Posted inDepression Dermatology Nutrition / Diet Psoriasis

Is it possible to use turmeric to treat psoriasis?

July 15, 2021
Is it possible to use turmeric to treat psoriasis?

Turmeric is a fragrant spice that is widely used in Asian cuisine, particularly in curry dishes. For thousands of years, people have used it in cooking and as a medicine to benefit their health.

In turmeric, there is an active molecule called curcumin, which appears to have a variety of qualities that may be useful in the treatment of a wide range of disorders, including some chronic inflammatory problems.

Turmeric, also known as curcumin, is used in a variety of ways, including as a powder, in root form, as an ingredient in a topical ointment, and as a dietary supplement.

Despite the fact that the research is not conclusive, current evidence suggests that this spice may be beneficial in the management of some skin illnesses, such as psoriasis, among other things.

Is turmeric effective in the treatment of psoriasis?

Although lesions form in specific locations on the skin, psoriasis is a systemic illness, which means it affects the entire body rather than just a few specific areas. Researchers have looked into the topical and oral use of curcumin for the treatment of psoriasis.

Application on a localised basis

Turmeric
Turmeric may be beneficial for people who suffer from psoriasis.

People suffering from plaque psoriasis may benefit from topical preparations containing curcumin extract, according to a study published in 2015 in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. The study looked at how applying a topical preparation containing curcumin extract might benefit people suffering from plaque psoriasis because of its effect on skin cell production.

34 people took part in the study, and they were required to use the preparation for nine weeks.

They had fewer lesions and had a higher quality of life at the end of the trial period, which indicated that their symptoms had greatly improved during that time.

647 people suffering from psoriasis participated in an even larger study, which was published in 2011. They applied a curcumin gel to their lesions, which showed significant improvement.

After 16 weeks, they demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in symptoms, with symptoms disappearing completely in 72.2 percent of those who participated.

The researchers believe that this occurred as a result of the way curcumin impacted the activity of phosphorylase kinase in the cells (PhK). An enzyme called PhK is responsible for the excessive creation of skin cells and, as a result, the progression of psoriasis.

Dosages taken orally

In 2016, researchers conducted a mouse study and discovered that oral curcumin treatment resulted in improvements in ear redness, lymph node weight, and other characteristics. They came to the conclusion that curcumin has a great deal of potential in the treatment of psoriasis.

The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology published a study in which eight participants took 4.5 grammes of curcumin tablets twice a day for 12 weeks to see if it had any effect on their psoriasis. According to the findings of the study, the dietary supplement provided little, if any, benefit.

The researchers came to the conclusion that the supplement was probably no more effective in controlling symptoms than a placebo. There were several drawbacks to the study as well, including the small number of people that took part in it.

Procedure

Curcumin is used by practitioners of traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-carcinogenic effects, among other things.

The following characteristics of psoriasis may be beneficial in reducing its symptoms:

Antioxidant properties: This has the potential to reduce the oxidative stress associated with skin lesions.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Curcumin appears to prevent the synthesis of chemicals known as cytokines, which are responsible for the inflammation that occurs in the body. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-6, and interleukin-17 are examples of such proteins.

Improvement in the function of the skin’s barrier: It may be able to accomplish this through modulating the expression of involucrin (iNV) and filaggrin, which are both implicated in the process.

Psoriasis patients may benefit from curcumin because it has been shown to lower the level of PhK.

More information on the health advantages of turmeric can be found here.

Using turmeric

Although further research is needed to determine the most efficient therapeutic use of turmeric for psoriasis, several topical treatments containing curcumin are already available and may be beneficial to some patients with the condition.

Here are some suggestions for how to use turmeric, also known as curcumin, to alleviate psoriasis:

Turmeric in cooking: A tablespoon of curcumin can be added to rice meals, curries, and sauces to provide flavour, colour, and the potential health benefits of curcumin.

Curcumin supplements: Available from health food stores, but consult your doctor first to determine how much to take.

Turmeric tea: Cook a teaspoon of ground turmeric in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes, then taste and adjust with honey or lemon juice to your liking.

Turmeric paste: In a saucepan, combine 1 part turmeric powder with 2 parts water and simmer until a thick paste is formed. Allow to cool before storing. Apply the cream on your skin.

It is important to remember, however, that research has not conclusively proven that administering turmeric in this manner will have a beneficial effect. Turmeric is also a bright yellow colour, which means it is prone to stain clothing and skin. First, experiment with a tiny sample size.

Risks factors

Turmeric is probably safe for the majority of individuals, but people should still exercise caution when using it.

If you use large dosages of turmeric over an extended period of time, you may have nausea, diarrhoea, and indigestion.

