Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the skin on the scalp, elbows, knees and back. Characterized by cracked, painful skin lesions that often produce pus, psoriasis is a chronic condition. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it affects more than six million people in the United States. Psoriasis is usually treated with anti-inflammatory creams that are applied on the skin, although severe cases might also require treatment with oral medicines that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system. An herb known as pycnogenol might also help to reduce inflammation, although evidence showing it is an effective psoriasis treatment is lacking. Get medical advice before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Pycnogenol comes from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and is sometimes used as a complementary treatment for a number of ailments including hypertension, ADHD and erectile dysfunction. It might also have anti-inflammatory effects and, according to an article in the February 2001 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," might play a role in the treatment of psoriasis by modifying genes involved in the development of this condition.
Scientific Evidence
Pycnogenol has not been widely studied as a treatment for psoriasis, so there is very little scientific evidence to support its use for this condition. However, the results of a laboratory study published in the January 2000 issue of "Free Radical Biology & Medicine" show that pycnogenol may inhibit the expression of the gene ICAM-1, which is involved in numerous inflammatory skin conditions, including atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Although the authors conclude that pycnogenol might, therefore, play a role in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders, further studies are needed to confirm these effects in people with psoriasis.
Safety Considerations
MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, notes that pycnogenol may be safe when taken in doses of 50 mg to 450 mg daily for up to six months, but adds that it may cause side effects including dizziness, mouth ulcers and headaches. MedlinePlus also warns that this herb might also make the immune system more active in people with autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Since psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, it would be wise to talk to your doctor about the risks versus benefits of using pycnogenol for psoriasis.
Administration
Pycnogenol is supplied in capsules or tablets available from herbalists and health food stores. Since it is not a standard treatment for psoriasis, guidance regarding a suitable dosage for this condition is lacking. However, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to guide you in the right direction.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Psoriasis
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pine Bark Extract
- "Phytotherapy Research"; February 2001
- "Free Radical Biology & Medicine"; Pine Bark Extract Pycnogenol Downregulates IFN-Gamma-Induced Adhesion of T Cells to Human Keratinocytes by Inhibiting Inducible ICAM-1 Expression; T. Bito, et al.; January 2000
- MedlinePlus: Pycnogenol
