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Background 

Scalp psoriasis is characterized by distinct erythematous patches with silver-to-white scales, affecting a substantial portion of those with psoriasis, reaching up to 80%. Turmeric, extracted from Curcuma longa, a member of the ginger family, has been a cornerstone of traditional Asian medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.¹Its primary active compound, curcumin, interacts with a range of receptors, exhibiting diverse biological effects and showing promise in psoriasis treatment. However, the effectiveness of a turmeric tonic specifically for scalp psoriasis remains uncertain. 

In a 2018 study, researchers in Iran sought to address this gap through a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial, aiming to evaluate the clinical benefits of a turmeric preparation in individuals with mild-to-moderate scalp psoriasis. ²

Methods and Results 

The trial enrolled thirty participants meeting specific criteria: individuals diagnosed with mild-to-moderate scalp psoriasis by dermatologists, aged between 18 and 75 years, with a 2-week washout period for topical treatments and/or a 1-month washout for systemic treatments. To evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of the treatment, Psoriasis Area & Severity Index (PASI) scores, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire responses, and medical photographs taken before, during, and after treatment were assessed. 

Participants were randomly divided into two groups: one received a topical turmeric formulation twice daily for 9 weeks, while the other received a placebo in the same manner. Frustratingly, the specifics of the formulation of tonic were not included in the article or in any supplemental material, so it is not entirely clear what sort of topical preparation was used. 

Statistical analysis included the Mann-Whitney U test for comparing the two groups, Fisher’s exact test for analyzing contingency tables, and the Friedman test for assessing differences between groups over time. 

The results of the Mann-Whitney U test indicated comparable disease intensity between the intervention and placebo groups. However, based on the Friedman test, the turmeric tonic demonstrated notable effectiveness in reducing the PASI score from the beginning to the end of the study (P<.05). Additionally, there was a significant decrease in DLQI scores in the intervention group, reflecting an improvement in patients’ quality of life (P<.05). Notably, no adverse effects associated with turmeric tonic were reported throughout the study.²

Clinical Implications

While this randomized controlled trial suggests that a topical turmeric formulation may be an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate scalp psoriasis, it’s important to note the limitations of the study. The specific formulation was not shared, so the concentration and additional ingredients are unclear. The sample size was limited, and the post-trial follow-up period was relatively short. Consequently, definitive conclusions regarding the exact effect of this turmeric tonic on scalp psoriasis cannot be drawn. Further clinical trials with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are recommended to confirm the efficacy of topical turmeric in psoriasis. 

The authors report no relevant financial interests. 

Aileen Park, BS, is a medical student at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Leo Wan is a medical student at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Peter Lio, MD, is a clinical professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University School of Medicine and a partner at Medical Dermatology Associates of Chicago. 

1. Patel P, Wang JY, Mineroff J, Jagdeo J. Evaluation of curcumin for dermatologic conditions: a systematic review. Arch Dermatol Res. 2023;316(1):37. doi:10.1007/s00403-023-02754-8

2. Bahraini P, Rajabi M, Mansouri P, Sarafian G, Chalangari R, Azizian Z. Turmeric tonic as a treatment in scalp psoriasis: A randomized placebo-control clinical trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018;17(3):461-466. doi:10.1111/jocd.12513