Turmeric, according to the Arthritis Foundation, can have a blood-thinning effect when taken in large concentrations. As a result, it should not be used therapeutically in conjunction with anticoagulant medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), or if the user has any of the following conditions:

  • are due to have surgery
  • are pregnant
  • have gallbladder disease
  • have a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, or other risks of bleeding

Turmeric supplements for psoriasis should be discussed with a doctor prior to use in order to verify that it will not interfere with any current drugs or medical conditions.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes scaly patches to form on the skin.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the skin. Although it is a systemic disease that affects the entire body, the hallmark symptoms of most varieties of psoriasis are red, itchy, and scaly skin on the skin’s surface.

Psoriasis can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life because of the physical limits imposed by heat, discomfort, and edoema in the affected regions.

Skin inflammation and a rapid turnover of skin cells occur when the immune system is accidentally activated by the body. This results in uncontrolled inflammation and a rapid turnover of skin cells. When the skin produces an excessive amount of skin cells, plaques and lesions begin to appear on the skin’s surface.

Others suffer from psoriatic arthritis, a condition in which the joints become inflamed as a result of the inflammation.

The symptoms of psoriasis, as well as their severity, differ from person to person. The majority of patients also experience flare-ups, during which their symptoms intensify, and remissions, during which their symptoms may disappear completely for a period of time.

Conventional treatments

The type of psoriasis a person has, as well as the severity of the symptoms, will determine the course of treatment.

Traditionally, treatments have aimed to halt or limit the pace of cell turnover, as well as to prevent the development of chronic inflammation.

Depending on the symptoms and how severe they are, a doctor may prescribe:

Topical creams or ointments: These will inhibit the immune system, reduce inflammation, and alleviate the symptoms of skin rashes and acne.

Moisturizers: A thick, fragrance-free moisturiser can assist to alleviate irritation while also reducing dryness and cracking on the face and hands.

Light therapy: Light from the sun or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light sources may also be beneficial in the regulation of symptom manifestations.

Systemic medications: These medications are intended to suppress the activity of the immune system. Methotrexate, acitretin (Soriatane), and cyclosporin are examples of such medications (Neoral).

Biologics: Activation of specific cells is the objective of this relatively new class of drugs, which is still in its early stages. A doctor may prescribe a tumour necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) biologic, such as etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), or adalimumab, to treat an inflammatory response to a tumour necrosis factor (Humira).

Some other health benefits of turmeric

Curcumin and turmeric have been used in traditional medical practise for a very long time. Here are a few of the conditions that they may be able to help with.

Depression

The antioxidant curcumin has been shown in some studies to have antidepressant properties.

In 2017, researchers administered varied amounts of curcumin extract or curcumin combined with saffron to persons suffering from major depressive disorder. Generally speaking, the individuals reported a reduction in the severity of their depressive and anxious symptoms.

Researchers, on the other hand, are still trying to figure out exactly how curcumin can improve a person’s mood.

Arthritis

Researchers determined in 2016 from a review of data that curcumin may be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, curcumin is used as an anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate pain and inflammation.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, those suffering from the condition can cure their symptoms with capsules or powdered root.

Diabetes

When combined with lifestyle adjustments and insulin therapy, the findings of a rodent study published in 2016 revealed that curcumin may help persons with type 2 diabetes balance their blood sugar levels and better manage their condition.

Controlling one’s weight

According to scientists who conducted a research on mice in 2009, the spice turmeric might help people lose weight by burning fat and increasing their metabolism. The researchers ask for more research to be done to determine whether consuming curcumin in some form can minimise the chance of becoming overweight or obese.

Vascular health

People who suffer from a disorder known as vascular thrombosis frequently take anticlotting medications to slow or prevent blood clotting. It has been demonstrated that turmeric has anticlotting effects, and that it may be effective in helping to minimise clotting in these cases.

According to the findings of a review of studies published in 2018, curcumin is beneficial for hemostasis, anticoagulation, and fibrinolysis in humans.

The ability to control excessive bleeding on the one hand, and to prevent clot formation on the other, are critical for preventing the formation of clots.

Turmeric should never be used as a substitute for medications recommended by a doctor. Anyone considering using turmeric to treat a diagnosed ailment should consult with their physician first.

Conclusion

A variety of illnesses, particularly those involving inflammation, have been explored by researchers in relation to the use of turmeric in the prevention and management of these conditions.

It is possible that curcumin can help to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin problems, but more research is needed to determine the best way to take it and what quantities will be beneficial and safe in this situation.

In addition, it is important to understand that study has concentrated on curcumin, which is the active element in turmeric, rather than the food spice turmeric itself. A person’s symptoms are unlikely to improve significantly as a result of eating recipes that contain turmeric, although it may be beneficial and is unlikely to cause any harm.

Sources

Last updated on July 15, 2021