Unlocking the Potential of Herbal Therapies in the Management of Psoriasis: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

Background:: Psoriasis is a severe chronic skin disease with no permanent cure, caused by inherited, immunologic, and environmental factors, like trauma, medications, infection, humidity, and stress. It can have a devastating impact on people's lives and is often associated with systemic conditions, like arthritis. The exact cause of psoriasis remains unclear, but it involves the activation of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors, playing a major role in Th1/Th17 regulation. Methods:: The PubMed and Google Scholar search engines were used to conduct the literature review. The search terms included "psoriasis and classification," "therapeutic strategies and psoriasis," "herbal medicine and psoriasis," and "herbal nanocarrier and psoriasis." An attempt was made to compile relevant material with a focus on only herbal treatments for psoriasis management. Results:: An extensive literature search showed that herbal treatments that constitute plant-based therapies have been largely utilized to treat infections. Natural medicines have been gaining tremendous momentum in the recent decade due to minimal side effects. Approximately 75-80% of the global population in developing countries consume natural remedies. Conclusion:: Psoriasis remains a severe chronic skin disease without a permanent cure, influenced by inherited, immunologic, and environmental factors. Herbal treatments show promise in managing psoriasis with minimal side effects, offering hope for improved quality of life. This report has highlighted the potential of plant-based therapies and their role in treating psoriasis.