stated, “In conclusion, we present a randomized controlled trial showing the use of topical indigo naturalis ointment for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis to be both safe and effective.” These findings were reported in the November 2008 Issue of Archives of Dermatology.
No related posts.