AN OVERVIEW OF PROMISING HERBAL MEDICINES FOR TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a skin disorder marked with inflammation. The development and progression of the disease are associated with a chronic inflammatory response, which is attributed to the dysregulated innate immune system. The dendritic cells and T cells secrete various cytokines leading to disturbances in the keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.  Several medications are available for the mitigation of psoriasis. The currently used anti-psoriatic medications are expensive; carry the threat of serious side-effects and frequent remission attacks of the disease. Exploring safer and effective anti-psoriatic drugs remains still a major concern. Natural products represent important treatment options for psoriasis. This review article discusses studies related to the topical formulations of anti-psoriatic plants and plant products. The pathogenesis and clinical symptoms of psoriasis include multiple immunological mechanisms and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The review aims to summarize the research done in this area and to explain the mechanism of action of herbal medicines. The review article is aimed at opening new medical approaches for treating psoriasis. All the findings suggested that various herbal constituents are responsible for anti-psoriatic activity. Herbal medicines can be used as promising anti-psoriatic agents. The anti-psoriatic effects of herbal medicines are through modulation of the signaling pathways of the cells. The phytoconstituents inhibit keratinocytes proliferation and differentiation by targeting different molecular targets. The results suggested the use of plants as a safe, effective, and inexpensive option for treating psoriasis.