Herbal Approaches to Psoriasis: Insights into Medicinal Plants and Their Mechanism of Action

Excessive keratinocyte proliferation and the development of erythematous plaques with silvery scales are the hallmarks of psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory dermatological disorder, and associated systemic inflammation. The disorder affects nearly 2– 3% of the worldwide population and arises from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Its pathophysiology is primarily driven by immune system dysfunction, involving the activation of T helper cell subsets such as Th1, Th17, and Th22. The activation of immune pathways causes elevated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-17, IL-23, and TNF-α. Conventional treatment modalities—such as topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, systemic immunosuppressive agents, biologic therapies, and phototherapy—are effective in controlling disease symptoms; however, their clinical utility is frequently constrained by adverse effects, high costs, and the requirement for prolonged therapy. These limitations have prompted growing interest in herbal and naturally derived therapeutic options that possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities, often with superior safety profiles. Several medicinal plants, including Aloe vera, Curcuma longa (turmeric), Azadirachta indica (neem), Capsicum annuum (capsaicin), and Mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape), have demonstrated beneficial effects in attenuating psoriatic inflammation and lesion severity. Novel nano-herbal drug delivery systems like liposomes, ethosomes, and nanostructured lipid carriers have shown promise in enhancing bioavailability, improving site-specific delivery, and decreasing systemic toxicity. The convergence of traditional herbal medicine with contemporary nanotechnological approaches represents a novel, patient-centric strategy for psoriasis management. Nonetheless, comprehensive clinical evaluations, formulation standardization, and rigorous regulatory approval are required to establish therapeutic efficacy, safety, and reproducibility, thereby facilitating the integration of evidence-based herbal interventions into mainstream psoriasis treatment.